Church Fundraising: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising Money for Your Church
Raising money for your church can be challenging, but it’s essential to support the ministry, fund outreach programs, and maintain your facilities. Whether you’re part of a large congregation or a small, close-knit community of faith, there are many creative and effective church fundraising ideas that can inspire your congregation and bring in the financial support you need. Whether your group is looking for quick solutions or long-term fundraising strategies, these ideas will energize your church community and get everyone involved. We’ll also cover the benefits of church fundraising initiatives, how to select the best fundraisers for your congregation, how to plan successful events, and more.
What You’ll Learn
- Understanding the Basics of Church Fundraising
- Benefits of Church Fundraising Initiatives
- Choosing the Right Church Fundraisers
- Our Top Church Fundraising Ideas
- Setting Up Long-Term Fundraising Strategies
- Best Practices for Planning a Successful Church Fundraiser
- Fundraising for Groups within the Church
- More Church Fundraising Resources
Understanding the Basics of Church Fundraising
Church fundraising is more than just asking for donations. It’s about creating a supportive and generous community that understands the importance of financial stewardship. Using a mix of strategies, you can make it easy for church members to contribute while aligning fundraising efforts with your church’s mission.
Benefits of Church Fundraising Initiatives
Your church group needs to raise money, but there are benefits outside of raising funds to excite the congregation about your cause. Some of the benefits of church fundraising campaigns include the following:
- Strengthening of faith for congregation members
- Raising funds for the development of church resources and educational programs
- Bringing people and talents together in new and fun ways outside of typical worship services
- Introducing your church to new community members
- Providing great opportunities to socialize and get to know members of the congregation better
Choosing the Right Church Fundraisers
Churches have many fundraising options to choose from. So, what type of church fundraiser is right for your church or group? The best church fundraisers make for successful campaigns and are a great way to support your faith and ministry.
Things you’ll want to consider include:
- How much money do you have to spend on up-front costs?
- What are your financial goals? Do you have other goals in mind?
- How much time do you have to plan and execute an event?
- What volunteers and resources do you have to work with?
Before taking on church fundraising initiatives, consider praying as a congregation or planning committee and asking God to guide your efforts. With Him helping, your church is sure to take the right path.
DoJiggy Supports Fundraising Campaigns that Work for Churches
Our Top Church Fundraising Ideas
Selecting a suitable fundraising event can add to your congregation’s passion for the campaign and inspire support for the needs of your church. As you paint a picture of how the money will be used for equipment and supplies, missionary or community activities, maintenance, staff costs, or facilities – consider the church fundraising ideas that will inspire a donation and best support your church’s mission.
Here are our top fundraising campaigns for churches.
Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Church Fundraising Events
Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising can be lucrative campaigns that help foster a deeper understanding of the church’s mission and build important new relationships. Our free peer-to-peer platform allows churches and organizations to efficiently manage these events and raise more money. Each church member has a personal page with a fundraising thermometer and images. Participants share their fundraising efforts on Facebook, X, and other social media channels. By letting community members know why your mission matters and how it helps your church, others are motivated to give.
Peer-to-peer church fundraising ideas can take many forms. Walk-a-thons and Fun Runs are the quintessential peer-to-peer events, but these events can be customized to enable the church’s mission and ministry further. What about a pray-a-thon, write-a-thon, or meditation sit-a-thon? Many organizations successfully use peer-to-peer virtual fundraising campaigns.
Community Serve-a-thons
Create a peer-to-peer fundraiser variation with a community serve-a-thon. A serve-a-thon provides a fundraising opportunity while positively impacting the community. Church groups raise money by reaching out to family and friends and asking for donations to support their service.
The church group decides on a day of service where members volunteer their time helping organizations or people in the community. Service projects could include:
- A park or road clean-up or other environmental conservation program
- Painting the church or local community center
- Helping the church’s elderly with errands or home projects
- Serving a meal at a homeless or crisis shelter
- Hosting a special day at a local orphanage or child care center
Religious Items and Apparel Sales
Religious product sales are always a great way to get church youth groups involved in raising funds for your church and can work especially well at Catholic churches. Be sure to choose products that resonate with church members such as rosaries, bibles, and candles. All of these items can make for a successful fundraising sales campaign, especially during seasons when items are in high demand. Why not sell nativity sets, advent calendars, angel tree-toppers, or wrapping paper to celebrate Christmas? Or what about items to fill Easter baskets and teach kids about the reason for the season?
Church groups can also sell church-branded merchandise online or at church events. Create beautiful, unique designs on a platform like Printful for church t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, hats, or blankets. A table can be set up to sell these items every Sunday, or you can set up a free eCommerce store and sell them online.
You can use a platform like Bonfire to sell branded merchandise for your church without paying for inventory costs. Their t-shirt fundraising platform is an easy, risk-free way to raise money for your church.
Christmas Fundraising Campaigns
Many churches run fundraising campaigns around Christmas. The holiday giving season is kicked off just after Thanksgiving, with #GivingTuesday, and runs through the end of the year. Churches cannot ignore year-end giving campaigns since many organizations receive 30% or more of their fundraising dollars for the entire year during this period. This is the time of year when people want to give back and share, so find ways to inspire generosity around Christmas.
Community-Based Fundraising Events
Community-based fundraising events are an excellent option for church fundraisers. Plan community fundraising events and activities that require cooperation and encourage involvement from the congregation. You’ll raise funds by selling items, charging admission or a ticket price, and collecting donations at the event.
Breakfast Fundraisers
Organizing a breakfast fundraiser after church can be a relatively simple event that builds community. Let the congregants of your church join in after the service or mass to enjoy bagels, coffee, and other baked breakfast goods. Offering more gourmet and brunch options for the breakfast fundraiser will allow you to charge more for admission and draw a larger audience. Include a bake sale at the door so supporters can take home some treats. Of course, you’ll need several chefs and cooks to make this happen. Free breakfast can also be offered to the homeless community to add a service component to the campaign.
Church Talent Shows
If you have a large youth community, ask children to share their unique talents in a fun event for the congregation. Create an interactive community show with singing, dancing, playing instruments, or surprising crowds with other fun talents. Charge an entrance fee for your fundraising talent show and sell food and beverages at the event to earn additional revenue. Your community will enjoy watching the talents of youth who will someday be the leaders of your congregation.
Add a fundraising raffle as part of the talent show. Reach out to the local community businesses to get items donated. Allow people to purchase raffle tickets when they enter the event, and at the show’s close, raffle the items off. This can be a fun way to raise additional funds for your church.
Church Fundraising Auctions
A charitable auction can be a great way to raise money for your church or church group. Not only have auctions proven to have tremendous fundraising potential, but they are also a great community builder involving congregants in a meaningful way. Your congregation can donate items from their business or local businesses where they work. A silent auction can be added to virtually any fundraising event or run a solo online auction around Christmas.
DoJiggy can help with our fundraising auction software and no-risk auction vacation packages.
Setting Up Long-Term Fundraising Strategies
For ongoing financial support, churches need to implement sustainable fundraising strategies that go beyond events. These long-term approaches ensure consistent donations to support your church’s mission and growth.
Recurring Tithing and Donation Programs
The most straightforward church fundraising idea is setting up a secure online tithing or donation page. Donors can make one-time donations or set up a user profile for recurring giving. Our platform also includes tribute gift management options for gifts made ‘on behalf of’ or ‘in memory of’ another person.
Teaching your congregation the importance of tithing (giving 10% of one’s income to the church) can significantly increase donations. Educating members on the biblical principles of tithing and how their financial support furthers the church’s mission is crucial for building a culture of generosity.
Major Gifts
Major gifts are significant monetary donations from donors or sponsors to your church. Though major gifts are relatively rare, they are an important aspect of a church development plan due to their large size. But major gifts don’t just happen – a strategic plan is needed if your church hopes to receive significant gifts with any regularity. The stewardship, outreach, and cultivation processes are crucial to a major gifts program.
Read more on developing a major gifts program here.
Legacy or Planned Giving
Your church fundraising plan should include planned or legacy giving, such as bequests. Bequests are cash, property, stocks, and bonds left behind to an organization in a supporter’s will. If a church member wishes to leave a legacy, work with them to consider planned giving options. Since the population of many churches is aging, planned giving is something to explore with members of your church community.
Best Practices for Planning a Successful Church Fundraiser
We’ve seen there’s no shortage of ways to raise money for your church. Whether planning a small event or launching a capital-building campaign, these strategies can help your congregation come together, raise the funds you need, and strengthen your church’s impact in the community.
Create a Plan and Establish Goals
Discuss fundraising goals with the congregation or church planning committee. Determine how much money your church needs to accomplish your goals and estimate up-front costs for fundraising initiatives. What resources are available to help your group achieve these goals? These questions will help you determine the best fundraiser and set your group up for success.
Define Your Fundraising Messaging
What is the purpose of your fundraising event, and how is this message connected to the Gospel and church? Fundraising messaging is especially important to churches and their members.
Identify Potential Fundraising Sources
Create a list of potential donors and sponsors to approach for support. This list can include local businesses and church and community members.
Diversify Fundraising Efforts
As you can see, there are many options for church fundraising. As a steward, you can’t rely on just one type of fundraiser. Use a combination of events, grants, online giving, and long-term campaigns to keep donations flowing year-round.
Get Online with DoJiggy
Online giving has made it easier than ever to set up recurring donations, allowing church members to contribute regularly. Our online tithing platform supports free text-to-donate. Many churches successfully utilize text-to-donate for easy donations and tithing. A giving kiosk can also be used to take donations after church services, but text-to-donate is a more affordable option than giving kiosks.
Recruit Volunteers
Hosting a church fundraising event requires the assistance of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to manage event set-up and tear down, organize the collection of donated goods, promote the event, create your website, and manage money on the event day.
Promoting Church Fundraisers
Whatever campaign you decide for your church fundraising initiative, promote it widely throughout the community and online.
- Announce the initiative on your church website or calendar of events.
- Post announcements on social media.
- Add your event to community calendars and community bulletins.
- Make announcements at your weekly church services and groups.
- Encourage church members to spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.
- Post flyers on community bulletin boards at grocery stores and coffee shops.
Church Fundraising Flyers
Church fundraising flyers are an excellent way to spread the word about your fundraising efforts. Here are some tips on how to create church flyers.
- A well-designed flyer should grab attention with a clear and compelling headline.
- Include key details about the church campaign, such as the date, time, location, and ticket price.
- Explain how the funds will be used.
- Incorporate images or photos to make the flyer visually appealing.
- Add instructions on how people can participate or donate.
- Make your website and contact information easily accessible for any questions.
Church Fundraising Letters
To write an effective fundraising letter, personalize the message to make your recipients feel valued. Use a warm tone throughout, and express gratitude for their support, regardless of the amount they can give.
- Start with a heartfelt introduction that explains the purpose of the fundraising and the specific need your church is addressing. Be clear about how funds will be used, and include real-life examples to inspire generosity.
- Explain the benefits supporters will receive by giving money to your church or organization. Is their health or community being benefited by your organization’s services? Give them a vested interest in participating in the fundraiser.
- Assure that your letter is easy to scan, as most people don’t read the entire letter. Make sure your most important points are easily found using bullet points and bold text.
- Provide an easy way to make donations with multiple giving options, including a link to your fundraising page or checks.
Fundraising for Groups within the Church
Many different groups within a church may wish to conduct fundraising campaigns. Church groups include men’s and women’s groups, youth groups, social interest groups, and local and international mission programs. Each of these groups has specialized needs and skills related to church fundraising campaigns.
Mission Trip Fundraising
Mission trips play a crucial role in the lives of countless people in the developing world each year. For this reason, many churches in the United States have mission teams of church members and youth who travel to serve the less fortunate while spreading the word of the Lord. However, missions are expensive, and mission trip fundraising helps cover the costs of church clergy and members traveling and completing mission projects. These mission trip fundraising ideas will help your church or youth group to make your dream mission a reality.
Youth Group Fundraising
Church youth fundraisers are popular among Catholic school, pre-K daycare, and many church youth group programs. Remember that with every youth group fundraising campaign, you teach children about community service and being a part of something larger than themselves. Not only will this help your church financially, but it can also give children a sense of purpose and strengthen their faith. One of the most significant benefits of a youth fundraising program is that children learn to become servant leaders while helping their church meet financial needs.
Women’s Ministry Groups
Women’s Ministry and Bible study groups provide a unique opportunity for women to come together in faith, fellowship, and service. These groups often focus on spiritual growth, community support, and outreach, empowering women to make a difference within their churches and communities. A key aspect of many Women’s Ministry Groups is fundraising, which allows them to support initiatives such as mission trips, community projects, and charitable organizations. Through creative fundraising events like bake sales and craft fairs, Women’s groups raise necessary funds and build stronger connections among members.
Confirmation Fundraisers
Confirmation fundraisers are often held to fund group retreats or events where young adults can learn about the responsibilities of supporting their faith as they mature. These activities allow adolescents to learn the value of love, friendship, giving, and working together. Groups discuss the Bible, lessons learned and applied to real life, and how to keep faith abundant without parents’ supervision. Support and encourage their abilities to plan this church fundraiser and make organizing the fundraising event part of the fun.
Church Fundraising Resources
Church Donation Software
Our Church donation software provides a secure online tithing and donations website for your church or community of faith. Church members can make one-time or recurring donations. Donors can easily track their tithing history by viewing and managing their accounts online. Learn more about automating your church donations.
Mission Trip Fundraising
Mission trips provide great cultural experiences and make a difference in people’s lives. Donations raised through mission trip fundraising go towards travel costs, supplies, and funding for missionaries’ needs while on a mission. Read on to learn the best ways to raise donations for missions.
Best Silent Auction Ideas for Churches
Charity auctions are popular ways for churches to raise funds for projects, missions, and community events. They can bring the community together and generate significant revenue. However, planning a successful charity or silent auction can be challenging, especially when coming up with desirable auction items and unique ideas.
Ideas to Honor Clergy
Every October, congregations around the world come together to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, dedicating time to honor their church leaders’ spiritual guidance and dedication. In this article, we explore why Pastor Appreciation Month is significant and offer a guide on how to effectively convey gratitude to your spiritual leaders and their families.
Fundraising Event Budget
Financial tracking and planning are key ingredients to a church’s fundraising success. Whatever size of church fundraising event you are hosting, this budget template will help predict and estimate costs and monitor income and expenses throughout the planning stages. The budget can be reviewed with a committee or consultant to help with product ordering, fundraising, and profitability goals.
Community-Based Fundraising
Community-based fundraisers are an excellent option for church fundraisers and provide a great opportunity to grow your congregation and build relationships with other community groups. Plan events and activities that require cooperation and encourage involvement from the congregation. We’ve put together the best community-based fundraising events to get you started.
