“Church Fundraising Ideas That Work.” You’d think all church leaders would be searching that title in Google in hope to get some needed help with their annual budget, ministry plans or capital expansion needs. But less church leaders than you think actually give it much thought and hope for the best. Let me explain it this way.
Have you ever run out of gas?
Soberingly, the laws of gasoline combustion apply the same to the people of God as anyone (ha)…the same to the senior pastor, elder, deacon, lay leader, church consultant, and even a church fundraising designer (like me). Why, when we have a gage that tells you how much gas you have in the tank, do we still run out of gas? Maybe we are too busy looking at the scenery or most likely we believe we can stretch to the next exit. Whatever the reason, running out of gas can ruin your trip. So a smart driver keeps their eye on the fuel gauge. And, a smart church keeps its fuel tank full. In other words, the smart churches pursues and implements church fundraising ideas that work to meet their short and long-term goals.
You need fuel to do what God has called you to accomplish!
That fuel is obviously provided by financial supporters. Say what? Let me explain.
Small needs can be met by small initiatives.
For instance, let’s say you want to provide scholarships for your students to go to your summer camp. You might need a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. There is no need to reach out to me to develop church fundraising materials for this. Save your money. You might try…
- Holding a car wash. For this you might print up some flyers or make some posters. Send out an email. Easy.
- Pancake breakfast. Who doesn’t love to eat? Again, print up some flyers, make an online and worship announcement, gather the folks, and raise some bucks.
- Have a garage sale. Same communication strategy as above. And hope that people buy your junk as their treasure as they say.
- Sell candy or some other trinket. People don’t really want the candy or trinket but they’ll buy it to support your kids.
For all of the above you don’t need much help. You can do that yourself.
But, for larger funding needs, the more complex the plan needs to be developed, one that includes committing to a true campaign.
Let’s say you need a new AC unit and summer is approaching. That’s more money. Or the parking lot needs painting. That leaking roof must be replaced, or you want modernized renovations. Or you have a chance to buy the house or land next door. All said, if the need is as much as your weekly offering (or much more) then you need a communications campaign that is compelling, consistent and communicates confidence for the vision ahead.
One key part of any plan is clearly communicating the vision behind the need you are trying to meet through the appeal you are making.
I can help you do that! Remember, no matter how badly you need something, without money (fuel) it won’t happen. Therefore, it is critical that people not only “get” what your need is, but that they understand “why” meeting that need is important. If not, they aren’t likely to give to support your current and arising needs. Before you know it, you have run out of gas.