The Christmas season brings us all together. It's about socialising and spending quality time with family and friends so there’s no better time to engage your church in some festive fundraising and make a real difference.
Whether you’re looking to set up a new regular fundraising event and have no idea where to start, or you’re wanting to freshen up some tried-and-tested fundraisers, here are ten ideas to kickstart fundraising at your church this winter.
Every gift, prayer and action makes a difference. Learn more about our Christmas Appeal and start your fundraising activity today.
1. Host a community bake sale
Who doesn’t love cake? A bake sale is a classic church fundraising idea that brings people together over something sweet. Encourage members of your congregation to contribute baked goods and invite the local community to buy, share and enjoy.
You could even include a themed or seasonal bake-off competition to add some excitement.
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2. Organise a charity quiz night
Test your congregation’s knowledge with a quiz night. Church halls have always been a hub for community and togetherness, making them the perfect venue for this type of event.
Include a raffle or refreshments to boost the fundraising total. Why not include some questions about Christian Aid’s work and history? Or perhaps use one of our quiz resources to get you started.
3. Hold a sponsored walk
Get active and encourage your community to join a sponsored walk. Choose a scenic route and set a fundraising target on our fundraise site. This will allow your congregation, along with any family and friends, to donate online to your church collection.
You can also make it family-friendly by including shorter options for children or those with limited mobility. With this option, you’ll be motivated by knowing that every step supports vital projects around the world.
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A mother’s strength amid hardship
When fighting broke out in her village, Chance fled with her baby in her arms. Now, in a temporary shelter, her children are hungry.
Like so many mothers around the world, Chance longs for stability, safety and the means to provide for her family. Though she's resourceful, she's running out of options – because of a situation that's heartbreakingly beyond her control.
Families like Chance’s can begin to rebuild, after losing everything, through the generosity of others like you.
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4. Run a talent show
Showcase your congregation’s hidden talents with a church talent show. Charge an entry fee and encourage participants of all ages to join in.
Whether it’s singing, comedy or dance, this is a fantastic way to celebrate your community’s creativity while raising funds.
5. Plan a themed worship service
A themed service is an excellent opportunity to get involved with Christian Aid’s 80 years of work and help fight poverty and injustice.
Choose one of our core pillars as a topic, like global poverty or inequality and include some of our thematic prayers and resources. You might also want to pick out a few hymns to highlight the theme.
During the service you can share information about Christian Aid's work and the families and lives that need our urgent support in our Christmas Appeal and hold a collection to invite your congregation to help transform lives.
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6. Organise a charity car wash
Perfect for youth groups or community volunteers, a charity car wash can raise funds and bring your congregation closer together.
Advertise in advance, set up in the church car park and encourage donations for each car cleaned.
7. Host a film screening
Turn your church hall into a mini cinema. Choose an inspiring film that reflects your church’s values and charge a small ticket fee.
Offer popcorn and drinks to enhance the experience and take a moment before the screening to share information about Christian Aid’s work.
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Kick-start your Christmas Appeal fundraising with our free resources and help families around the world facing hunger, poverty and injustice.
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8. Plan a family fun day
Looking for something more fun? Why not organise a family fun day?
Include activities like face painting, games, a bouncy castle and craft stalls. This is a great way to bring families together while raising funds through entry fees, refreshments, and small competitions. You can also promote the event by highlighting how the funds will support Christian Aid’s vital work around the world.
9. Host a Christmas fair
Invite local artists and makers to showcase their crafts and creations at your Christmas fair - from decorations to unique handmade Christmas cards and gift ideas. Charge a fee for stalls and ask for a percentage of sales to be donated.
You could also include a craft table for children with colouring in sheets and encourage them to create their own Christmas decorations, so it’s an event for all ages to enjoy.
10. Hold a Christmas carol-athon
Celebrate the musical talent in your church by organising a Christmas carol-athon. Gather your choir and congregation to sing hymns for a set number of hours, and invite the community to sponsor the event. Take a look at our resources for some Christmas carol ideas.
Include some winter refreshments and a break area to keep participants energised, and encourage attendees to join in. This works especially well around the festive season, as it can be held indoors.
