Many of our churches enjoy hosting fundraising events each year - often occasions which engage with people in the community as well as creating income. In some places, the impact of cancelling these events due to the current lockdown seriously dents a church's income

But, with a bit of creativity and technology, we can be encouraged to continue to fundraise virtually. Virtual fundraising can help alleviate loss of income, can help our communities to connect socially, and can be a bit of fun.

Here are some top tips and ideas to help you get started with virtual fundraising in your church.

Top Tips

  • Make it personal. Organise something which your church will enjoy, or a virtual version of your usual fundraising events. Your community will recognise them, and will be more likely to join in.
  • Share your story. For events which ask for donations, it's important to inspire people and communicate what that giving enables.
  • Be creative and have fun! We have suggested a few ideas, but the more creativity the better.
  • Set up an online donations platform. This will make it easier for people to donate during your virtual fundraising events. Information on how to do this can be found here.
  • Enable and emphasise the importance of Gift Aid with donations. Most online donations platforms include this facility.
  • Communicate, invite and promote your event. If people don't know it's happening they won't come! Create an eye-catching poster, and promote on social media, your website, notice sheets or by word of mouth.
  • Share pictures of your event on social media. This will help with the social aspects of the event, and might reach more people interested in attending.
  • Thank your supporters. This is such an important part of giving, donating and fundraising - gratitude. Thanking people can also encourage greater generosity.
  • Apply for grants. There are lots of emergency grant funders which accept applications from churches. Ecclesiastical Insurance have put together an excellent list of available funders, which can be found here. If you have a church hall which you let out to external groups, contact your local council about the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
There is also good advice for charities from Christian Aid Foundation by clicking here.

Ideas for Fundraising Events

Here are a few ideas for virtual fundraising events.

  • Virtual book club - donate what you would have spent on refreshments.
  • Zoom quiz night - donate to take part.
  • Music night - this could be pre-recorded, donations gain entry.
  • Virtual hymn-a-thon or sing-along. Check with the technology you are using for the logistics of this. Singing is great for our mental well being!
  • Virtual flower festival or garden event. You could include colouring or photographic competitions, too.
  • Online raffle or auction. You could even auction time and talents, gardening, washing cars - the list goes on!
  • Zoom coffee morning - donate what you would normally have spent on cake. These events are very popular, as they are very simple to organise and connect your church community socially.

We'd love to hear what you're doing in your church - get in touch here!