Churches have numerous expenses from utility bills and building repairs to staff salaries and community outreach programs. For most, members’ tithes can help with some of those costs, but they’re usually not enough to cover them all. With that being the case, fundraisers are essential. Of course, deciding how to effectively raise funds isn’t easy. Many struggle to find ideas that will truly draw people’s interest and bring in the money they need. If your church needs to raise money, consider the following options.
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Sell Engraved Bricks
One unique method of raising money for your church is selling engraved bricks. Members of the congregation, and the community as a whole, can purchase bricks with their names or other messages engraved on them. They can also purchase bricks to honor their lost loved ones. Be sure to encourage local businesses to participate as well. You can then build a special wall or pathway with those bricks to honor everyone who contributed. If you’re raising money for a new church, fellowship hall, or other facility, you can make those bricks part of the new building. This is a great way to not only raise funds but commemorate all who helped bring your goals to life.
Hold a Fall Festival
Another way to raise money for your church is to hold a fall festival. You can arrange games for the children to enjoy. Sell tickets for those games and give away candy, toys, and trinkets as prizes. For the adults, ask local businesses to donate prizes for raffles. Another popular activity for this type of event is a cake walk with baked goods donated by members of the congregation. These are fun events for people of all ages, and many people find them to be incredibly nostalgic. Keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a fall festival per se; it can be a festival to celebrate any season.
Have a Silent Auction
You could also hold a silent auction to raise money for your church. Ask local businesses to donate items to be auctioned off. From there, allow attendees to browse their options and enter their bids. There’s really no limit to the types of items that can be donated for an event like this other than the range of local businesses in your community. From bakeries and furniture stores to nail salons and hardware stores, you’re bound to receive an array of donations that appeal to different people and entice them to bid.
Hold a Bake Sale
A traditional way to raise money for a church is to hold a bake sale. Have members of the congregation or their friends and relatives bake sweet treats to donate for the event. Then, watch the buyers pour in. Homemade goodies are a great way to draw people in, and there’s little overhead cost because all the items to be sold are donated. Some of your bakers may even contribute cake carriers or decorative plates to go along with their baked goods and draw more interest to them.
Raising the Money Your Church Needs
Churches are up against numerous expenses, and fundraisers can be an effective way to meet those financial needs. Some of the ideas mentioned here are traditional whereas others are somewhat new concepts, but any of them can help your church raise money for an important cause. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fundraising ideas, and be sure to promote your event through all the right channels to get as many people involved as possible.
