Unleashing generosity: 4 creative ways to fundraise

When it comes to Christian ministries and not-for-profits, fundraising isn't just a necessity—it's an art. But in today's fast-paced world, the same old fundraising tricks might not cut it anymore. To really connect with supporters and inspire generosity, you need to get creative.

In this post, we'll dive into four different fundraising strategies. From hosting virtual events to empowering peer-to-peer fundraising, these ideas are not only about raising funds but also about building stronger relationships with donors. So, let's jump in and explore how these fresh approaches can supercharge your fundraising efforts and bring your mission to life!

1 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Here's a cool idea: turn your supporters into fundraisers! By empowering individuals within your community to set up their own fundraising pages and reach out to their networks, you can broaden your reach exponentially. Peer to peer (or P2P) involves people fundraising on behalf of your organisation. Examples include things like the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea or World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine. P2P fundraising often involves fun challenges, which can appeal to younger donors who have time and energy to spare, if not money.

You can set up your own P2P campaign, or jump on with others (e.g. people get to nominate their own charity for the City2Surf.) Events also work well as P2P campaigns. For a church, this could mean organising fundraising events like sponsored walks or community service projects. For a Bible college, alumni could host fundraising dinners or pledge campaigns to support scholarships for students. For a mission agency, individuals could fundraise for specific missionary projects or trips, spreading awareness and support for the mission's work.

For maximum impact, make sure you get the contact details of all the P2P fundraiser’s sponsors (and consent to contact them) so you can get in touch and say thanks, and drop them into your welcome email journey (and if you don’t already have one, we can help!).

2 Virtual Events

Let's bring the party online! In today’s digital age, hosting virtual events has become an invaluable tool for nonprofits. Virtual events break down geographical barriers, allowing you to reach a broader audience and engage supporters from all over the world. Whether it’s an online auction, a virtual 5K run, or a live-streamed concert, the possibilities are endless. 

Virtual events are often more cost-effective, eliminating the need for venue rentals and other expenses associated with in-person gatherings. They also offer flexibility for attendees who can participate from the comfort of their homes. By leveraging social media and digital marketing, you can create interactive and engaging experiences that not only raise funds but also build a sense of community and connection among supporters. 

Consider hosting virtual mission trips or outreach events, allowing supporters to engage in ministry efforts from afar. For a church, virtual events could include online giving campaigns or virtual volunteer opportunities to serve those in need.

3 Sponsorship Programs

Offering sponsorship opportunities is a fantastic way for donors to support specific projects or individuals within your organisation. Provide opportunities for donors to sponsor Bible College students, ministry apprentices or specific ministry initiatives. Create attractive sponsorship packages that highlight the impact of each level of support. Throw in some perks like exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes access, or public recognition to sweeten the deal. By directly connecting donors to the outcomes of their support, sponsorship programs can cultivate lasting relationships with your supporters.

If appropriate (and possible), we would suggest establishing an option for people to sponsor a beneficiary with a regular monthly commitment. Just as happens with child sponsorship, this could also entail a personal relationship being developed between the sponsor and the beneficiary, with short communication from the person to their sponsor sent a few times over the year (just a brief thank you note is all it takes!).

4 Partnerships

Have you considered the potential benefits of teaming up with local businesses? Businesses are often looking for ways to give back to their community, and nonprofits are on the lookout for innovative fundraising ideas. By joining forces, you can tap into the business's customer base and resources, while businesses get the chance to enhance their community reputation and reach new audiences. It’s a win-win situation. Imagine hosting an event at a popular local café, or getting a portion of sales donated from a local store. These collaborations can create a buzz and drive more donations than you might expect.

For a church, partnering with local businesses could involve hosting fundraising dinners or events to support community outreach programs. For a mission agency, partnerships could involve collaborating with local businesses to provide resources or support for projects in their area of operation. These partnerships can help expand your reach and impact while building relationships with the wider community.

We hope some of these ideas have inspired you as you seek to build stronger relationships with supporters and make a lasting difference in your space. If there’s anything we can help with, give us a shout!