1. Faith-Based Fundraising Ideas

a) Tithes and Offerings Drive

• Encourage members of your congregation or supporters to give special contributions beyond their usual tithes and offerings.

• Promote the drive during church services or events, emphasizing the specific cause (e.g., supporting homeless shelters).

b) Prayer-A-Thon

• Host a 24-hour (or extended) prayer event where participants commit to praying for specific causes.

• Ask participants to seek sponsorships or donations for each hour they pray.

c) Scripture Memorization Challenge

• Organize a fun challenge where participants memorize Bible verses for pledges.

• Donors can contribute a specific amount per verse memorized.

d) Church Bake Sale

• Host a bake sale after services or during community events.

• Ask members to donate baked goods, and sell them to raise funds.

e) Special Worship Concert

• Organize a gospel or worship concert featuring your church choir or local Christian artists.

• Sell tickets or ask for donations during the event.

 

2. Community-Based Fundraising Ideas

a) Community Food Drive with Donations

• Partner with local businesses and community members to collect food donations.

• Ask for monetary contributions alongside the food drive to support your homeless shelter or other initiatives.

b) Charity Walk or Run

• Host a walkathon or 5K run where participants pay a registration fee and raise sponsorships.

• Include a spiritual or motivational theme related to your nonprofit’s mission.

c) Garage Sale or Thrift Market

• Ask members of your organization to donate items they no longer need and host a community garage sale.

• Proceeds go directly to your nonprofit’s programs.

d) Family Fun Day

• Host a community event with games, food, and activities for families.

• Charge a small admission fee or request donations for participation in activities.

e) Volunteer-a-Thon

• Organize a day of service where volunteers help with community projects (e.g., cleaning parks, assisting at homeless shelters).

• Ask supporters to sponsor volunteers for their time and effort.

 

3. Online and Digital Fundraising Ideas

a) Crowdfunding Campaign

• Use platforms like GoFundMe, Donorbox, or Givebutter to create an online fundraising campaign.

• Share your nonprofit’s story, mission, and specific fundraising goals (e.g., building a shelter, providing meals).

• Promote the campaign on social media and through email newsletters.

b) Social Media Challenges

• Create a viral challenge (e.g., #JehovahSaintsChallenge) where participants donate and challenge others to do the same.

• Tie the challenge to your mission, such as helping the homeless or providing community outreach services.

c) Virtual Worship or Bible Study Donations

• Host virtual worship services or Bible study sessions and encourage attendees to donate online.

• Use platforms like PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo to make it easy for people to give.

d) Monthly Giving Program

• Set up a recurring donation program where supporters commit to giving a small amount monthly.

• Promote it as a way to provide consistent support for your mission.

e) Online Auction

• Collect donated items or services from members or local businesses and auction them online.

• Use platforms like eBay for Charity or BiddingOwl to host the auction.

 

4. Events and Activities

a) Benefit Dinner or Banquet

• Host a formal dinner or banquet to raise funds.

• Sell tickets and include a silent auction, raffles, or donation appeals during the event.

b) Talent Show or Open Mic Night

• Organize a talent show featuring members of your community or congregation.

• Charge an entry fee for participants and attendees.

c) Movie Night

• Host a family-friendly movie night at your church or community center.

• Charge a small admission fee and sell snacks to raise additional funds.

d) Car Wash

• Organize a car wash with volunteers from your nonprofit or church.

• Ask for donations instead of setting a fixed price.

e) Holiday-Themed Fundraisers

• Host events around holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
  Examples:

  • Christmas caroling with donations.

  • Easter egg hunts with entry fees.

  • Thanksgiving meal drives.

 

5. Partnerships and Sponsorships

a) Partner with Local Businesses

• Ask local businesses to sponsor your nonprofit in exchange for advertising opportunities (e.g., logos on event banners or social media mentions).

b) Corporate Matching Gifts

• Reach out to companies that offer matching gift programs where they match employee donations to nonprofits.

• Encourage your supporters to check if their employers participate in these programs.

 

c) Donation Boxes

• Place donation boxes in local businesses, such as grocery stores, cafes, or retail shops.

• Include information about your nonprofit’s mission to encourage giving.

d) Grants from Faith-Based Organizations

• Apply for grants from organizations that support faith-based initiatives. Examples include:

  • Lilly Endowment https://lillyendowment.org/ 

  • National Christian Foundation https://www.ncfgiving.com/ 

  • The Mustard Seed Foundation https://msfdn.org/ 

 

6. Creative Fundraising Ideas

a) Sponsor-a-Bed Program

• Create a program where donors can "sponsor" a bed in your homeless shelter for a specific amount.

• Share updates with donors about how their contributions are making a difference.

b) Personalized Thank You Gifts

• Offer small thank-you gifts (e.g., custom Bible bookmarks, prayer journals) to donors who contribute a certain amount.

c) Host a Faith-Based Trivia Night

• Organize a trivia night with Bible or faith-based questions.

• Charge an entry fee and award small prizes for winners.

d) Adopt-a-Family Program

• Ask donors to "adopt" a family in need by providing funds to cover specific needs (e.g., meals, clothing, or shelter).

e) Legacy Giving Campaign

• Encourage supporters to include your nonprofit in their wills or estate plans.

• Promote this as a way to leave a lasting legacy of faith and service.

 

7. Engage Your Congregation and Community

• Use sermons, newsletters, and announcements to share your nonprofit’s mission and fundraising goals.

• Emphasize the spiritual impact of their contributions, such as helping the less fortunate and spreading love and hope.