Ideas for Fundraising in a Church

Pew Auction

During major holidays like Christmas and Easter, church attendance can go up significantly. Make the most of the larger congregation by holding a pew auction. Auction off the first few pews in the church: the highest bidder gets to use the whole pew on the day of the popular service. This type of fundraiser is good-natured and fun and provides parishioners the opportunity to reserve a place to sit without needing to show up an hour early. Bidders will feel good about the purchase because it is supporting a good cause.

Around the holidays or on a random weekend, offer a Parents' Night Out fundraiser. Set up games and snacks in the church kitchen or rec room; in the summer, play outdoor games. Charge families a fee per child for the afternoon or evening and allow them to drop kids off while they take care of shopping, go on a date, relax, or get things done around the house. People are likely to feel safe leaving their kids with a church, which can prompt community members to join in. Ask your Sunday school teachers or high school kids to help during the event for supervision purposes.

Give busy families the chance to buy a hearty, healthy meal without the hassle of cooking with a stew sale. Use your church's kitchen to cook large pots of soup, making sure to include a vegetarian option. Choose hearty dishes, like chili or beef stew, which can act as a meal on their own. Ask people to bring their own containers or serve soup in styrofoam containers with lids; include a loaf of bread for dipping. Customers can stop by to pick up their hot soup on the way home from work and give their families a hot meal without much effort.

On a hot summer day, give local families a new outing opportunity with a water war fundraiser. In your church yard, set up a variety of water-based activities for kids of all ages. You can have a water balloon toss, wading pools for small children, a wet body slide, and sprinkler jumping. Put out chairs for parents in the shade and charge a fee per family or per child; sell frozen refreshments for extra profit. Parents can visit with friends and enjoy cool drinks while they watch their children enjoying the water.