Churches need funds to operate. When the economy is downturning, parishioners may not contribute as much. They struggle to make ends meet at home, and tithes may need to be reduced to fulfill their other obligations. A church might need to fundraise to make up for the missing funds. What creative and inspirational fundraiser ideas might a church want to consider?
One problem is schools, youth groups, scouting organizations, and others are also fundraising. A church doesn’t want to duplicate those ideas, which could depress sales. Finding a unique idea nobody else is doing will help generate more interest in the fundraiser, so avoid cookie dough and candy sales. Try the following ideas for church fundraisers to see how they can bring people together while providing a church with needed funds.
Host a Work-a-Thon
Ask church members and youth groups to donate their time and do work around the community. Advertise their services locally and ask people to donate money for the work. For example, a homeowner may need to have their leaves raked and removed. Have a group from the church take on this project, and the homeowner may pay the church rather than the group for their services. Everyone benefits in this situation, as the homeowner can check one task off their to-do list, church members get to help others and the church, and the church brings in funds to continue operating. Multiple groups can work simultaneously to increase the amount brought in.
Parents Night Out
Parents need time away from their children to reconnect with their significant other. Finding the time or money to get away for a few hours can be challenging. Church members can come together and offer parents a night out or babysitting services so the parents have a break. The church members plan activities for the kids and keep them entertained. Parents should bring snacks for the children and alert the church to any allergies and other concerns before dropping their children off. However, if the church makes this a regular event, registering a child can simplify the process and allow all parties to get the most from this service. This event is beneficial around the holidays when parents need to shop without the children present.
Host Classes
Churches may host classes to earn extra money. Ask church members to donate their talents to the organization and promote these classes within the congregation and locally. People love to learn new skills and are willing to pay a fee to do so. Many churches focus solely on arts and crafts or cooking when offering these classes, but there are numerous other skills a person might want to learn. Teach people how to maintain their vehicles and complete simple tasks like changing the oil or offer classes in basic household repairs. People will appreciate learning something new and may even decide to learn more about the church and become a member after taking a few classes hosted by the organization.
Free Movie Night
Host a free movie night for the community and sell snacks and drinks to make money. To attract more people, the funds come from concession sales rather than an admission fee. Each family determines how much they can spend. These events may be held indoors or outdoors and can attract a large crowd with the right marketing before the event.
These are only a few fundraising ideas a church might try. The right events support the church’s mission while bettering the community. Successful fundraisers help churches achieve their financial goals while giving back to the community. Begin planning a fundraiser today and see how it can benefit the church in other ways.