A while back, I did a blog with an idea to team with Faith Alive to sell books as a fundraiser for youth groups. Some folks thought it was a decent idea. Other’s doubted that it would work well. But it did spark some good discussion about fundraising and maybe even about a number of strategic goals around fundraising.
Most youth groups get involved in fundraising to earn money for projects or events. I’ve come to realize that raising money is fine, but often the teamwork and relationships that are formed in the fundraising projects o outweigh the financial gains.
Albert Huizing IV often weighs in on this blog. I’ve never met him, but I appreciate his input and have learned to value his experience. He suggested that fundraising should fuel relationships and build excitement within the youth. He encouraged youth groups to experiment with lots of things that are simple and easy in order to identify what works best for your church and your circumstance. This is great advice.
So have others out there discovered that fundraising can be a very positive factor in building community within your youth group? What kinds of fundraising events have most blessed your group — both from a financial perspective and from the relational perspective?
I would love to hear others weigh in on this. And thanks, Albert, for allowing me to share your words of wisdom. It’s always a pleasure to read your feedback and learn from you.