These church fundraising ideas are the most popular and are completely free to start, making them accessible to church groups of all sizes. Reaching your goal is just a matter of choosing your desired fundraiser and motivating your congregants to participate.
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Journey of Faith Candles is a favorite among religious organizations because each scented candle is labeled with a positive message, such as Praise, Serve, Love and Trust, and they each include Bible scripture. The candles sell for an affordable $14 each, which is highly reasonable given their quality and 75+ burn time. Church organizations keep a staggering 50% profit on all sales.
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Gourmet Cookie Dough is the most delicious out of all church fundraising ideas. There’s always a good excuse to bake up some warm gooey cookies, so most supporters buy one or even two of their favorite flavors. Price points vary from $10 to $18 based on quantity and brand, so there are options for all churches. A truly hassle-free fundraiser for your congregation, that simply sells itself.
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Scratch Off Cards are a fun and unique way for your church members to solicit donations. Get your most motivated and sociable congregants to ask supporters to scratch off a few circles and pay the total of the donation amounts that they reveal. Reward their generosity with a full sheet of coupons from local and nationwide merchants. Each scratch card will raise $100!
Traditional churches are finding unprecedented success leveraging modern day technology to collect donations and raise funds for their church. Check out these ideas:
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You can create your own custom church fundraising page in less than 5 minutes! Be sure to communicate the main purpose of your fundraiser, and then promote your online fundraising page like crazy. Make sure you get all your congregants involved in using their personal social media, such as Facebook, to encourage their friends to learn about your church fundraiser and hopefully, make a donation.
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An online church auction means you can now create your custom web site and add all your items to be auctioned off. Now, your invitees can simply visit your online charity auction page and make a bid, right from their desktop or mobile device. They can make bids from their table at your gala event, or from their golf cart during the annual golf tournament. They’ll be notified when they’ve been outbid, so they can easily and conveniently update their bid. It’s fun and it’s powerful!
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This is an awesome church fundraising idea! It’s time to open an online store, create a cool t-shirt with mass appeal, and promote it via social media to generate sales. It’s a great opportunity to create a t-shirt that passes on a strong, inspirational message along the themes of love, friendship, trust, praise, encouragement, etc. You can even integrate your church name and logo into it, which will generate more awareness and a stronger brand for your church.
If your church needs to fundraise, have fun doing it! These popular event ideas will bring your congregants and familytogether for a joyful and financially rewarding experience.
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Easter Egg hunts have been a long standing tradition, so why not organize an exciting and adventurous Easter Egg hunt in your community and raise funds doing it? Either adults or older children take colored eggs or plastic filled eggs, and hide them in various areas. Why not write a Bible-themed poem or story with clues to the next hiding spot, with up to 10 hiding spots? Kids will love it! You can even provide a piece of a puzzle at each hiding spot, and at the end everyone can come together to assemble the puzzle for the final clue which will reveal the location of the giant Easter Egg stash.
The egg hunts allow parents to have special time with their kids while helping them understand the reason for the holiday. Hiding the eggs and pre-selling the tickets make the kids feel like they are part of an important event.
Plan a date around the Easter Holidays and promote it several weeks before. Consider an Easter Egg painting event before or after for even more fun. Sell tickets in advance so you know how many Easter chocolates to buy. Try and get a local ‘Chocolaterie’ or grocery store to provide the chocolates free of charge.
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Everyone loves a delicious pancake breakfast. Putting together a pancake breakfast is very simple, low cost and a sure hit with your church community. A pancake breakfast that is open to the public brings in even more fundraising dollars while also sharing your church’s message with the community as a whole.
Pancake breakfasts are popular church fundraisers because they are easy, affordable and fun. All you need are some willing congregants who can cook pancakes, do cleanup and serve with a smile. Many church members like this fundraiser because there is no follow-up once the pancake breakfast is over. You don’t have to keep track of inventory or contact outside venues for help.
What are the basics of a pancake breakfast? All you need is ample space for a large crowd. Often, this is found right inside your church! You will also need supplies. Try to determine how many people to expect at the pancake breakfast so you have plenty of pancake mix and toppings. You can serve extras if you like as well. Sausage, bacon and eggs are easy to cook and will help you raise even more money. Add drinks, like coffee, milk and orange juice, for a sure hit.
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Have you considered having a church movie night as a fundraising idea? Pick a popular and friendly movie that is ideal for all audiences. You can sell tickets for your event individually or offer family packages at a discount. Have your church members spread the word in your community. Contact local news outlets to reach a wider audience.
This is a great opportunity because you can pair many other things with it to raise your funds, such as:
• Offering drinks, pizza, and popcorn to increase your donations
• Bring a friend, get a prize – again, increased fundraising opportunity
• Encourage them to dress as a character in the movie you’re showing – best dressed gets a prize.
Movie night is an easy event to arrange. Ask for recommendations from the congregation to get the ball rolling. Most of the time, they already own a copy of the movie they are recommending so you will not have to purchase it. By using the church, space is free and utilities are already covered. The cost of making or purchasing tickets is minimal. Most of the money from the sales can go directly to the cause you are supporting.
| Easy ★★☆ |
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A Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser combines a favorite pastime with a fundraising opportunity for your church. Whatever your ultimate goal is, whether you are raising money for a mission trip, to help with a special project or to support other charitable causes, a Bowl-A-Thon has a history of bringing in significant profits while also providing a good time to everyone who attends.
Raising money through activities, rather than selling tangible goods, can be a welcome change for your congregants. They might not need another loaf of homemade banana bread or scented candle. However, they may readily enjoy spending time together with family and other fellow church members. Furthermore, a Bowl-A-Thon can be far reaching. Anyone from your community and beyond can participate. It can also be a good way to find more people to join your church.
Are Bowl-A-Thons difficult to start? Not at all! You just need to reserve a bowling alley and start advertising. Provide your congregants a sign-up sheet, and ask them to sign up their family, friends and co-workers, collecting the pre-determined registration fee up-front. Try and get various prizes donated, and consider adding and charging more for a meal at the bowl-a-thon event, to increase your fundraising dollars.
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Organizing an ice cream stand is the perfect church fundraiser with a cherry on top! And it’s easier than you think. Ice cream lovers can pay per cone. Simply set-up your pricing based on the number of scoops and toppings that they order. Add a few activities like face painting, water balloons, and a few games, to get families to come out in large numbers.
• Every loves ice cream, and it tastes even better when it’s for a great cause.
• You can get your ice cream supplies at a discount, to generate even more profit.
• It’s a nice opportunity to introduce your church to your community.
Getting started with an ice cream social only requires a willingness to raise money for your church and have a great time while you are at it! Firstly, get approval to use a location with high traffic such as an upcoming local sports event (or even on your church property),. Then finalize your supplies, prepare your volunteer schedule, and advertise your fundraising event. You’re sure to have long line-ups of folks eager to build their own custom ice cream creation and support a fabulous cause. Don’t forget the sprinkles!
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A family fun day can be anything and everything that you want it to be. Choose a date and location, and then start planning the fun. You can rent bouncy houses, a wall climbing set-up, get a local band to perform, set-up a burger and lemonade stand and have fun contests like toss the toilet. You can keep it simple or go big, but the bigger it is the more commitment you need to organization and volunteers.
• A family fun day puts the “fun” in fundraiser.
• You can get as creative as you like, with some really entertaining contests.
• By getting supplies donated, a good turn-out, can yield a substantial profit for your church fund.
Putting together a family fun day does take a significant amount of effort, but it can be well worth it, with the right leadership and team of volunteers. Select a date that doesn’t conflict with other local events. Designate various individuals to different tasks such as games, entertainment, food, ticket sales, security, etc. Promoting your family fun day will be paramount to ensure all your hard work doesn’t go to waste, and you maximize your revenues. Sell entry tickets in advance, to ensure a successful fundraiser.
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Those wanting to raise funds for church groups should only host a chili cookoff if they are ready and willing to have the time of their lives! A chili cookoff brings together the best of the community. Chili chefs and chili lovers alike will descend in masses to this gathering while your church brings in amazing funds.
Does hosting a chili cookoff seem like too much work? On the contrary, chili cookoffs are very easy to manage. You simply need event space, people who are willing to volunteer their time and lots of bowls and spoons. The chili chefs do all of the hard work for you. All you have to do is enjoy!
Start the chili cookoff process with ease. Secure a spot in a high traffic area, with ample electrical supplies and plenty of tables. Pre-determine who the chili chefs will be, and try and get anywhere between 2 and 5 of them. They can be from local restaurateurs or local celebrity chefs willing to donate their time, and even some of your congregants. Have your church members promote your event like crazy and give them 5-10 ticket each to pre-sell. Raise funds for your church by charging for each person in attendance. Those who come will get a small bowl of chili from each chef in exchange for their vote. Don’t forget to plan a grand prize for the winner!
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Caroling for a Cause is a fun way to organize a congregation to raise funds for church programs. It is simple and easy as well! Groups get together, decide which songs they will sing, pass out sheet music and start singing. Caroling for a Cause can be conducted in neighborhoods, at church gatherings, during local festivals or even at places of business (but only with permission, of course).
Caroling invites members of the community to experience the joy of the holiday season. It spreads the teachings of your church as well as the spirit of Christmas. People also aren’t required to give any certain amount. They can donate as they please. This is an even better service for the community as a whole because those who are impoverished can still participate without feeling as though they have to give. Caroling for a Cause is truly a winning choice for everyone.
Getting started is even easier than you might think. All you need is a group of willing participants and a canister for collecting donations. If visiting businesses or festivals, you will also need to get advance permission to carol on their premises. You might also make letters or simple cards, that explain what Church programs your caroling fundraiser supports.
These product fundraising ideas are super easy sellers and most are free to start. Have your congregants and other volunteers raise money selling products like custom cookbooks, cookie dough and scented candles.
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The Journey of Faith Candle fundraiser is highly popular with church organizations. The order-taker includes photos of 8 different scented candles, each labeled with an inspirational message and Bible scripture. A few examples are:
Garden Rain is labeled with ‘I will praise you O lord my God’. From Psalms 86:12
Vanilla Bean is labeled with ‘Forgive and you will be forgiven.’ From Luke 6:37
Your congregation will get a real kick out of this fundraiser:
• it costs absolutely nothing to get started.
• this candle fundraiser is completely original and passes on positive messages
• the quality of the candles is outstanding, especially considering they retail for only $14 each.
• your church keeps 50% profit, compared to Yankee Candle that only offers 40%.
Getting started is as simple as requesting your free candle order-takers. JustFundraising has carried the Journey of Faith fundraiser for over 10 years, so you can visit them and order your free order-takers online. Have your sellers ask friends, family and relatives if they’d like to purchase one or more candles to support your organization. After the selling, turn in your full order, and your candles will arrive in less than 2 weeks.
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Custom cookbooks have got to be one of the longest standing church fundraising ideas. A collection of recipes created by your very own congregants is always a crowd-pleaser because it makes it so much more personal. It’s an easy implement fundraiser because all you need to do is ask your congregation and or church choir to submit their favorite recipes. Compile the cookbook and you are ready to start raising funds!
Custom cookbooks are a good idea for church fundraisers because they are always unique. You could look far and wide and will never find a duplicate cookbook. You can even shake things up by asking for specific recipes. Compile a cookbook of desserts. Ask only for holiday favorites. Create one for potlucks, brunches or special occasions. With so many different types of meals, you could offer a new custom cookbook each year and make it an annual fundraiser.
Do you think this is a great idea but you’re unsure of the best way to create, design, print and sell your cookbook? There’s plenty of help. If you don’t want to create it yourself from scratch, you can contact a local self-publisher or contact a company that specializes in custom church cookbook fundraisers to run the program for you.
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Selling engraved bricks is one of my favorite church fundraising ideas. Your church doesn’t need to be in full-on construction to consider it. Engraved bricks can be sold even if you’re renovating a small part of the church. In fact, many churches sell engraved bricks that are placed on a walkway, in a patio or as part of a brick staircase. Others sell individual engraved bricks that the purchaser can keep for themselves, to incorporate into their home.
There are few fundraisers that offer the opportunity to leave a legacy, like engraved bricks do. Many engraved bricks last a lifetime. They can be engraved to honor a lost loved one, to mark a special occasion or even used as a family nameplate. When your church sells engraved bricks for a fundraiser, you give the gift of legacy.
Start by deciding which approach is best for your church. Then, contact a company that offers engraved bricks as a fundraiser. They will work with your church, provide you with a cost-breakdown and even send you a free sample. Put this sample on display in an area where all parishioners can see it. You then simply need to collect orders and send them to the brick engraving company. If the bricks are to be a part of a larger project, make sure you are working with the contractor who is overseeing the building project.
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Wreaths and ornament sales can make for a great Christmas fundraising experience. You can purchase or ask local suppliers for donations of premade wreaths and ornaments or get the congregation together and make them yourself. Try and create wreaths and ornaments that incorporate your church name to make them more meaningful.
• Sharing these responsibilities with younger members of your congregation is a great way to teach them responsibility, leadership and community involvement.
• It’s a festive fundraising idea that helps share the joys and magic of Christmas.
Find a local retailer or a supplier that would be kind enough to donate wreaths and ornaments, or offer a generous discount. If you are making them, request materials from local vendors at a discounted price, so that you can make even more profit. Let the kids in Sunday school help create them. Price your items reasonably, and make sure you’re making a nice profit, considering your cost of materials. Sell to other church members and request space in a high traffic local shopping center to sell your Christmas creations.
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Hot chocolate is a weakness that many of us love to indulge in. During the cooler months of the year, sell hot chocolate once mass has finished. You may also ask your local mall if you can set-up a booth to sell your warm beverages. Make sure you have the finest cocoa out there, to keep them buying every Sunday. Consider selling the hot chocolate ingredients to raise even more.
Selling hot chocolate is a great fundraising opportunity for your congregation because it does the following:
• Gives children a chance to help organize an event
• Helps younger children recognize the importance of working hard for a good cause
• Everyone loves chocolate and something warm on a cool day
• Hot chocolate sales would be great to add to wreath and ornament fundraisers
Whether you are serving hot chocolate or selling the ingredients, ask for donations from your local grocer or see if you can purchase them at a cost to reduce expenses. This will reduce your expenses from the start. Create a schedule that works with busy families to ensure there are several volunteers available to operate the tables.
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A travel raffle is a fun and exciting fundraiser for churches of any size. The concept of a travel raffle is to sell raffle tickets at a set price for the ultimate prize of a fabulous getaway. Your church can choose to use a company that specializes in travel raffles or you can organize it on your own. Many churches combine the raffle with another event, such as a potluck or a church carnival. It can be even more fun to add other, smaller prizes to the raffle, which will add to your ticket sales.
Why choose a travel raffle? These raffles are fun because they let you create a sense of excitement around the ultimate prize. You have the flexibility to set the ticket price at an amount that reflects what your community would be willing to pay. Often you can get a trip heavily discounted from a local travel agency, in exchange for mildly promoting them to your church members.
How do you get started with a travel raffle? The first step is to make sure you are operating within the laws of your state. As a 503c organization, this shouldn’t be a problem. Next, decide what type of travel raffle you will purse. Will you use a professional organization that raffles certificates for travel? Will you put together your own travel package to raffle, and try and get it sponsored? Next, design and print up your raffle tickets, and sell, sell, sell!
These fundraisers won’t cost you a dime to get started, and some of them help your community and the environment – a double-win!
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A church supported shoe drive is one of the few fundraisers that does not ask parishioners or members of the community to write checks. Instead, they are asked to contribute gently used shoes. Your church then sends those shoes to an organization that re-purposes them. In return, they send your church a fundraising check.
Why choose a shoe drive rather than a more traditional fundraiser? Shoe drives work on multiple levels:
• No one is asked to give money
• There is no new inventory to store
• Old shoes get new life and new purpose
• Your church receives funds
• Anyone with shoes to discard can contribute
In order to start a shoe drive, you need to contact an organization that specializes in re-purposing shoes as part of a fundraiser. That company will then supply you with the collection receptacles and any materials you need to advertise your shoe drive. They will also work with you to set a date for the drive to begin and end. Once the shoe drive is complete, that company will pick up the shoes you have collected. Different organizations have different details and requirements. Ask any questions before signing an agreement with a specific organization.
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An envelope fundraiser is a great way to bring your church together to support a mission or cause. Number the envelopes in order, starting with one through a pre-determined number, such as 1 to 100. Place these in a basket. Participants can write a request for a specific number or they can ask for one after the sermon, as they are leaving. At this point, the number on the envelope tells them how much to donate. They put their donations in the envelope and it goes back in the basket.
This event brings the congregation together to reach a single goal. Children can request their own envelopes (with Mom and Dad’s okay) and donate themselves. You can use this for small events or larger purposes as you see fit. This is a great fundraiser for the church because the donations can be done anonymously.
Children love to help so asking them to number the envelopes is a great way to include them in the fun. Make the fundraiser deadline date clear, to create a sense of urgency. Besides the envelopes in the basket method, another option is to create a Wall of Funds, where you place the envelopes on the wall, and as donors select an envelope and provide the respective donation, you color that envelope in, until the wall is complete. To encourage more donations, ask local sponsors to donate movie tickets and restaurant vouchers that you can include in the envelopes that require higher donations.
If you attend a small church, there are still many fundraising ideas available to you, which cost nothing or very little to get started.
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You can select from a multitude of order-taker fundraisers which require absolutely no money up-front. Some of the more popular ones would be scented candles, gourmet cookie dough and popcorn. An order-taker simply means that you will use an form to collect orders from your supporters, being sure to collect payment upfront. After your 2-3 week fundraiser, you simply place your full order with your supplier.
The benefits of order-takers:
• It costs nothing to get started.
• You’re not stuck with any inventory at the end of your fundraiser, because you order exactly what you sold.
• You earn up to 50% profit or more.
Getting your order-taker fundraiser started is really easy because it’s free. The only tough part is deciding which product to sell? Have a meeting with your congregants and discuss which product, including price point, will work best in your area. Then call your favorite fundraising company, and start your no money upfront fundraiser.
| Easy ★★☆ |
Profitable | Popular ★★☆ |
Who doesn’t like delicious creamy milk chocolate? Exactly! So, why not sell them as lollipops, in the shape of roses and hearts, during holidays such as Christmas, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter? These pops come in different colors too – red, white, and chocolate.
Selling these pops are a real no-brainer!
• They sell for only $1 each, which means many people will buy up to 5 at a time.
• Ideal for small churches because the minimum order is only 1 case.
• This quality chocolate, wrapped in cellophane, exudes class and reflects well on your church.
• You can sell these pops anywhere including the office place, to friends and neighbors, at a booth in a high traffic area, etc.
Decide how much money your small church needs, and more importantly how many chocolate pops you think each of your congregants can sell. Each master case comes with 10 carrier bags of 36 pops each, for a total of 360 pops. You may consider starting with 1 master case per 10 sellers.
| Easy ★★☆ |
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The Dinner and Movie Discount cards provide your supporters with discounts at over 100,000 restaurants, movie theatres and other types of retailers, nationwide. Card holders go online to print the coupons offers which they then present in-store.
There are numerous benefits to the Dinner and Movie Card:
• This local discount card is turn-key, meaning all of the merchants offers are already secured for your area and beyond.
• The minimum order is only 50 cards, so a small church with only 5 – 10 active members, can easily get it done.
• The card sells for a very reasonable $10, which represents super value.
Most companies selling discount cards, offer a portal where you can view merchants be city or zip code. Enter your zip code to make sure the discounts shown are quality ones in your area, in terms of the brand names, and the discount offer. Make your sellers are clear on the objective, and fully on board, and then order your cards!