THE ORIGINAL SOURCE FOR WOMEN'S LEADERS SINCE 2001

Fundraising for Women's Ministry

Julia Bettencourt

July 30, 2007

Most churches give very little budget or none to their Women's Ministries and so ladies groups end up having to do some types of fundraisers. I realize that not all churches feel fundraisers are right for them, but I've found the majority of women's groups struggle in this area because more often than not, Women's Ministries are not placed as an item in the church budget.

Important Note: Since your church is probably tax exempt, make sure you don't "sell" things, but suggest a "donation" of your amount wanted instead.

Ways to Fundraise

Garage/Yard Sales

Have someone with a truck ready to haul things to 2nd hand shops or charity when the garage sale is over.
Put all items in 25 cent increments. In other words, 25, 50, 75, on up to dollar amounts. This keeps you from counting too many pennies, dimes, and nickels at the end (a big time saver!). Also, it's easier just to have to have quarters and dollars on hand for making change.
Use zip lock bags to group smaller things in and sell for one price.
Make sure to check with your city or county to see if you need a permit before holding your sale.

Bake Sales

Use some creative packaging. It will garner more sales.
Use fun displays. It will draw more attention to your booth.
Have a variety of items.

Silent Auctions

This requires a lot of pre-work.
This requires a lot of helping hands.

Luncheons/Dinners

Spaghetti Dinner
Lasagna Dinner
Soup and Salad Luncheon
Barbecue
Tri-Tip Dinner

Church Cookbook

If you have the ability to do your cookbook in house that's great but there are many companies that will publish your cookbooks at affordable prices where you can still make a profit.
Just search "cookbook fundraisers" in your favorite search engine or ask around to see if you know someone or a group that has done them before to get ideas.