Fundraising for Church Groups

A great idea for a church fundraiser is puttingDo all that you can to make it easy to bid. Tape
together an annual 'Church Feastival' where gooddown bid sheets, pens, and descriptions next to
food, carnival games, auctions, and family funeach auction item. Make sure the descriptions are
combine for a wonderful fundraising event. Thetyped in large fonts so no one has to pull out their
idea is to attract a broad spectrum of the localreading glasses to bid.
population to your fundraiser by having somethingFor large dollar value items, use a live auction
for everybody.format and a professional auctioneer when
The benefit to the church is that manyappropriate. People will donate unusual and valuable
newcomers will form a very positive impressionitems for a good cause, so put the word out well
of your ministry and facilities that will in timeahead of time to friends and local businesses
translate into a larger congregation. And ofabout your auction fundraiser.
course, there's all the wonderful things you can doPublicity tips
with all the funds raised by your 'Feastival.'To draw a big crowd, you have to get the word
Getting startedout about what a great event your 'Feastival' will
You'll need to arrange for carnival games,be. Use your newsletter and email lists to send
inflatable amusements, plenty of good food, livereminders to mark the day and create a sense of
music, tickets, and all the other seemingly endlessanticipation well ahead of the event.
tasks any large fundraising event requires. AlwaysYou can also use flyers, roadside signs, posters
divide and conquer - split up all the major tasksand other traditional methods of attracting
among your organizing committee and don'tattention. Placing carnival rides where they can be
overload any one person.seen by passing traffic is another good way to
Approach local businesses and prominentcreate interest.
congregation members for help with signatureMost importantly, put together a press release
food items such as barbecue, fish fry, corn onand distribute it to all the newspapers, TV and
the cob, regional specialties like oysters or Cajunradio stations in your market. Make sure you put
shrimp, etc. Getting these items donated insteadthe most newsworthy aspect of your fundraiser
of purchased adds tremendously to the bottomin the summary paragraph up top. Include pictures
line.for use by newspapers and offer live broadcast
For live music, work with a booking agent whospots to radio stations.
can line up the right talent for a church fundraiserChurch fundraiser wrap-up
crowd. You want quality entertainment that won'tMake your 'Church Feastival' an annual event by
offend while still encouraging young and old to joincreating the most fun, family-oriented day of
in the fun.entertainment possible. Publicize your event well
Fundraising tipsahead of time and also put the word out about
There are lots of ways to raise funds with a bighow to donate goods and services.
event. You can include additional fundraisingContract for carnival rides and inflatable rentals
activities like a bake sale, a cake walk, facelike a Moonwalk or jump house. Arrange for great
painting, craft sales, and various carnival games.live entertainment and large quantities of excellent
Auctions can raise incredible amounts if you havefood. Saturday or Sunday afternoons work best
desirable goods and services for sale. Groupand remember to allow plenty of space for
together related smaller items into larger giftpeople to just spread out and enjoy everything.
baskets and offer those through silent auctionMake your 'Feastival' your best church fundraiser
bids.ever!