Although churches often rely on tithing and collections for support, church fundraisers can help religious organizations meet their monetary goals and complete projects. Churches need money for a variety of activities as well as special building maintenance. Holding fundraisers are a fun way to increase donations.
Generally, regular bills are built into the church’s budget and are covered by service collections and members’ tithing. Yet, there may be special activities and maintenance concerns that need extra funding. Youth activities are also a common fundraising concern.
What are some of the projects that you might need a church fundraiser for?
- Building Funds: churches may choose to develop and increase their building funds through church fundraisers. New building projects may be funded partially through fundraisers or a church can kick off a building project through a fundraiser. Related projects like replacing appliances, landscaping, or installing decorative items can also be paid for in this way. Sometimes churches compile cookbooks to sell or hold a church-wide garage sale for funds.
- Youth Activities: sometimes youth activities are funded completely through church fundraisers. The donations may go to help purchase educational materials, fund fun activities, or contribute to youth volunteer activities. Fundraisers for youth activities are often times focused on entire families. Churches might have a potluck dinner, sell food items, or throw a carnival to gain more donations.
- Mission Trips: some church fundraisers collect money to sponsor church members on mission trips. Donations can be used to buy supplies, help with travel costs, or provide food and shelter for the volunteers. Common fundraisers include silent auctions, themed dinners, and raffles.
There are many different fundraising ideas for churches. Some companies focus specifically on church fundraisers and offer religious oriented products for groups to sell. You can find Christian t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and other gift items.
Historical churches can often capitalize on this when they are fundraising. Anniversaries of the church can be commemorated with special plates, plaques, or other items bearing pictures of the church. Both church and other community members will buy these items to remember the past and the money can go to church activities.
Church fundraisers are a great way to get members together and increase ties between them. In addition, they can help fund activities and projects not covered in the regular church budget. Finally, a church fundraiser can introduce potential members to the church and provide them with a way to get to know others.