I have heard that there are some children’s pastors that have NEVER had to do a fundraiser at their church. This special group of pastors is able to have all their ministry needs fulfilled simply by asking for it. These pastors seldom, if ever, reach into their own pocket to get something the ministry needs. I have been to many churches and conferences but have only met one children’s pastor that never had to do a fundraiser. Maybe I should clarify that statement to say one children’s pastor of an ACTIVE children’s ministry. I have met many children’s pastors that had no budget (or a very small one) and did not need any extra funds. Those were the leaders of groups that did little or nothing.

An active children’s ministry (CM) is going to cost money. An active CM is going to grow and cost more money. It is a simple fact of life that most children are going to put less in the offering plate than the adults. Even if you have 50 children in your ministry that are giving 10 percent of their allowance, the tithe on a $5 allowance is only $.50. That brings your offering to $25 a week. If that much money comes in every Sunday, your offering income is $1300 for the year. Sound like a lot of money?

Are you going to give each one of the children a birthday card? Are you giving prizes out on Sunday? How about a special Easter or Christmas program?

Most people that work with children are going to have to do a fundraiser at some point in their ministry. Fundraisers are a lot of work, but can be very profitable and maybe a little fun. Here are some fundraiser ideas that have worked for me.

Be sure to read the “General Guidelines” document first.