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Church fundraising ideas

Looking for best church fundraisers to rally your congregation and raise money for your next project? Discover fresh approaches to raising the roof (literally) and hitting your financial goals with the best fundraising ideas for churches.

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Take a stroll


Host an inclusive fun run event that’s a little more leisurely. Set a time window for participants to complete their stroll and encourage them to collect donations through peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Be sure to showcase their achievements on social media! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/take-a-stroll
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Camp experience auction


Auction off camp spots, exclusive experiences, or premium camp gear to the highest bidders. This event builds excitement and encourages friendly competition while raising funds for beloved camp programs.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/camp-experience-auction
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Auctions

Creative design workshop


Host a paid workshop that teaches hands-on skills like painting, design thinking, or advanced crafting. Ask instructors to volunteer their time, and keep supply costs low by partnering with local business sponsors to maximize profit margins.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/creative-design-workshop
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Events
Pages & forms

DIY workshop


Host a DIY workshop where attendees pay to learn new skills—like crafting, home repair, or cooking—while supporting your cause. Charge an entry fee for each class, and use donated materials and volunteer instructors to lower costs and boost revenue.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/diy-workshop
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Events
Pages & forms

Themed run


Make your peer-to-peer fundraising run truly memorable with a standout theme! Encourage participants to dress up and create teams based on your theme to build community and boost the competitive spirit.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/themed-run
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Marathon


A marathon is a classic fun run fundraising event—perfect for your most ambitious supporters! You can host your own fundraising event, or give supporters the resources they need to raise money for your organization by running in an existing race. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/marathon
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Silent disco

Organizing a disco can feel like a lot of work, but a silent disco is easier and just as much fun! Sell tickets in advance so you know how many people to prepare for, and raise extra funds by selling food and drink on the night.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/silent-disco
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Events

Trash-a-thon

Team up to clean up! Rally volunteers to collect litter in your local community, and have each participant gather sponsorships based on bags filled or hours spent. It's a powerful way to raise funds and make a visible impact.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/trash-a-thon
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Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Church trivia nights

Put your knowledge to the test with a faith-filled trivia night! Pick a lively host, sell team tickets, and let the friendly competition begin. 

Want to reach an even bigger audience? Go hybrid or virtual so everyone can join in on the fun!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/church-trivia-nights
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Events
Pages & forms

Bake to give raffle

Gather your community’s best bakers and turn their sweet creations into a fundraising feast! Ask volunteers to whip up their favorite cakes or cookies to sell at your event. 

To add some extra excitement, sell raffle tickets and offer baked goods as delicious prizes.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bake-to-give-raffle
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Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

Pajama party


Raise money for a good cause and create an unforgettable, cozy experience by turning any fundraising event into a pajama party.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pajama-party
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Events
Pages & forms

Bowl-a-thon


Reserve lanes at a bowling alley, ask participants to gather pledges for an all-you-can-bowl night, and watch the donations roll in on team fundraising pages.

Offer special prizes for the team with the highest score, most creative name, or even the best uniforms.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bowl-a-thon
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

More money, no problems


Instead of hosting an event, ask your supporters to donate a specific amount for the entire year. Create a donation form or fundraising page with photos, videos, and a compelling story in order to encourage gifts. Be sure to customize your donation amounts and add descriptions that are specific to your needs and impact.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/more-money-no-problems
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Pages & forms

Flag football tournament


Bring fans onto the field for some football fun! Teams register and pay to play and fans buy tickets to cheer them on.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/flag-football-tournament
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Lend a helping hand

Let donors "purchase" 2-5 hours of extra help from students or volunteers (think raking leaves or mowing the lawn). 

In order to streamline the process and keep track of contributions, create custom labels for different donation amounts on a special fundraising page or donation form (e.g. $50 = 2 volunteer hours).
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/lend-a-helping-hand
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Auctions
Pages & forms

You name it

Come up with a creative fundraiser with a catchy name like “Pancakes for Parents” brunch or a “Chicken Wings for Cheerleaders.” To get supporters excited, create a custom fundraising page full of on-theme photos, videos, ands more! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/you-name-it
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Events

Walkathon

Ask supporters to lace up their shoes and gather pledges or donations for every mile they walk. Sell official charity gear, encourage participants to share updates on their own personal donation pages, and award top fundraisers with exciting prizes.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/walkathon
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

T-shirt design contest

Encourage supporters to submit their best t-shirt designs to enter a competition. Set up team fundraising pages for each design and have supporters donate to vote for their favorite. Each donation will appear on a leaderboard so everyone can watch the votes (and donations!) come in.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/t-shirt-design-contest
All
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Crafts night


Charge an entrance fee and check in attendees as they arrive for an evening of creativity and fun. Ask volunteers to bring craft supplies or request donations from local art stores. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/crafts-night
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Events

Open mic night

Invite community members to perform music, poetry, or comedy for a good cause. Ask audience members to make a small donation and offer snacks to raise more funds using easy in-person mobile payments like Tap to Pay and scan-to-donate
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/open-mic-night
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Events
Pages & forms

Swag sale


Raise some extra funds for your organization or club and spread the word about your cause by selling branded swag like totes, stickers, and t-shirts.

With advanced ticketing features, you can offer each item on a mobile-friendly platform and add an image and available amount so supporters can easily purchase and share their sizing info, too!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sell-swag-or-merch
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Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

Community cookbook


Create and sell a custom cookbook featuring favorite recipes from your community members and families. To drum up excitement and spread the word, share sneak peek photos on your custom fundraising page.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/community-cookbook
All
Pages & forms

Pay you not to ask me again

Give your supporters a way to opt out of all your upcoming donation requests during a big fundraising effort. If they contribute via your donation form before a certain date, you’ll take them off your email and call list for the whole campaign! Then, you can easily segment your email list with your built-in CRM and marketing tools.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pay-you-not-to-ask-me-again
All
Pages & forms

Water balloons & sponge toss

For this fundraising event, charge a small fee per water balloon or sponge, and let students throw them at each other during a pep rally or outdoor event. For easy participation, offer scan-to-donate and accept multiple payment methods like Apple Pay, Venmo, and more.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sponge-toss
All
Events
Pages & forms

Concert for a cause


Work with popular local musicians and performers to host a benefit concert with a percentage of the proceeds going towards your cause.

Want to make sure everyone can listen in and donate, no matter where they are? Livestream your concert to the masses and enable people to contribute to your campaign without leaving the stream.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/concert-for-a-cause
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Events
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Frequently asked questions

The best fundraising for church ideas build on the deep connections that congregations foster. These include community cook-offs, service days, or peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, where individuals create online donation pages and ask for support from friends and family members to fund specific programs. 

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.

Many verses throughout the Bible promote Christian fundraising ideas and other 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.”

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, many churches and other faith-based organizations generate passive income by renting out their space to local groups.

Beyond passing the plate on Sunday morning, church fundraising events that bring in the most money are typically large-scale events, such as a 24-hour social media livestream marathon, or exciting, time-specific campaigns like “Raise the Roof” or “Bail Out the Pastor” challenges.

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