Raising funds for a church or youth group's missionary trip can be a daunting experience; nobody likes to ask friends or neighbors for money. However, by trying some creative alternatives to the typical bake sale or car wash fundraisers, the group can build a deeper personal connection -- and raise enough money at the same time. Fun competitions, selling mock stock certificates and silent auctions are just some of the more striking ways of accomplishing this goal.
The Lure Of Competition
Giving people the chance to compete in a fun, low-key manner provides a strong incentive to support the group's trip. One example is holding an adult spelling bee for $10 per head, according to American Consumer News. Dodgeball, flag football and other athletic tournaments can provide the physically active and competitive community members an ideal chance to blow off steam -- with free T-shirts or other promotional materials offering an added draw, in exchange for their donation.
Selling Stock
Putting on a mock stock sale allows residents to buy ownership into the trip, according to Rethinking Youth Ministry's website. Group members can sell certificates for various prices -- ranging from $1 to $20 -- in exchange for some special incentives, such as the chance to receive a member's postcard during the trip. On returning, the group can complete its experience by hosting a "stockholder's meeting" for contributors -- complete with slides, videos and stories of the trip.
Dessert Auctions And Theme Dinners
Food provides one of the surest ways of winning people's hearts and wallets, according to Rethinking Youth Ministry's site. One example is a dessert auction, where diners can compete for the honor of paying the highest price for peach pies or brownie pans. This can be combined with a potato and salad meal that costs little to make. Groups can also try tailoring dinners to specific themes -- such as the 1980s, or Hawaiian culture, for example.
Group Activities
Nothing builds support for trips like a group activity. Mission Connex raised $1,000 by holding a "Skate Date Night," with couples wearing red, with single people in green. Participants prepaid $20 by clicking a link on the group's website, with half covering the rink rental cost, and the remainder going to the trip. This provides a personalized approach that is more attractive -- and profitable -- than signing on to sell a company's promotional items.
Silent Auctions
No fundraiser is more attractive than one that costs little or no money upfront, which is the main appeal of silent auctions. The group can take donations for artwork, clothing, furniture and sporting equipment -- sometimes, in exchange for services, such as babysitting -- and then auction them off to raise funds for their trip. Silent auctions work best when running with another event -- such as a church dinner -- that encourages people to stay longer, and keep bidding.
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