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Keeping a church running and growing takes a lot of faith, a clear focus, and constant funding. Whether you’re planning a costly renovation, supporting outreach programs, or simply covering your day-to-day expenses, fundraising is essential to making it all happen.
But finding fresh, effective ways to raise money that also bring your congregation together—that can be challenging.
Let’s dive into 50 church fundraising ideas—everything from quick, low-effort events that can bring in immediate cash to bigger initiatives like building funds and youth-led initiatives.
For your convenience, we’ve broken this list down into five main categories:
Fundraising doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan that requires tons of coordination, money, and resources to get off the ground. You can often do a lot by simply redirecting something you already do every day (like baking or washing a car) and using that as a lever to raise funds for your church.
Let’s take a look at some of these simple and low-cost fundraising ideas.
One of the best examples of this is the humble church bake sale. For instance, if you are already baking cookies for your daughter’s school function next week, you can throw in an extra batch or two for the church to sell.
If you can get 2–5 more people to do the same, you’ll have enough baked goods for a decent bake sale that can rake in a few hundred dollars. If you repeat this process once a month or even once a quarter, you can raise thousands of dollars for your congregation.
Hosting a community yard sale is a simple way to raise money while helping people declutter. It’s low-cost, easy to organize, and a great way to bring the community together.
Start by asking congregation members to donate items they no longer need. Set up tables in the church parking lot or a common area, and you’re ready to go.
Then, promote the sale to your local community. People outside the congregation love a good bargain, and a big yard sale appeals to everyone. Plus, you’re giving people an opportunity to give in a way that doesn’t feel like they’re spending extra money. You could host these church events seasonally to keep funds coming in.
A church potluck is one of the easiest ways to raise funds and bring people together. You don’t need a big budget. Everyone brings their favorite dish. Then, you charge a small entry fee or ask for donations at the door.
Potlucks are popular because people love to gather and eat. It gives everyone a chance to contribute. The food is homemade, and there’s something for everyone. Plus, gathering around the table is inherently a communal experience. So, while you are raising money, you’re also strengthening your community.
A charity car wash is a classic church fundraising event. It’s easy to organize, and all you need is a few buckets, some soap, and willing volunteers. It’s also a great way to involve kids in your community.
Everyone’s cars get dirty, so there is always a need for a good car wash. Plus, people are always willing to help out a good cause while getting something in return. Hosting a few car washes a year in busy locations can bring in quite a bit of much-needed donations.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas, like a donation or tip jar, are the best. You’ll want to set up these jars at high-traffic spots, like the church entrance or local businesses, and watch the donations come in. Be sure to clearly indicate where the donations will go and what they’ll be used for.
A donation jar campaign works because it’s a visible and easy reminder. Everyone has spare change they’re willing to part with. The key is staying consistent.
A 50/50 raffle is fun and easy. Half of the money raised goes to the church, and the other half goes to the winner. Sell raffle tickets before or after services or during events. Once enough tickets are sold, you draw a winner.
These are effective because people like the idea of winning something while supporting a cause. It’s a low-cost, high-reward way to raise funds. You can run a raffle alongside other events to boost engagement and raise even more.
A silent auction can bring in serious money for the church. Gather donated items from businesses and congregation members. This can be anything from free meals at local restaurants to free vacation deals. Then, you’ll need to set up a space where people can browse and place their bids. This can be done in person or online on your donation page.
Silent auctions are popular because people love getting a good deal while supporting a cause. They can be competitive without the pressure of bidding publicly. Plus, it allows you to gather a wide range of items. Pairing it with another event can increase participation and funds raised.
Custom t-shirts are a fun way to raise money and build unity within the church. Design a shirt with a meaningful message. Then, take pre-orders from the members of your church.
Your church members get something tangible in return for their donation. And, it’s a walking advertisement for your church. Plus, you don’t need to spend much upfront, as many print-on-demand companies let you only pay for what you sell.
A movie night is a fun and easy way to raise funds while offering families a night out. All you need is a projector, a family-friendly movie, and some popcorn. Charge a small entry fee and sell snacks.
This works because it’s a low-cost event that appeals to families. It brings people together in a relaxed setting, and these events are also easy to repeat.
A craft fair lets your congregation and local artisans showcase their creativity through handmade goods. You can set up booths, and take a small percentage of each sale to raise funds.
A craft fair supports both the church and the local community. People love handmade goods, and this type of event draws in both congregation members and outsiders. It also creates a positive association with the church. If done annually, it can become a beloved community tradition.
Youth fundraising ideas are popular because they not only bring in more money, but also teach the youngest congregation members valuable skills and lessons about leadership, responsibility, and community.
Here are some of our favorite youth fundraising ideas.
Hosting a church talent show is a great way to entertain kids while raising funds for your ministry. It’s an opportunity for all of the kids in your church to showcase their skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, or performing magic tricks. It also brings the congregation together for a fun night of entertainment.
This idea works because it gives kids the chance to take ownership of the event. From planning the logistics to promoting it within the church, they’ll be involved in every step. Charge an entry fee and offer refreshments to raise additional funds.
A sponsored walk or run encourages your youth group to stay active while raising money. Participants collect pledges from family and friends for each mile or lap they complete. It’s easy to organize and can take place at a local park, school, or even around the church grounds.
Sponsored physical activities like this promote personal health while giving the youth group a goal to work toward. It’s a great way to involve the wider community by inviting people to sponsor kids as they learn teamwork, resilience, and perseverance.
A youth group car wash is a tried-and-true fundraiser that is practically guaranteed to work every time. Gather some buckets, sponges, and volunteers, and set up in the church parking lot. It’s an event that requires minimal setup but can bring in a lot of funds.
The car wash also gives kids a hands-on role. They’ll be doing the work—holding up signs to create excitement, engaging with the community, and learning the value of effort. It also teaches responsibility and teamwork. With good promotion and a busy location, a car wash can easily raise quite a bit of money in a single day.
Hosting a pancake breakfast is a fun and delicious way for your youth group to raise money. The kids can help cook, serve, and clean up. They can also charge a small fee or ask for donations in exchange for a hearty breakfast.
This idea works because it brings people together over food. It’s simple to organize, and who doesn’t love pancakes? Plus, it gives kids a chance to develop leadership skills while contributing to the church. The combination of good food and a good cause is a winning formula.
Offering a church babysitting night is an excellent way for your youth group to serve families in the congregation while raising funds. Parents drop off their kids for a few hours of fun, while your youth group and church leaders watch over them. Charge a fee per child, and the funds can add up.
Providing a valuable service for families is even more valuable when it includes teaching older kids responsibility. It’s a practical way to raise money and support the church at the same time.
A serve-a-thon involves your youth group volunteering to do chores, yard work, or other services in exchange for donations. They can ask neighbors, family, and congregation members to pledge donations for each task they complete.
Kids get hands-on experience, whether they’re raking leaves, washing windows, or running errands. The serve-a-thon also fosters a sense of responsibility and builds a connection with the wider community.
You can also empower kids to organize a garage sale. Have them gather things they have outgrown (like old toys, books, sports gear, etc.) to raise funds by collecting items from their families and the congregation to sell. It’s a simple but effective way to bring in money, and it gives them a chance to practice organizational, leadership, and promotional skills.
The youth group can fully own collecting items, setting up, and running the sale. It fosters leadership and teaches valuable lessons about managing an event from start to finish.
Most preteens and teens are heavy social media users, so why not let them lead a social media fundraising campaign. They can create posts, videos, or challenges to raise awareness and encourage online donations.
Social media fundraisers can reach a wider audience than more old-school methods. By combining creativity with tech skills, kids can raise money while developing digital marketing experience.
Similar to a talent show, a church art auction gives your youth group a chance to showcase their creativity while raising money. Encourage kids to create artwork and auction them off to the congregation.
People love supporting kids, especially when they can purchase something that has been made with care. The art auction also teaches them the value of their unique talents while giving them hands-on involvement in the fundraising process.
Create a themed church escape room experience inside the church filled with puzzles and clues related to Bible stories or church history. You can also charge teams to enter the escape room and solve the puzzles within a set time.
Escape rooms are popular out-of-the-box activities and attract people looking for something fun and interactive to do. The unique church-related theme gives it a special twist, so it is both educational and entertaining. Plus, it can attract groups from outside the church community.
This is a twist on a serve-a-thon, where you offer the church’s youth group as “helpers for hire” for a day. Congregation members or community members can donate money to have a teen or group of teens help with yard work, cleaning, or small household tasks.
It’s like a hands-on, mini-community service project that gives teens an active role in the church’s fundraising efforts.
Sometimes, you need to raise money for large projects, like church renovations or even building new additions or buildings.
These fundraising ideas are designed to bring in steady streams of donations on a longer time scale.
A capital campaign is one of the most effective ways to raise significant funds for large-scale projects like renovations or new church buildings. This involves setting a clear financial goal and rallying the congregation and community to contribute over a set number of months or even years.
The key to this church fundraising idea is to set up structured giving. People can make pledges or one-time donations toward the specific goal, and know exactly what their money is supporting. Capital campaigns are successful because they focus on a clear, tangible outcome.
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A brick sale is a creative way to fundraise for new buildings or building additions. Donors purchase a brick with their name, family name, or a meaningful message engraved on it. These bricks then become part of the new church building, walkway, or memorial wall.
This idea is deeply personal and lasts a long time. Donors love the idea of leaving a permanent mark on the church. The symbolism of each brick helps people feel connected to the project, and the opportunity to physically see their donation become part of the structure is also motivating.
Promoting legacy gifts involves encouraging congregation members to include the church in their estate planning process.
Legacy gifts taps into long-term giving potential after someone passes away and can provide substantial contributions. It’s a thoughtful way for people to leave a lasting impact on the church’s future. Promoting this type of giving ensures that the building fund continues to grow, even after the immediate fundraising campaign ends.
A sponsorship campaign focuses on getting local businesses to sponsor the building project in exchange for recognition, such as plaques, banners, or named rooms within the church.
Businesses often have larger budgets than individuals and can make sizable contributions. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Businesses gain positive exposure in the community, while the church receives a substantial financial boost.
Sponsorship campaigns can also attract major donors who might not otherwise be connected to the congregation but see the value in supporting a community project.
A benefit concert is an excellent way to bring the community together for an enjoyable evening while raising funds. You can invite local bands, choirs, or even well-known artists to perform, charge an admission fee, and accept additional donations during the event.
The benefit of this church fundraising idea is that concerts draw large crowds, and people are willing to pay for a good cause. It’s a way to raise money while also raising awareness about the building project. Concerts can bring in substantial funds, especially when combined with other fundraising elements like merchandise sales or VIP tickets.
A gala dinner is a formal church fundraising event that can raise a lot of money in a short period of time for your building project. It typically includes a dinner, live entertainment, and a keynote speech with tickets sold at a premium price. You can also include additional fundraising activities, like silent auctions or raffles, to maximize contributions.
These events work well as they attract high-level donors who are willing to give more in exchange for an upscale, memorable experience.
A charity golf tournament is a fun and high-impact way to raise money for your building project. You can charge participants an entry fee and seek sponsorships for holes, prizes, and refreshments.
Golf tournaments appeal to a specific group of people who often have a high net worth, are competitive, and are willing to spend more for causes they support. It also provides multiple fundraising avenues from entry fees to sponsorships and even auctions at the tournament.
You can also host charity tournaments on a quarterly, biannual, or annual basis for added donations.
In a buy-a-pew campaign, donors sponsor a church pew by making a significant contribution, and in return, a plaque with their name or dedication is placed on the pew.
Buy-a-pew campaigns often attract larger contributions because donors see it as a meaningful, tangible way to support the project while being recognized for their generosity in a permanent, visible way.
A building fund pledge drive encourages congregation members to commit to giving a specific amount of money for a given calendar year. This allows for larger donations to be broken into manageable, smaller monthly or quarterly payments.
This works because it makes giving more accessible. Even people who can’t give large sums immediately can still contribute significantly over time and it means you have a steady stream of revenue coming in.
These seasonal fundraising events and initiatives perform well because you tap into existing excitement. This creates momentum, which in turn, leads to more participation from your community.
Selling Christmas trees is a great seasonal fundraiser. You can partner with a local tree farm or purchase trees at wholesale prices to resell to the congregation and the broader community.
Almost everyone in your congregation participates in holiday traditions like Christmas tree sales. People are excited about decorating their homes, and by offering trees for sale, you provide convenience while raising money. This type of fundraiser draws in large crowds, and the festive atmosphere can make it a cornerstone of your holiday fundraising efforts.
Hosting an Easter egg hunt is a family-friendly event that draws lots of attention especially from families with young children. You can charge a small admission fee or sell tickets in advance. Adding prizes or raffles makes the event even more exciting.
Families are eager to participate, and the excitement of the hunt keeps people coming back year after year. It’s a fun, seasonal event that generates a lot of community involvement along with funds.
A Thanksgiving meal drive involves collecting food donations or selling pre-prepared meal boxes to raise funds for the church. You can also ask for monetary donations to provide meals for those in need during the holiday.
The meal drive draws in a lot of support because people love the idea of helping others during the holidays. It generates excitement by combining the spirit of giving with the opportunity to support a meaningful cause.
A Valentine’s Day banquet is a perfect event for couples and families looking to celebrate the holiday together. You can host a dinner at the church, charge for tickets, and include special touches like live music or a raffle to boost fundraising.
A banquet can also create a romantic or family-friendly environment that attracts large participation. The excitement of a themed event around a holiday ensures a strong turnout, and it’s a great way to raise significant funds while bringing the community together.
A fall harvest festival is a seasonal event that brings together your community for food, games, and activities. You can have booths for crafts, baked goods, and games, charging admission or selling tickets for individual activities.
Fall church events naturally draw in large crowds because people are excited about the change in season and looking for ways to celebrate. The variety of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, and the festive atmosphere makes it a highly engaging fundraiser that can become an annual tradition.
For a tree planting event, donors can sponsor a tree in their name or in honor of a loved one. You can gather your community together for the tree planting, or do this individually.
This appeals to a wider audience, including people who may not attend church but are passionate about the environment. It also positions the church as a community leader in sustainability efforts.
A Fourth of July BBQ combines classic American traditions with fundraising. You can host a BBQ with an entry fee and include an auction or raffle to increase donations. It’s a fun opportunity to celebrate the holiday while supporting a good cause.
The combination of food, community, and a holiday celebration guarantees a bigger turnout.
This church fundraiser involves getting sponsors for people’s New Year’s resolutions. Congregation members or community participants set a resolution, like running a marathon or losing weight, and friends or family sponsor them with donations to the church.
At the beginning of the year, people are motivated to improve themselves, and their friends and family want to support them. The sponsorship model encourages large-scale participation, and since resolutions often last for months, it can generate long-term support for the church.
Selling Advent calendars is a great way to raise money during the Christmas season. You can create custom calendars that feature church-related themes or partner with a local business to provide the products.
This also creates excitement as people count down to Christmas, and the limited-time nature of the product ensures a high level of interest.
Similar to a Christmas Tree drive, a pumpkin patch fundraiser is a simple and effective way to raise money during the fall. You can sell pumpkins in the church parking lot or partner with a local farm.
Pumpkin patches naturally attract families and community members looking to celebrate the season. So, you’ll get people excited and draw bigger crowds.
If a global pandemic taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need to be in person to make a big impact. Here are some of our favorite virtual fundraising ideas that can help you raise awareness and funds from a much broader audience.
An online giving campaign is one of the easiest and most effective ways to raise funds virtually. You set up a dedicated page (using a tool like Subsplash) where people can make donations and share it through email, social media, and your church website. It’s quick to launch and allows for one-time or recurring donations.
Online giving campaigns tap into a larger pool of supporters who may want to contribute but aren’t physically attending services.
A virtual auction allows you to raise money by auctioning off items online. Congregation members or local businesses can donate goods or services, and participants can bid from anywhere through a dedicated platform.
Instead of limiting the auction to attendees of an in-person event, you can attract bids from people all over, even outside your immediate community.
A virtual auction generates excitement and competition, while the ability to participate remotely allows for more involvement than a traditional auction.
Hosting a live-streamed concert or special musical performance gives people the chance to enjoy entertainment from the comfort of their homes while donating to the church through a simple online portal. You can feature local talent or even bring in musicians or speakers from afar.
People who might not be able to attend in person can still participate. Livestreamed events can also be engaging and interactive, and the option to donate during the event makes it easy for viewers to contribute in real time.
A crowdfunding campaign lets you raise money through platforms like GoFundMe or a dedicated church fundraising site. You set a financial goal, share the campaign widely, and encourage people to donate and share the link.
This taps into networks far beyond your immediate congregation, as people share the campaign with their friends and family. Crowdfunding campaigns are powerful because they spread quickly and allow many small donations to add up to a significant amount.
Text-to-give campaigns allow donors to contribute by simply texting a number with their donation amount. This method is quick and easy, and it’s especially useful during virtual events or online services where people are already engaged.
This fundraising campaign works because of its simplicity and accessibility. People can give immediately, without needing to visit a website or attend in person. It’s also a great way to reach a broader audience. By promoting the campaign through social media, email, or during livestreams, you can tap into supporters far beyond your local congregation.
Hosting a virtual trivia night is a fun way to bring people together online while raising funds. Participants pay a fee to join, and you can offer prizes for the winners. It’s a great way to engage your congregation and beyond with some lighthearted competition.
This works because trivia nights appeal to a wide audience and are easy to host virtually. The more people you involve, the more funds you raise.
Plus, you can repeat this format often. All you need to do to keep it fresh is change the trivia theme or topic.
An online raffle allows people to buy tickets remotely for a chance to win prizes. You can promote the raffle through social media, email, and your website.
Moving the raffle online removes the limitations of geography. Anyone can participate, which means you’re tapping into a much larger audience. The virtual nature allows people to buy tickets at their convenience, and you’ll be more likely to see higher participation and donations.
A virtual bingo night gives participants the chance to play from home while raising money for the church. You sell bingo cards online, then host the event through a platform like Zoom or Facebook Live.
Interactive events like these appeal to people of all ages. The relaxed, fun nature of bingo encourages participation, and the more players you have, the more funds you can raise.
A digital cookbook fundraiser allows you to collect recipes from church members and put them together in an ebook format. Then, you can sell the cookbook online.
With a digital product, there are no printing or shipping costs, and you can sell to people far beyond your local congregation. The convenience of an online purchase makes it accessible to anyone who wants to support the church, regardless of location.
A virtual talent show gives members of the congregation a chance to show off their skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, or playing an instrument. People can tune in from anywhere, and you can sell tickets or ask for donations during the event.
Family and friends from all over can watch and donate, creating more opportunities to raise funds. The excitement of a live, virtual event keeps people engaged and encourages participation from a wider group.
From low-cost community events to long-term church building campaigns, there’s something here for every congregation. By choosing a mix that fits your church's unique culture, you can engage both your local members and the wider community in meaningful ways.
If you are looking for a platform with the best church fundraising tools that make it easy to organize, collect, and manage all of these funds, give Subsplash a try. [.blog-contact-cta]Book your free demo here. [.blog-contact-cta]
