7 Best Church Fundraising Ideas For All Church Sizes In 2025

Managing church finances while keeping the ministry thriving is no small task. And, when you're short on church fundraising ideas, it can feel like you're constantly hitting roadblocks:

• Weekly expenses seem to outpace what comes in, no matter how much you cut back.
• You start to feel discouraged, wondering how to inspire generosity without seeming pushy.
• Long-term ministry goals get sidelined because there's just no budget to make them happen.

These challenges happen because it’s tough to find fresh, effective fundraising ideas that fit your church’s unique culture and needs.

This list of church fundraising ideas will inspire you with practical, creative ways to meet your financial goals while keeping your congregation engaged. Whether you’re looking for big events or smaller efforts, regardless of what church giving software you're using, you’ll find fundraising ideas that work for churches of all sizes.

Let’s get started!

What Is A Church Fundraiser?

Every nonprofit needs to raise funds, but church fundraising campaigns often work a little differently. Churches rely heavily on their own communities for support, as the mission is rooted in shared faith and values.

That said, community members outside your congregation might not jump at the chance to buy cookies at a bake sale or attend a church-hosted event. But don’t let that discourage you! With the right approach, you can create fundraisers that bring people together—inside and outside your church—while meeting real needs.

The key is to think beyond your congregation and focus on what your community values. When your fundraising efforts show how they’ll make an impact, it’s easier to connect with everyone, not just your regular attendees.

How Can I Raise Money For My Church

Church members are usually eager to help with fundraisers—they know the money goes straight back into ministries they care about. But to get your broader community involved, you’ve got to show them how your efforts benefit more than just your church.

More Ways to Fundraise

Sometimes, it takes a bit of creativity to keep your fundraising efforts exciting. Unique ideas like themed dinner nights, coffee shop Sundays, or scripture mastery challenges can bring in donations while creating a memorable experience for participants. These types of activities work well because they’re fun, engaging, and offer something out of the ordinary for both church members and the larger community.

I’ve been part of a lot of church fundraisers over the years, and the ones that really succeed all share a common thread: they make a connection between the church’s mission and the needs of the community.

Here’s how you can do the same:

1. Spot a Need in Your Community
   Look around and think about where your community might need help. Maybe it’s food insecurity, youth programs, or even a safe space for families to gather. If it overlaps with your church’s mission, you’ve found a great starting point.
2. Build Bridges Beyond Your Church
   Reach out to people outside your congregation. Share your vision for the fundraiser and how it will help the whole community, not just your church. You might be surprised by how many people want to support meaningful causes.
3. Align Your Fundraiser With the Community’s Needs
   Be clear about how your fundraiser will make a difference. If people see the direct impact, they’re more likely to get involved.
4. Keep Track of Everything
   Use tools like donor management software or even a simple spreadsheet to track your efforts. Knowing what works and what doesn’t will save you time (and stress) for future fundraisers.

Once you’ve nailed down these basics, you’ll be ready to roll out some exciting ideas to support your church budget. Speaking of which...

7 Church Fundraiser Ideas

These church fundraising ideas are easy to adapt for churches of all sizes. They’ll help you raise money and build relationships, both within your congregation and in your community.

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1. Community Yard Sale

Got members with garages full of “treasures” they’d like to clear out? Organize a yard sale where people can donate items or rent a booth to sell their own. Add a bake sale or a car wash to the mix, and you’ve got an event that brings everyone together while raising money for your church.

2. Valentine’s Date Dinner

Offer a low-cost, family-friendly date night. Provide a meal, entertainment, and even babysitting services so couples can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win for parents and your fundraising goals!

3. Community Game Night

Pull out the board games, set up some tables, and invite the neighborhood over for a night of fun. Charge a small fee to participate, and you’ve got an easy, low-cost event that’s sure to bring people together.

Youth & Family Fundraising Activities

Getting young people and families involved in fundraising is a great way to strengthen relationships while raising funds for your church. Ideas like babysitting nights, family movie nights, or even scavenger hunts encourage participation across all age groups and help foster a sense of community. These activities are easy to organize and can create lasting memories while supporting your cause.

4. Holiday-Themed Events

Your Easter egg hunts or Christmas programs can double as fundraisers. Instead of charging an entry fee, ask for donations and invite the whole community to join in the fun. People love these events, and they’re a great way to connect with families who don’t regularly attend church.

5. Rent Out Your Space

If your church has a building or even a large parking lot, consider renting it out for events like birthdays, weddings, or meetings. It’s a practical way to raise funds while supporting the community.

6. Competitive Events

Host something fun like a chili cook-off, trivia night, or even a mini-eSports tournament. These types of events appeal to a wide range of people and give your congregation and community a reason to come together.

7. Raffles and Auctions

People love the chance to win something cool. Partner with local businesses to secure prizes, and sell tickets or auction off donated items. You can even tie this into another event like a dinner or game night to make it extra special.

As you track and manage these kinds of events, make sure you track all of your donor information with a donor management software so you can show your appreciation for their support specifically after the event is a huge success.

about your ongoing training...

Leadership development is often overlooked due to busy schedules and the cost of church leadership conferences or church technology conferences. However, without ongoing training, leadership skills decline, limiting church impact. Whether through pastor conferences or a church administration certification, investing in leadership keeps the church strong and growing.

Keep Fundraising Ideas for Your Church Simple!

Running a church fundraiser doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The most important thing is to let people know about it! Use social media, your church website, and even flyers to spread the word.

Explore Digital and Virtual Fundraising

Online platforms make it easier than ever to fundraise. Tools like online giving pages, eCards, and virtual events allow you to connect with your congregation and beyond—even when they can’t attend in person. By offering options like live-streamed events or an easy way to give online, you can make donating more convenient and accessible for everyone.

Enhance Church Giving with Tech

Technology has made giving easier than ever. Mobile giving apps, text-to-tithe options, and diverse payment methods streamline the donation process, allowing your congregation to give whenever and however works best for them. These tools not only make fundraising more efficient but also appeal to younger generations who prefer digital payment options.

When you focus on the needs of your community and show how your church is stepping up to help, fundraising becomes more than just raising money or chasing church grants—it becomes ministry in action.

If you’re looking for more ways to simplify your efforts, check out church giving software to help with donations and explore additional tools to make organizing your events easier.

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