Best Church Youth Group Fundraiser Ideas to Raise More

Fundraising is a core part of many youth ministries, helping young people develop a sense of purpose, build community, and support worthy causes. In this blog, we’ll explore the best church youth group fundraiser ideas, focusing on the most profitable fundraisers, online fundraisers, and in-person methods that are cost-effective and engaging for youth. 

Let these excellent church fundraising ideas inspire your next fundraising campaign and help your youth group continue to grow in faith and community.

Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraisers

Let’s start with the most lucrative fundraising ideas for church youth groups. These proven fundraisers can raise a lot of money when your group is planning a mission trip or other large project.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Empower members of your youth group to create their own fundraising pages. Peer-to-peer fundraising encourages individuals to reach out to their networks for donations, which can significantly broaden your donor base. Peer-to-peer campaigns work best paired with active events like Run/Walk/Ride events.

Virtual Giving Days

Host a 24-hour giving day in conjunction with #GivingTuesday or another holiday, during which your youth group encourages the congregation and community to donate online. Offer perks such as branded church merchandise for donations at certain levels. Promote the event well in advance, use countdown timers, and end the event with a party at the church to celebrate generosity. 

Donation Matching Campaigns

Secure a donation match from a local business sponsor or generous church member. Promote the matching pledge on your website and social media channels, encouraging donors to give during a specific period when their donations will be doubled.

Online Auctions

Host an online charity auction where church and community members can bid on donated items. Auction items can include donated gift certificates or services to local businesses, baskets, and even unique experiences like a home-cooked dinner with the pastor. With an online auction, no event is needed, and items can be distributed after Church.

Find the best auction ideas for churches.

Youth Group Fundraising with Online Courses

If your church has knowledgeable members in fields like theology, medicine, or wellness, offer a series of online classes by donation. Platforms like Zoom make it easy to host virtual courses. If you can find volunteer teachers, all proceeds from course registrations can go directly to support your youth group.

Best Online Youth Group Fundraising Ideas

Churches and youth groups can leverage digital tools to raise money more efficiently. These campaigns are great for church capital campaigns, where your group wants to reach a wide audience for donations.

Crowdfunding Campaigns

Nonprofit crowdfunding is one of the most powerful fundraising ideas for churches. DoJiggy allows churches to reach a wide audience beyond their congregation. Create a compelling campaign page with a clear vision and fundraising goals. Share the campaign across social media and the church’s email lists and award prizes to the top fundraisers.

Text-to-Give Donation Campaigns

Text-to-give technology is an excellent tool for tech-savvy youth groups. Donors simply send a text to a dedicated number to make a contribution. This fundraiser is ideal for church services, where youth can share the text code during announcements and supporters can make instant donations.

Social Media Challenges

Create a social media challenge where participants commit to a fun activity and ask for donations to support their efforts. Just be sure to find a challenge that is appropriate for your mission and doesn’t make people uncomfortable. Make it a viral campaign by encouraging participants to nominate others to join in the fun, share their progress, and post with a dedicated hashtag.

Online Merchandise Sales

Design and sell custom youth group merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags on our free online stores. Many youth group and congregation members will want some swag, especially with the proceeds going towards your fundraising goal. Use a platform like Printify to easily customize your merchandise.

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Virtual Walk-a-thons or Bike-a-thons

Encourage your youth group and community members to participate in a virtual walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon. Participants can raise money by collecting pledges for each mile completed throughout a week or month. Use fitness tracking apps and social media to share progress and give awards for top fundraisers.

Online Raffles

Host an online raffle with enticing prizes like gift certificates to local restaurants and spas, household services, or curated baskets. Our fundraising platform allows churches to sell digital tickets and will even randomly select winners. Promote the raffle at Sunday services and enter tickets sold in person to give everyone a chance to win.

See the best raffle prizes and how to get them donated.

Live Streamed Services 

Livestream events such as church services and choir practices. Make regular donation appeals during the livestream and include a QR code, text to donate number, and link on the screen where viewers can give instantly.

Best In-Person Youth Group Fundraiser Ideas

By incorporating online and in-person fundraising ideas, your church youth group can maximize its fundraising potential while fostering a sense of community and connection.

Classic Car Wash

A classic church youth group fundraiser, the car wash is a great way for your group to bond while raising money. Car washes don’t cost much to host and can be very lucrative events. Set up in a visible location like the church parking lot, and encourage congregation and community members to stop by for a donation-based car wash. Add sandwiches and refreshments to boost sales and keep drivers occupied while their cars are being washed.

Community Bake Sales

A bake sale after Sunday services or during a church event can be a fantastic way to raise funds. Ask the youth group participants to contribute baked goods, then sell them to support your cause. Be sure to include sugar-free and gluten-free options so everyone can join in the fun. Display signage explaining your fundraising goals to encourage donations.

Community Yard Sale

Organize a community yard sale where church members can donate items they no longer need. Host the yard sale after church with youth group members staffing. All proceeds go towards your fundraising goals, and as an added service, anything left at the end of the day can be donated to charity.

Spaghetti Dinner

Host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at your church, with youth group members cooking and serving food. Sell tickets online in advance so you know how many people to plan for. This is an easy event to add additional revenue boosters to raise extra funds during the event, such as a silent auction or raffle. Adding live music or entertainment is another way to make the event more fun and engaging. 

Youth Group Talent Show

Host a talent show featuring performances by youth group and church members. Sell tickets online and at the door and add a concession stand with popcorn, candy bars, pizza slices, and drinks. If you decide to award prizes, the crowd can vote by cheering or making donations on your crowdfunding website. This interactive event is sure to draw a crowd and raise money for your youth group.

Church BBQ and Picnic 

Host an outdoor church picnic with food, games, and activities for all ages. Have hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and serve up all of the classic picnic sides. Youth group members can organize yard games like cornhole, three-legged races, and tug-of-war. Sell food and snacks to raise funds and charge a small entry fee for participants to join in the games.

Photo Fundraiser

Set up a photo booth or have a photographer at your next church event, complete with fun props and backdrops. Charge a small fee for a photo session, and encourage attendees to participate with friends and family. The revenue can be shared with a professional photographer if participants purchase photo prints.

Silent Auctions

Host a silent auction at a church event featuring donated items and unique experiences. Attendees can bid on items from their phones, making transitions secure and easy. Silent auctions work well in combination with many other fundraising events, like breakfast fundraisers or spaghetti dinners.

Key Takeaways for Church Youth Group Fundraising

Whether it’s through virtual or in-person events, there are endless fundraising opportunities to support your youth group. By embracing online fundraising, you’ll be better equipped to reach new donors, streamline giving processes, and build a sustainable foundation for future projects.

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