Fundraising has always been a necessity for churches, youth groups, and non-profit organizations.
Most people realize that funding is a tool to do God’s work and the amount of funding earned helps to determine the effectiveness of our giving.
For example if your youth group was going on a mission but there was only enough funds to get half of them to the location then less will be accomplished, or what if you could get everyone there but were not able to bring bibles, food, and that much needed water pump? Fewer people might have their mind open to hearing God’s word.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6)
What is your cause?
Determine the single cause for which all of the money will be used. This needs to be something “extra”. A van for the youth group, a new roof or pews for the church, the 2009 South American Mission. This step is absolutely essential, as the cause must create enthusiasm and determination among the group. The greater the cause the more people will want to participate and make it happen.
Having a fundraiser to pay the utilities or to keep the church alive will not work, if the congregation as a whole were behind those efforts they would have already happened and would be an indicator to the over all success you would have in church fundraising.
How much do you need to raise?
Determine the amount of money that will be required in order to accomplish your cause, this will be your goal.
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it." ( Luke 14:28)
At the start of the fundraising campaign you will want to let everyone know what the goal is and exactly what the fundraiser will pay for. If the fundraiser is to get a new sound/video system for the church write out exactly what is being paid for and how it will benefit the congregation, Sell it!
“This fundraising money will be used to purchase and install:
* 3 woofermajigers
* 1 sound board
* 1 sub processing system
* 1 amplification system
* 3 60×90 overhead projection screen
* 1 3-way projection system
This new sound system will allow our choir and band to be heard crisply and clearly. With our over head projection screens showing the words to songs and hymns everyone will be able to sing along, including new patrons that may not already know the words. Our chorus of joyous voices will raise the roof and lift our spirits! This will also help us to make guest feel welcome and perhaps they will come back and praise with us again… just one more way we can spread God’s word. Additionally if you have you ever missed the first 2 minutes of my sermon while you are looking up the verse you will really appreciate that you will be able to see it on a state of the art overhead screen…….or as the Pastor you could say I am tired of seeing the top of peoples heads for the first two minutes of my sermons”
You must sell it, you must drum up support.
What is your product?
I recommend fundraising discount cards because they are quick, easy and profitable. The church members sell the fundraising cards just like they would sell candy bars or pop corn. They sell for $10 and cost as little as $1.50 each. Supporter can sell 10 - 20 cards. On the front of your fundraising discount card will be your organization’s name, logo, and expiration date. The back will contain twelve (12) to twenty (20) local merchants, each giving a buy one get one free offer or other discount. The cards are valid for one (1) year of continuous use by the bearer.
Since a discount card fundraiser is also a great opportunity for the merchant, most of them will stay with the group for a fundraiser year after year. Some groups actually form waiting lists. Easy Fundraising Cards is great source.
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Continue to remind people why their effort is so important. Communicate daily with everyone involved in the fundraising effort, let them know how it is going, let them hear success stories, praise the efforts of those producing the greatest results, so other will follow. everyone wants to be recognized for their efforts in a successful cause and want to be part of “the buzz”.
Your church fundraising efforts can produce quick revenue to continue God’s work.
