10 Unique Ideas For Small Church Fundraiser

Fundraising for small churches is crucial, especially as financial challenges persist. A recent statistic reveals that in America, 17% of families have decreased their total annual contributions to local churches. This trend underscores the significance of effective fundraising strategies to support church operations and community initiatives​​. 

To address these challenges, this article will explore ten unique fundraising ideas tailored for small churches, offering creative and practical solutions to foster community support and ensure sustainability.

1.       Virtual Prayer Marathon

Organizing a Virtual Prayer Marathon begins with selecting a theme and a date that resonates with your congregation. The event can span several hours or days, allowing participants to join in at their convenience. 

Use a reliable streaming platform such as BetterWorld and ensure technical support is available. Promote the event through your church's social media, newsletters, and community bulletin boards. Highlight the spiritual purpose and how the funds raised will be used.

Tips for success:

• Engagement: Encourage interactive participation by having different members lead prayers at scheduled times. Offer downloadable materials for participants to use at home.
• Accessibility: Ensure the event is accessible to all members of your congregation, with clear instructions on how to join and participate.
• Follow-up: Acknowledge contributors with thank you notes or special mentions during services. Sharing success stories and testimonials will also encourage future participation.

During challenging times, 62% of nonprofits turned to virtual fundraising events, with many meeting or exceeding their budget goals, suggesting a favorable trend for organizations adopting this approach.

2.       Charity Auction

Start by determining the types of prizes that will interest your participants. Form a team of volunteers to research and request in-kind donations from local businesses, ensuring a variety of items. 

Provide your team with talking points to effectively communicate your mission and auction details. Assign specific tasks to different team members to cover a wide range of potential donors and avoid duplication. 

Finally, always express gratitude to donors for their contributions to foster lasting relationships and future support​​.

Running the Event

To make your charity auction successful, focus on a well-organized presentation and promotion. Display items attractively with clear descriptions and values. 

Utilize a user-friendly bidding system, whether paper-based for silent auctions or a dynamic live auctioneer for live events. Keep the energy high and engage with participants throughout the event to encourage higher bids. 

3.       Pledge for Acts of Kindness

A "Pledge for Acts of Kindness" fundraiser involves individuals committing to perform specific kind acts and seeking sponsors to pledge a certain amount for each act completed. 

This engages the community in meaningful service while raising funds for the church.

How to Plan?

Planning requires setting clear goals, defining the types of acts to be performed, and creating a system for tracking and verifying these acts. 

Communication is key, so promoting the event through social media, church bulletins, and word of mouth is essential. Equip participants with resources and ideas for acts of kindness to ensure a wide range of activities.

For a successful "Pledge for Acts of Kindness" campaign, ensure a smooth experience with the right tools, set clear goals to guide participants, create an emotional connection to motivate giving, and follow up effectively to collect pledges. 

4.       Handmade Prayer Beads Sale

A Handmade Prayer Beads Sale involves the church community crafting personalized prayer beads and selling them as spiritual aids. 

This can cater to various Christian denominations, with common styles like the Catholic rosary, Anglican prayer beads, and Orthodox prayer rope​​.

How to Plan?

Organize crafting workshops for volunteers, providing guidelines on making different types of beads and incorporating various symbols or charms​​. Plan for both in-person and online sales channels to reach a wider audience.

Crafting and selling personalized prayer aids

Emphasize the personalized nature of the beads, allowing purchasers to choose specific designs or dedications. 

When crafting, ensure quality and durability, and consider using unique materials or designs to make the beads special. Price them reasonably to encourage purchase while reflecting the time and effort put into making them. Promote the sale through church communications and social media.

5.       Church History eBook

Creating a Church History eBook involves collecting and compiling stories, photographs, and historical facts about your church into a digital format. This eBook is then sold to members of the congregation and the broader community, providing both a historical record and a unique keepsake.

Crafting and Selling Personalized Prayer Aids

• Personalization: Offer options for buyers to have personalized pages or sections, perhaps commemorating their family's history with the church.
• Marketing: Promote the eBook through church services, social media, and local community groups. Highlight its value as both a spiritual and historical resource.
• Distribution: Choose a platform for selling the eBook that allows easy access for your congregation and others interested.

6.       Sponsor a Pew

The "Sponsor a Pew" fundraiser allows congregants and community members to donate a specific sum towards the maintenance or enhancement of church pews. 

In return, a personalized plaque or inscription is added to the pew they choose to sponsor. This not only raises funds but also gives donors a lasting connection to the church.

Planning the Fundraiser:

• Assessment: Determine the number of pews available for sponsorship and the amount required for each.
• Promotion: Create promotional materials explaining the significance and benefits of the program.
• Recognition: Plan for a special service or event to acknowledge the donors and unveil the plaques.
• Management: Ensure a system is in place for receiving donations, ordering plaques, and tracking which pews are sponsored.

7.       Faith-based Quiz Night

Faith-based Quiz Nights are fast-paced, fun competitions with questions centered around biblical themes. 

They can be tailored to various audiences within the congregation, including families, youth groups, and couples, adding a social and engaging element to your church activities​​.

Plan the event efficiently, considering the venue and participant capacity. Utilize tools to manage sign-ups and locations, and ensure a smooth experience for participants. 

How to Raise Funds From It?

Charge a small entry fee for each team or individual. You can also host the event in a local venue that might offer space in exchange for publicity or a share of the proceeds. 

Additionally, consider holding a raffle or selling snacks and beverages to boost fundraising.

8.       Talent Show Fundraiser

A Talent Show Fundraiser is an event where community members showcase their unique talents to raise money for a cause. It’s an effective way to bring people together and enjoy a variety of performances while supporting the church​​.

Planning and Execution

Careful planning is essential for a successful event. Consider the logistics of the venue, performers, and judges. 

Include fundraising elements like silent auctions, raffles, or donation drives to maximize revenue. Working with local businesses for auction items or prizes can also boost funds​​.

9.       Church Work Day

Organize a Church Work Day where members come together for maintenance and improvement projects. 

Begin by assessing what needs to be done and creating a detailed list of tasks and necessary materials. Communicate the vision and the specific projects to the congregation, getting them excited about the improvements​​.

How to Raise Funds From It?

Encourage donations for specific projects or general upkeep. You could ask for contributions towards materials or general donations. 

Offering the community a chance to sponsor particular projects can also raise funds. Ensure the day is well-organized, fun, and fulfilling, encouraging future participation and support​

10.   Monthly Pledge Drive

A Monthly Pledge Drive involves church members committing to a small, regular donation over time. Donors decide the frequency and amount, offering a predictable income stream for the church. 

This method is beneficial as recurring donors often contribute up to 42% more annually than one-time donors​​.

How to Raise Funds From It?

• Enable Recurring Giving: Automate donations at chosen intervals to simplify the process for both the church and the donors​​.
• Online and In-Person Options: Make giving easy with online platforms featuring mobile-friendly forms and in-person tools like donation kiosks and text-to-give functionality​​.
• Clear Deadlines and Reminders: Establish and communicate clear deadlines for pledges and provide regular reminders to keep donors engaged and committed to their pledges