Church fundraising ideas
Looking for exciting ways you can rally your congregation and raise money for your next project? Discover fresh approaches to raising the roof (literally) and hitting your financial goals with these big and small church fundraiser ideas.
Principal challenge
Virtual auction
Use auction software that makes the bidding process smooth and simple for you and your donors.
Open mic night
Virtual concert
Make sure to feature a donation thermometer on your page to encourage viewers to make extra donations and get you closer to your goal as they enjoy the music.
Pet spa day
Comedy roast
Lemonade stand
Jersey auction
Fourth of July party
Date auction
Ask sponsoring restaurants to donate gift certificates to bring in more bids for these “items” and make for an easy, in-public location for each date.
Bring your pet to work day
Petting zoo
Auction your time or skills
Streamline the whole experience with the help of free auction software. Add and categorize items, manage bids, and your bidders can get real-time updates on what’s happening.
Movie night
Use Givebutter’s fundraising event tools like online ticket sales, mobile app check-ins, and in-person payments to make it easier for you and your supporters.
Church camp dessert bake-off
Family dance
Choose a theme, sell tickets for your fundraising event online, and raise even more by setting up a photo booth with silly props!
Video Game Tournament
Puppy party
At the event, highlight the different mobile giving options your supporters can choose from with live display.
Social media challenge
Learn more social media fundraising tips to take your efforts to the next level.
Escape Room Challenge
Staff vs. students
Frequently asked questions
What are some good fundraising ideas for churches?
The best ideas for church fundraisers build on the deep connections that congregations foster. These include community cook-offs, service days, or peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, in which individuals create online donation pages and ask for support from friends and family members to fund certain programs.
How do churches make money?
Most places of worship sustain their mission through consistent donations, sometimes called tithes, from members of the congregation. Churches may also have multiple fundraising drives and events throughout the year, including rummage sales, silent auctions, and family-friendly activities that charge a small fee, in addition to in-kind donations and investments.
What does the Bible say about fundraising in the church?
Many verses throughout the Bible promote various acts of giving—whether that be through sharing kindness, service, or prosperity. One example is in 2 Corinthians 9:6, which states, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Which church fundraiser ideas are the easiest?
The easiest ways to raise funds for your church are those that your team has the skill, resources, and motivation to host and encourage others to take part in—book or bake sales, postcard drives, you name it. Additionally, a source of passive income for many churches is through renting out their space to other groups in the community.
Which fundraiser ideas for church groups raise the most money?
Beyond passing the plate on Sunday morning, church fundraising events that bring in the most funds are either large-scale events, like a 24-hour social media livestream marathon, or exciting and time-specific campaigns like “Raise The Roof” or “Bail Out The Pastor” challenges.
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