How to Fundraise for Churches

Congregation members can give their time at a car wash fundraiser.

No matter the size of your church, there will be times you need to raise funds, whether for ongoing church expenses or special projects such as a new building, remodeling an old building or beginning a new ministry or other project. Fundraising for a church can be challenging, but with careful planning and execution your church can reach its financial goals. Church fundraising requires the support and effort from church staff, volunteers and congregation members, but with everyone working together can be an opportunity for your church to grow.

Instructions

1. Set your fundraising goal. Determine if your church needs a specific dollar amount for a tangible goal, such as a new building, or if your church has ongoing needs, such as raising money to endow a mission project. Knowing how much you need to raise will make it easier to choose an appropriate fundraiser.

2. Tap into your congregational assets. Your congregation members not only have funds to give to the church, but they also have time and talents to donate to help make your fundraising goal a success. Ask church members who have strong organizational skills to chair a fundraising committee. Church members may donate their professional talents or their time in addition to funds.

3. Plan several different types of fundraisers to maximize your fundraising opportunities. Your church may choose to have a one-day garage sale, car wash or bake sale to raise money for a mission trip or other short-term goal, but longer range projects will benefit from multiple different fundraisers. Partner with a fundraising company to sell cookie dough, wrapping paper or gift certificates on a seasonal basis for a recurring fundraiser. Create a church cookbook or history book for a fundraiser that can be reprinted and sold for years to come.

4. Keep the fun in fundraising. Combine fundraisers with church social activities, such as a silent auction and party, or a regular church night at a local restaurant that will donate a portion of the proceeds to the church.

5. Offer donor recognition opportunities. Many congregation members will donate more if it means they will have their name engraved on a brick on the walkway outside the new building, or if their name will be on a donor's plaque in the sanctuary. Members may also want to buy bricks or other honors for their children or in memory of deceased loved ones.

6. Ask for specific items. If your youth are packing for a mission trip, ask church members to donate the amount needed to fill one backpack or send one box of Bibles along with the group. When remodeling the church, ask for donations in amounts equal to the purchase of one new pew, light fixture or other needed item. Members will be more likely to give when they know what they are giving for and it will be easier to raise the funds for that one last chair or set of hymnals.

7. Encourage a culture of giving. Hold annual pledge drives and ask members to pledge a set amount each month to the church. Include information in your church office for members who wish to include the church in their estate plans. Make sure that a church officer or pledge committee tracks and follows up on these ongoing commitments.

References

• Fundraiser Help: Church Fundraising
• Christianity Today; Fun With Fundraisers; John Throop; November 2003
• Christianity Today; Funding Your Vision; Stephen Chawaga; September 2001