Spring Fundraising Event Ideas Needed

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately - depending on how you look at it), you've realized a very important lesson that we who work in fundraising as a career often learn the hard way. Fundraising events really aren't "fund" raisers when you factor in the amount of hours and labor that are involved. If you factor in the church's paid staff time, the physical resources that have to be bought or rented for the event, etc., not to mention the volunteer burn-out from working that hard, you're probably spending more than you're making in the event.

Have you thought of doing a more traditional appeal to your church members? A letter from the minister/pastor explaining the need and asking for donations? Maybe a special collection one Sunday that's just for your purpose? Or, smaller fundraisers might be a better way to go. Have a table set up before & after church where people can purchase things (whether it's a bake sale or raffle ticket sales). Take the elements you already have for the larger event and break it into smaller, more manageable chunks. One to two tables at Sunday services is a lot easier than a huge event.

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valentine rose/flower sale

mother's day bedding plant sale

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Fundraisers get so old with kids selling stuff all the time. I know your venue is different. It should be FUN not a full time JOB.

I refuse to allow my daughter to go door to door selling things no one needs. When she brings things home from school to sell, we just write a check and send the forms back to school empty. I have found that some of the teachers involved in the selling do get kickbacks because last year I asked a specific group about donating vs selling and I was told..."We happily accept donations but she cannot win one of the prizes unless she sells $300 worth of the goods". That alone tells me there is some back door stuff going on.

My personal preference..........I will write a check and be done with it. A fundraiser is more apt to get a lot more support from me if they simply ask for a monetary donation.

Just my 2 cents worth.

I know this is not what you asked but there are people like me out there that cringe at "fundraiser".

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K.,

Our church youth group does a spaghetti supper and silent auction every spring to raise money for their Choir trip. While I can't tell you exactly how much they make, I do know they have been very successful. They get a ton of donations from the neighborhood vendors and retailers as well as the church members. Many members donate the use of vacation homes, boat rentals, ski trips. The youth often donate babysitting, errands, work around the house and some of the young adults donate full meals like gourmet fajita dinner for twelve, stuff like that. Our pastor is an avid golfer and always dontates a round of golf with himself. The church donates 2 reserved front door parking spaces for a full year that always goes for almost $1000.

I'm sure if you call my church they will put you in touch with someone who has worked on this committee and can help you get going. It's Wilshire Baptist Church on Abrams Rd. at Mockingbird in Lakewood.

Good luck.

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