Churches play a big role in communities. They are nonprofits that serve as a home base for local events, supply donations and necessities to residents, and help bring people together. Many even organize mission trips to assist individuals in other locations around the world. Churches have traditionally relied on collection plates and offerings to raise funds to achieve their mission and provide vital services. However, these efforts alone may not be enough, and it may be time to start brainstorming fundraising ideas for churches.
If you’re trying to decide how to get donations for your church, then you may be wondering: How do churches make money to help their church community? Encouraging church members and volunteers to work together to support church and community goals through fundraising events is a great way to earn money for a good cause. Fundraising ideas for churches also help develop local relationships and build a stronger community.
While many donors give through tithes and offerings, this list of fundraising ideas for churches with events, including food fundraiser ideas, small church fundraising ideas, and more, can help you find the fundraising event that best suits your community.
Top Fundraising Ideas for Churches
When you’re new to fundraising events, finding great church fundraising ideas can seem a little intimidating. You need to assess what you have to offer and how it can be used to make money. So, how do churches make money with fundraising events? From food fundraiser ideas to small church fundraising ideas and everything in between, these fundraising ideas for churches will get your creative juices flowing and help you decide on the best fundraising campaign to get donations for your church.
1. Sell Holiday Cards
Many holidays across the calendar are formed around religious beliefs. Designing and selling cards for religious holidays and other holidays like Mother’s or Father’s Day is a thoughtful way to raise money to support your church. Be sure to develop a schedule that makes cards available a few weeks before each holiday. Also, provide templates so members of all skill levels can contribute to your fundraising goal.
2. Babysitting Nights
The best fundraising ideas for churches address issues that affect community members. For example, the national childcare shortage makes it impossible for many parents to take care of important errands or get a night to themselves. Organizing a babysitting fundraiser allows youth group members and other members of your church with childcare experience to volunteer childcare services for a few hours to give parents time to themselves.
3. Honor and Memorial Gifts
Organize a church fundraising event that allows church members to contribute in honor or memory of a loved one. These events are often aligned with holidays or special events. For the event, supporters will pay for flowers displayed at the building, and their loved one’s names will be included in the bulletin or program.
4. Hold a Work-a-Thon
A work-a-thon is an opportunity for participants to collect pledges from supporters to take care of various types of work around their neighborhoods. These services can be provided for elderly or disabled community members or completed in public community areas.
5. Buy One, Give One
Most people are familiar with the “Buy One, Give One” concept popularized by the shoe brand TOMS. This is a great church fundraising idea because when supporters purchase an item for themselves, a similar item is donated to someone in need. This type of fundraiser can provide specific items to individuals or provide prepared meals. Also, a portion of sales can be contributed to church fundraising efforts.
6. Digital Offering Plate
Offering plates are typically passed around during worship services. However, as technology evolves and many people can access services digitally, donation options can get a modern upgrade to support online giving. Digital donations can be collected through QR codes, text-to-tithe options, or live kiosks at your church for cashless donations.
Other online donation ideas can include a donation page on the church website or a giving page with an online donation option.
7. Host a Cafe
Food fundraiser ideas are always enjoyable, and meeting at a morning cafe is a simple way to gather members together before a ceremony. Skip the traditional bake sale and host a simple gathering before services to share coffee and pastries with participants. Refreshments are typically complimentary, but you can accept donations with a tip jar.
8. Organize a Benefit Worship Concert
Worship doesn’t have to be limited to Sunday morning church service. Host a family-friendly benefit concert with a local or touring worship band. Concert attendees can enjoy live music while supporting a meaningful cause. By live-streaming the event, you can reach a dual audience and boost fundraising efforts.
9. Online or In-Person Craft Sale
Crafting is a common way for church and community members to bond. It’s also a way for local community members to purchase unique items and gifts. You can host a craft sale at your church or build an online craft sale that allows members to create a page featuring their available offerings.
10. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Tap into the creativity of church members and others in the community by setting up a fundraiser website where participants can create their own personal fundraising pages. Almost anything can be turned into a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Some popular options include:
- Virtual challenges
- A 5K race
- A walk-a-thon
- Church youth group bible games
11. Hold a Community Event
While there are many unique ideas to improve your church fundraising efforts, some of the best church fundraising ideas are those that churchgoers and community members are most accustomed to, like a car wash fundraiser. Popular ideas include a:
- Dog wash
- Shoe drive
- Raffle
- Bonfire
- T-shirt sale
- Easter egg hunt
- Silent auction
12. Host a Car Wash Fundraiser
This favorite church fundraising idea is popular because it provides a needed service and can be held in any local parking lot. Get all the members of your church involved in sharing information and participating in the car wash. Advertise the event on social media, through fundraising letters and fliers, and by word of mouth.
Church Choir Fundraising Ideas
Showcasing the talent of your church choir can help you develop all sorts of small church fundraising ideas. These fundraising ideas for churches allow choir members to use their talents to contribute to special events.
13. Host a Ticketed Dinner Event
Ticketed dinner events provide a service to community members while raising money for your church. Attract visitors by advertising your dinner menu and entertainment provided by the choir. Popular menu choices include spaghetti dinners, a pancake breakfast, and potluck-style meals.
14. Singing Telegrams for Birthdays or Christmas
Spread cheer by using the vocal talents of your choir members for celebratory services. To prepare for the event, set up a table and ask people to pay a small donation to send their friends and family a fun singing telegram. Make sure to keep a schedule so singers can greet recipients on time.
15. Scratch Cards
Church scratch cards are an easy church fundraising idea to raise donations quickly. Supporters donate the amount their scratch card reveals and earn a token of appreciation like shopping coupons, discount cards, or small gifts.
16. Movie Nights
A fun way to gather community members and raise money, movie nights can be set up at your church or another venue large enough to accommodate your supporters. Promote the event well ahead of time using word of mouth, social media, and other communications. You can charge a modest entry fee for the event, which goes toward fundraising efforts.
17. Talent Shows
A community talent show can attract participants of all ages throughout the community to join a friendly competition. Involve the youth group in the event and create different age group categories for the performance. Make sure additional volunteers are available to serve refreshments. The admission fee can cover the cost of the venue and contribute to fundraising efforts.
18. Give Church Tours
Take church members beyond the chapel and the foyers to see what goes on behind the scenes with small church building tours. Members can tour the spaces they don’t experience during services and learn more about how funds are used. You can charge a small admission fee or accept donations to contribute to fundraising events.
19. Benefit Concert
Hosting a benefit concert allows your church choir to showcase their talents outside of church services. To prepare for the event:
- Secure a venue and hold multiple practice sessions.
- Determine whether the event will be a gala that requires catering from local restaurants.
- Connect with local businesses to find sponsors.
- Begin sharing the event well before it occurs to attract as many supporters as possible.
20. Karaoke Night
A fun karaoke night is a great fundraising idea that encourages choir members and other community members to share their vocal talents. Charge a small entry fee for participation, and provide refreshments for those who attend.
So, how do churches make money to help community members? They gather members and volunteers together to perform a variety of activities that help those in need. At the same time, you can raise donations and offerings that provide support and keep the organization running. If you’ve been pondering how to get donations for your church, then this list of effective church fundraising events is sure to help.
