15 Seasonal Fundraising Ideas To Try

Seasonal fundraising in a church refers to the organization of fundraising campaigns that coincide with specific seasons, holidays, or annual events. These campaigns take advantage of the fact that people are more likely to give and care about others around holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. The goal is to raise money for church events, missions, or programs during these busy times when people are more likely to want to help others. There are a lot of different ways to raise money during the holiday season, such as through special collections, events like Christmas bazaars, holiday dinners, or charity drives. It works by appealing to people's natural desire to give and get involved during the time of year. It makes it easier for church members to give while they think about the good things in their lives.

The 15 seasonal fundraising ideas to try are listed below.

• Celebrate Oktoberfest: Putting together an Oktoberfest event is a great way for the church to raise money for church projects while enjoying the season with food, games, and music. The fun atmosphere brings in a lot of different kinds of people and pushes them to get involved in their community.
• Sell Christmas Trees and Wreaths: Donating money raised by selling Christmas trees and wreaths is a good way to support church events or missions. It gives people a job to do and a cause to support during the holidays, which is a great way to get people involved.
• Organize an Earth Day Recycling Drive: An Earth Day recycling drive asks church members to bring in recyclables, which helps the environment and raises money for a good cause. It receives money from donations or by working with recycling projects in the area.
• Plan a Father's Day BBQ: A Father's Day BBQ is a fun way for the church to get together for a time of food and entertainment. It brings the family closer together and gives people a chance to donate, sell tickets, or raise money for church projects.
• Gather for Galentine’s Day: Celebrating the holiday is a fun way for women in the church to get to know each other and raise money for good causes. It usually includes brunches, activities, or events where people get to raise money for outreach projects at their church.
• Light a Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire: The church community is invited to experience an evening of fire, food, and fireworks by hosting a Guy Fawkes Night bonfire event. It is free to celebrate a cultural custom and raise money through ticket sales and donations.
• Arrange a Juneteenth Summer Fair: A Juneteenth summer fair highlights African American culture and history by providing food, music, and activities. The event's proceeds are donated to church projects and programs that reach out to the community.
• Sell Holiday Calendars: Having designs on holiday calendars that relate to the church's mission or the community's celebrations is an easy but effective way to raise money for the church. Members are able to purchase calendars as gifts or for their own use, which raises knowledge and funds at the same time.
• Stream a Chinese New Year Event: Streaming a Chinese New Year party gets people in the church and more people online involved. Traditional music, dance, and teachings are all part of the event, which raises money for missions or community service.
• Host an Outdoor Concert: Setting up a concert outside brings the church community and local singers together for a day of music and fun. Concessions, ticket sales, and on-site donations are all ways to generate money.
• Plan a Golf Outing: A church golf event gives members a chance to play golf and raise money for church projects at the same time. It's a common way to get church members and neighborhood supporters involved in an event that is both casual and important.
• Set Up a Candy Fair: A candy fair is a fun, family-friendly event where people from the community buys homemade or given sweets. It gives people a fun time and a chance to make money for missions or church programs.
• Run Volunteer Events: Church members are able to give back to the community and raise money at the same time by planning volunteer events like a community cleanup or service day. The events get people in the community involved, which builds a sense of giving and care.
• Showcase an Art Contest: Holding an art event is a great way for church members and local artists to show off their work and raise money for church activities. A theme is used to structure the contest, with the proceeds from the sale or auction of entries being donated to the church.

1. Celebrate Oktoberfest

"Celebrating Oktoberfest" is a fun and successful way for small churches to raise money because it gets the congregation and the community together for a fun time. German food, music, dancing, and games are all potential parts of the event. Church members have the opportunity to make and serve the food or run booths. Setup includes making a warm and welcoming space that connects the event to the church's purpose. For example, by having prayer stations or tables with information about what the church is doing. Late September or early October is the best time to hold Oktoberfest because that's when most festivals happen. The party is a great way for small churches to raise money because it brings in both church members and people from the neighborhood, who are able to purchase tickets, food, and drinks, and give money. Oktoberfest is a great way to raise money for the church because it brings people together through fun, community-based events. It makes the church more visible in the community.

2. Sell Christmas Trees And Wreaths

"Sell Christmas Trees and Wreaths" is a popular and successful way for small churches to raise money, especially around the holidays. The church works with local tree growers or buys wreaths and trees in bulk to sell to the members and people in the neighborhood. Set it up by turning the church grounds into a sales area and decorating it with holiday lights and signs. Then, ask church members to help sell, promote, and keep track of the items. Selling Christmas trees and wreaths is best from late November to mid-December, when Advent starts and people are shopping a lot. Offering something tangible for people in the community to buy at the event is very successful because it fits with the holiday spirit and raises money for the church's activities and purpose. The sales offer small churches a chance to connect with their community by bringing in new people and providing a fun activity that helps both the church and people looking for holiday decorations.

3. Organize An Earth Day Recycling Drive

"Organize an Earth Day Recycling Drive" is a great way for small churches to get involved in the community, raise money, and support environmentalism. A designated collection area on the premises of churches is established to facilitate the collection of recyclables, including paper, plastic, glass, and electronics. Volunteers are able to run the drive, sort the items, and even work with nearby recycling centers or trash management services to make sure the items are thrown away properly and that the drive makes money. Earth Day is every April 22, so the best time to hold the celebration is on or around that date. It fits in with the worldwide focus on environmental problems. Earth day recycling fundraiser works because it combines a community service project with a chance to raise money. Members of the church and people in the area are motivated to help protect the environment and support the church's purpose. It's an easy and useful way for small churches to connect with the community, bring attention to important causes, raise money, and help the environment all at the same time.

4. Plan A Father’s Day Bbq

"Planning a Father's Day BBQ" is a great way for small churches to enjoy the community while raising money for church projects and honoring dads. Churches are able to host a BBQ event in their parking lot or outside, with drinks, food on the grill, and games that are fun for the whole family. People who want to help are welcome to make the food, serve it, and run the event. The best time for a BBQ event is on Father's Day, which comes in the middle of June and is a time when many families want to spend time together. The event raises money for the church because it's fun and casual, which makes church members and their families more likely to come and support the cause. Small churches help by building community, getting money for programs, and giving everyone who goes to an unforgettable experience.

5. Gather For Galentine’s Day

"Gather for Galentine's Day" is a fun event that focuses on the community. It's great for small churches that want to get women involved and raise money. The church has the power to organize a brunch, coffee gathering, or craft night for women to join together and celebrate friendship and community, drawing inspiration from the popular Galentine's Day, which is celebrated on February 13th. The church is able to set it up by adding holiday touches to the space and planning activities like a guest speaker, games, or a do-it-yourself project. Guests are welcome to enter or the church asks for gifts during the event. The most optimal time for the event is immediately preceding Valentine's Day, as it coincides with the season of love and friendship. The fundraiser works because it makes people feel welcome and supported, which helps them connect with each other and pushes them to support the church's goals. It is a great opportunity for small churches to foster relationships, collect money for women's ministries or other church projects, and foster a new feeling of community involvement.

6. Light A Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire

"Lighting a Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire" is a great way for small churches to bring people together and make money. Guy Fawkes Night is held on November 5 to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot. Churches are able to set up a bonfire, have food stands, and even have a fireworks show (if they are allowed to) to make the event more fun. The church must have to find a safe place outside, set up the bonfire, find food vendors, and maybe even plan a show or games for the kids. Guy Fawkes night bonfire event must happen in early November, because that's when Guy Fawkes Night is, and people like to get together in the fall. The fundraiser works because it's fun and interesting for families and the community as a whole, which brings in a lot of people and makes it an easy way to get gifts. Small churches are able to use the money they raise to support projects that reach out to the community or other church needs. It helps the congregation feel more united and rooted in tradition.

7. Arrange A Juneteenth Summer Fair

"Arrange A Juneteenth Summer Fair" is a community-focused event that honors Juneteenth, the day that enslaved African Americans were freed, and provides a fun, welcoming atmosphere for families. These kinds of fairs are usually put on by churches, especially small ones, to bring people together, spread information, and make money. There are usually games, food stands, live music, and activities that teach about African American history and culture at the event. Early planning is necessary for churches to secure volunteers, permits, vendors, and event space. Juneteenth (June 19) is the best time to host because summer is the best time to do things outside. The fair is particularly effective for fundraising when combined with donation campaigns, raffles, or ticketed entry. Linking it to the church's purpose and the local community gets people involved and supports it, which makes it a powerful way to reach out spiritually and raise money for church programs.

8. Sell Holiday Calendars

"Sell Holiday Calendars" is a way for churches, especially small ones, to raise money by making and selling custom calendars with holiday themes, Bible quotes, or church events. People in the neighborhood and at the church buy these calendars, and the money from the sales goes to church programs or mission projects. Churches must plan the number of copies to print, make the calendar look good, and let people know about the sale through advertising, social media, and personal contact. People must have options too to buy it via online giving service in case they are unable to attend. These calendars sell best in late fall, right before the holidays, when people are getting ready for the new year. Many people love to give calendars as gifts or use them in their homes, so it is a great way to raise money. Churches are able to raise important funds and build community by linking the calendars to their beliefs, events, and ministry.

9. Stream A Chinese New Year Event

"Stream A Chinese New Year Event" is an online or hybrid event where churches, particularly small ones, celebrate Chinese New Year through virtual programs that include performances, readings from the Bible, testimonies, and games with a Chinese theme. Churches are able to work with local Chinese communities to host music, dances, traditional foods, and holiday conversations while promoting Christian principles. The event is easiest to watch around Chinese New Year, which usually takes place in late January or early February. The event is a great way to raise money if it includes donation choices or a virtual auction, and it must be promoted in the church and the community. Small churches are able to get more people involved, build ties with the Chinese community in their area, and raise money for mission work or church projects by linking the celebration to their outreach efforts.

10. Host An Outdoor Concert

"Host An Outdoor Concert" is a way for churches, especially small ones, to raise money by putting on a live music show outside in a park, community area, or graveyard. Local artists or church members must be booked to perform, permits must be obtained, logistics must be planned (sound equipment, seating, etc.), and the event must be advertised on social media and through church channels. Outside concerts are best in the spring or summer, when the weather is nice and more people are likely to go to events outside. It is a good way to raise money if the church sells tickets, collects gifts, or sells food and drinks. It is best to link such events to the church's purpose, like through gospel music or performances that show the church's values. It helps build relationships in the community and raise money for church activities or outreach programs.

11. Plan A Golf Outing

"Plan A Golf Outing" is a way for churches, especially small ones, to raise money for church programs, missions, or community projects by holding a golf competition. A local golf course must be booked, a tournament style (like best ball or scramble) must be planned, and the event must be advertised to church members, local businesses, and people who support the community. Late spring or early fall are the best times to hold a golf event because the weather is nice and the courses are in good shape. Participants usually pay a fee to play, and sponsors, raffles, or secret auctions bring in extra money. The event is a great way to raise money. It is a fun community event and a meaningful way to raise money for church projects if the event is linked to the church's purpose.

12. Set Up A Candy Fair

"Set Up A Candy Fair" is a fun and interesting way for churches, especially small ones, to raise money. The church candy fair event sells a wide range of candies, sweets, and snacks in a lively setting, often with games, activities, and entertainment. Churches must reserve a space, like the church hall or community center, coordinate candy stations and booths with workers, and spread the word about the fair through flyers, social media, and word of mouth. A candy fair is best held in the fall or around holidays like Easter, when people are more likely to eat sweets. Many people enjoy helping community-driven efforts while satisfying their sweet tooth, such an event is excellent for raising money. Linking the candy fair to church values, like making it a family-friendly place or supporting a certain cause, bring people together. It makes it a great way for small churches to raise money and get involved in their community.

13. Run Volunteer Events

"Run Volunteer Events" is a community-driven project in which churches, especially small ones, set up volunteer chances for their members and the rest of the community to help people in need, support local charities, or make public spaces look better. It's up to the churches to choose the project or cause, find volunteers, plan the details (like getting people there and back), and spread the word about the event through services, social media, and reaching out to people in the community. Spring or fall, when it's nice enough to work outside, or special church service times, like around Christmas or Easter, are the best times to hold volunteer events. Service-oriented events like these are great for raising money because people are more likely to give money or supplies along with their time. Small churches are able to their community, promote service, and raise cash for church programming and outreach by linking volunteer work to their mission and beliefs.

14. Showcase An Art Contest

"Showcase An Art Contest" is a fun way for churches, especially small ones, to raise money. Members and local artists are asked to enter art with a certain theme, like faith, community, or Bible stories. Churches must set up the regulations for the contest, find a location for the art show (such as the fellowship area or church hall), advertise the event to draw people in, and set up a panel of judges or audience members to cast votes. The spring or fall are the best times to hold an art event because churches have time to plan and advertise without having to deal with the holiday crowds. Charging artists entry fees, selling exhibition tickets, or auctioning off the artwork are all viable for fundraising strategies. Connecting the art contest to the church's mission, such as using the topic to reflect its beliefs or raising cash for a project, increases community engagement and promotes creative fundraising.

What Is Seasonal Fundraising?

Seasonal fundraising is a way for groups, like churches, to raise money by timing their fundraising events to coincide with certain holidays or times of the year. The strategy takes advantage of the holiday spirit, customs, and the fact that people are more likely to donate to good causes at certain times of the year. Donations often go up around holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, because people are more likely to give during these times of thought and kindness. Seasonal fundraising involves holiday fairs, themed auctions, or gift drives that are tied to the events of the season. These types of events give the community a chance to get involved in new and interesting ways. People are more likely to give money or care about their neighborhood and family at certain times of the year, which is why seasonal fundraising works so well. The timing of seasonal events makes them perfect for targeted campaigns that create a sense of urgency and excitement around donations and involvement, which leads to more people getting involved and giving money.

How Do Seasonal Fundraising Events Benefit Churches?

Seasonal fundraising events benefit churches because they get people involved in the community, raise money, and give the church a chance to reach out to others. People from the church and the wider community often come together at these events to strengthen relationships and do things that are in line with their values. Churches are able to get new members, spread the word about their goal, and make people feel like they belong by planning events around holidays and popular times of the year. Donations go up at seasonal events like Christmas bazaars, Easter egg hunts, and summer parties by taking advantage of people's desire to give during certain times of the year. These events give churches a chance to meet with people who do not normally go to services, which leads to new members. The theme of these events often fits with the church's purpose, which makes it easy to support local outreach programs, raise money for church projects, and bring attention to good causes. Seasonal activities are time-sensitive, so people feel a feeling of urgency to participate and donate before they end. Seasonal fundraising is a good way for churches to raise money because it focuses on community, service, and the spirit of giving.

What Are The Most Beneficial Seasonal Fundraising Ideas?

The most beneficial seasonal fundraising ideas for churches include events like Christmas tree sales, Easter egg hunts, fall harvest festivals, and summer picnics or concerts. These events not only fit with the spirit of each season, but they get people in the community involved. Christmas bazaars feature homemade crafts, baked products, and decorations, while churches benefit local households with Thanksgiving food drives. Families and tourists are invited to a flower sale or an Easter-themed event with egg hunts and religious programming in the spring. These outdoor events, like a golf outing, a barbecue, or an outdoor concert, help raise money through ticket sales, raffles, or food sales. These events are good because they bring people together in the community, bring in new visitors, and make the church's programs and missions more visible in a fun, festive way that supports giving.

What Are The Other Fundraising Ideas?

The other fundraising ideas are listed below. 

• Silent Auction: A silent auction is a way to raise money by putting up given goods or services for people to bid on while they stay quiet. Having a sale of a variety of unique or valuable things is a great way to make money.
• Car Wash Fundraiser: A "car wash fundraiser" is a simple, hands-on event where people from the church wash cars to make money. It works especially well in the summer and gets more people in the neighborhood involved.
• Crowdfunding Campaign: An online way to raise money for a project, like building repairs or mission trips, through sites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter. Churches use these sites to make a campaign and ask more people to donate.
• Bake Sale: Bake sale is one of the best fundraising ideas for churches. A bake sale is a standard and easy way for church members to raise money. They bake and sell treats like cookies, cakes, and pies. It is often done at neighborhood events, on church grounds, or during certain times of the year.
• Fundraiser: Putting together a dinner or potluck where church members cook and serve food in exchange for money. It builds community and gives people a chance to get to know each other while collecting money.

How Can Ministry Brands Support Seasonal Fundraising Events?

Ministry Brands can support seasonal fundraising events by giving churches tools and platforms that make planning, advertising, and running these events easier. They offer flexible online giving options that make it easy for churches to get gifts for holiday campaigns, like a Christmas drive, an Easter fundraiser, or a summer picnic. Ministry Brands has features for event registration that make it easy for people to sign up and pay for tickets or fees ahead of time. They offer communication tools, such as email marketing, that help churches get in touch with their members and the community to let them know about future events and ask for donations. Ministry Brands helps churches raise the most money possible while reducing the amount of work that needs to be done on the back end. It makes regular fundraising events run more smoothly and be more successful.