Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the Kingdom. To raise funds is to offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of God. Whether they have much or little is not as important as the possibility of making their money available to God. A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nowen, page 25
Fundraising is one way that congregations can invite their neighbors to invest in the kingdom. The fundraising examples of the following three congregations are fun and creative. May it spark ideas for your community!
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
The GCI Cape Town South congregation held a highly successful fundraising event. It was an evening of fun karaoke and line dancing. Everyone who participated seemed to be having a good time.
We are raising funds for a mid-year youth camp. Most of the youth who attend our congregation live in a financially challenged community. Our Youth Ministerial Leadership is determined to ensure that all the young people who attend services can attend the camp in October 2025.
The congregation, the Youth and Young Adults group, and the organizing team would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation and extend their sincere thanks to all who attended and donated. The event was well supported by congregation members, family, and friends. Many enthusiastically requested another event and pledged their support for the next one.
By Virginia Young Weber
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Once a month during warm months (May to October), the GC Cincinnati congregation hosts a community yard sale. They call it “Sell Your Stuff,” and everyone is welcome to buy or sell. If a seller doesn’t have their own tables, they may rent a table from the congregation for $5. They make this request of the sellers: When you’re done for the day, we ask that you donate 10% of what you sell to the church. [Sell nothing, you owe nothing!]
GC Cincinnati also hosts the Westside Women’s Paddle Auction once a month. The proceeds of this fundraiser are used to serve their neighborhood. They select a different worthy cause or need each month. For example, one month the fundraiser was to help a neighbor pay for cancer treatment.
The doors for the fundraiser open to the public on a Thursday evening. Participants can enter a raffle to win a basket or bid on items valued at $10 -$75. Items include new products from local marketers of cosmetics, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, food storage, scented candles and soaps, eco-friendly cleaning products, sauces and seasonings, and more. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
Surrey Hills, Oklahoma, US
On one occasion, GC Surrey Hills partnered with a local Italian ice shop to fundraise. Some retailers offer to donate a portion of sales on a specific day or during a set period for a worthy cause or nonprofit. An in-store fundraiser can benefit both the congregation and business.
A congregation could raise a significant amount of funds while also enjoying a social event managed primarily by the retailer. For businesses, in-store fundraisers are a low-cost way to demonstrate that they care about the community. It’s a chance for the business to increase their sales and visibility and to gain new customers. It’s a win-win!
See the flyer below for details about GC Surrey Hills’ Clothing Swap fundraiser. Clothing swaps are another low-stake event that serves the neighborhood and raises funds.
