Churches are businesses, much like non-profit organizations. The goal isn't to make a profit, but the organization must have funds to continue operations and pay staff members who support the mission. Finding these funds can be challenging, so churches need to think outside the box. In addition to asking congregants for financial support, churches need to look outside the organization. What are some fundraising ideas a church might consider using? 

Matching Grants

Ask congregants to learn whether their employers offer matching grants for charitable donations. If so, ask members to make donations to the church through the employer rather than during services. While a person might only donate a few dollars each week, the employer match can help these funds add up. Churches can bring in significantly more money by making this simple request. Businesses might also be willing to match contributions, so it never hurts to reach out and ask, as fundraising for your church must be ongoing. 

Bail Out

When hosting a child's event at the church, have the pastor put "in jail." Ask children to bring coins to help bail the pastor out. They will think it is fun to see the pastor locked up and will work hard to help release them. Parents can encourage children to work around the home or neighborhood to help raise funds for this event, and the church is the recipient of any money brought in. 

Provide Meals

Church members may want to come together and create easy dishes families can pick up after the service and take home so they don't have to cook. For example, a few church members may come together to make pulled pork, coleslaw, or subs. After each service, they stand outside and sell the food to families as they leave. Church members will have an easy meal so they can spend the day relaxing, and the money paid will be used to support their church. All profits from the sale after the cost of the food has been deducted go directly to supporting the organization. 

Travel Raffle

Contact local travel agents to see if they will donate a trip to the church. Raffle this trip off and bring in funds. The trip may be somewhere nearby or a pilgrimage to the land where Jesus walked. It depends on what the travel agent is willing to provide. The further the destination, the more money a church may make, as people are willing to spend on a raffle ticket if they think they may win something of significantly greater value. 

Host a Lock-In

Kids love staying up late but may not get the opportunity to do so often. Consider hosting an overnight lock-in. Partner with a local business to rent their facility overnight and invite children and parents to participate for a fee. Many companies will reduce ticket prices for churches and allow them to keep any extra funds collected. Find a local venue that caters to children and parents and reach out with this request. Venues to consider include bowling alleys, museums, and arcades. 

Every church needs funds to operate, but finding these funds can be difficult. Try new ways to generate funds, including the fundraisers outlined above. Churches that do so find that the focus can remain on sharing the word of religious leaders rather than trying to keep the doors open. Everyone benefits when a church can stay true to its mission without worrying about how it will pay the bills.