60 Creative Youth Group Fundraiser Ideas to Inspire Your Mission

Must-Know Tips for Planning Your Youth Group Fundraiser

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Planning a youth group fundraiser? 

Relax—it’s totally doable (and maybe even fun)! Start with this question: (1) What’s your mission? Whether it’s funding 

• a camp trip, 
• new supplies, 
• or a service project, 

having a clear goal keeps everyone motivated.

Now, let’s talk ideas. (2) Keep it realistic! Choose fundraisers that suit your group’s vibe—car washes are great for an active crew, but a trivia night might be more their style if they love showing off random facts. And timing is everything—a holiday-themed event in July? Probably not your best move.

(3) Details matter, too. Do you have a location nailed down? Enough volunteers to make it happen? Don’t forget to spread the word—social media posts, community boards, and some good old-fashioned word-of-mouth work wonders.

With a little planning and teamwork, your fundraiser will be a hit—and who knows? It might even be fun!

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General Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups

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1. Food Truck Fiesta

Who doesn’t love food on wheels? Bring the community together with a food truck festival featuring local eats and treats!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Get in touch with local food trucks and see who’s excited to join the fun!
2. Choose a bustling location with plenty of space to host your food truck fiesta.
3. Make some noise! Promote your event through social media, local news, and word of mouth to draw a crowd.

2. Themed Movie Night Under the Stars

Transform an outdoor space into a magical movie theater with string lights and cozy blankets. Bonus points for a theme—superheroes, anyone?

Kickoff Guide:

1. Pick a family-friendly movie and grab the necessary licenses (yes, we gotta play by the rules).
2. Organize popcorn stands, snacks, and even blankets for rental.
3. Spread the word by creating cute invites or themed posters and sharing them in your community.

3. Youth Group Olympics

Ready, set, go! Host a fun Olympics-style competition with silly challenges like sack races, water balloon tosses, and tug-of-war.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Secure a park or open field and gather basic supplies for the events.
2. Create sign-up sheets and assign team colors or themes.
3. Keep everyone excited with fun trophies or goofy awards for winners (and participants).

4. Local Treasure Hunt Adventure

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Organize a treasure hunt around your town or neighborhood with clues leading to a “golden prize.”

Kickoff Guide:

1. Plan a series of creative, age-appropriate clues and map out locations.
2. Partner with local businesses to host the clue stations or sponsor prizes.
3. Charge a small entry fee and offer a grand prize to the ultimate treasure hunter.

5. Karaoke Night Extravaganza

Unleash your inner pop stars and belt out those tunes for a good cause. Bonus points for costumes and themed performances!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Rent or borrow a karaoke machine and set up in a local venue (think school gym or church hall).
2. Charge admission or sell tickets for specific performances.
3. Have some fun with prizes for categories like “Best Dressed,” “Most Enthusiastic,” or “Worst Singer (in the best way).”

6. Bake-Off Showdown

Move over, celebrity chefs—this is your youth group’s time to shine. Invite bakers to whip up their best desserts for bragging rights and fundraising.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set a date and recruit bakers from your church or community to participate.
2. Charge admission to the event and sell tasting tickets for attendees to vote on the best treats.
3. Crown the winner and share the fun on social media to keep people coming back for the next one!

7. Community Car Wash, with a Twist

Add some flair to the classic car wash by incorporating themes, costumes, or a “splash zone” for extra fun!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Gather supplies (soap, sponges, hoses) and pick a location with good traffic.
2. Add a fun theme—think superheroes or Hawaiian Luau—to grab attention.
3. Promote the event with signs, music, and social media posts.

8. Talent Show Spectacular

Give everyone a chance to show off their hidden talents—whether it's singing, juggling, or an oddly specific magic trick!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Book a venue and recruit participants of all ages.
2. Sell tickets for attendees and consider adding a concession stand for extra revenue.
3. Make the show interactive by letting the audience vote for their favorites.

9. Board Game Tournament

Perfect for all ages, this event is as simple as it is fun. Host a game night featuring classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Gather a collection of popular board games and set up tables for each.
2. Charge a small entry fee and offer prizes for winners.
3. Build excitement by announcing “championship rounds” for the top players.

10. Pet Parade for a Cause

Four-legged friends are irresistible. Invite community members to dress up their pets and strut their stuff in a pet parade.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set a date and location and invite pet owners to register their furry friends.
2. Add categories like “Best Dressed,” “Most Unique,” and “Owner-Pet Lookalike.”
3. Charge a small registration fee and encourage attendees to donate while watching the parade.

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Easy Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups

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1. DIY Craft Sale

Turn your group into a creative factory! Think friendship bracelets, homemade candles, or painted rocks. It's easy, fun, and totally unique.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Gather supplies for simple crafts that anyone can make (think low cost, high fun).
2. Host a crafting session and let the creativity flow.
3. Sell your masterpieces at a local event, school, or even online.

2. Penny Wars

All you need are jars and loose change! Split the group into teams and see who can collect the most pennies in a week. (Pro tip: Silver coins and bills subtract from other teams’ totals!)

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up jars labeled for each team in a central location.
2. Explain the rules—pennies add points, silver coins subtract.
3. Announce daily updates to keep the competition fierce.

3. Guess the Candy Jar

Fill a jar with candy (or something small and fun) and charge for guesses. The closest guess wins the jar and bragging rights!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Fill a jar with candy or trinkets and count them beforehand.
2. Display the jar at school, church, or a community event.
3. Announce the winner at the end of the week with a big reveal!

4. Snack Shack

Set up a snack stand after school, during sports games, or at local events. Sell simple items like chips, drinks, and candy.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Stock up on easy-to-sell snacks and drinks from a wholesale store.
2. Pick a high-traffic spot where people are bound to be hungry.
3. Use eye-catching signs and enthusiastic “salespeople” to draw a crowd.

5. Popcorn Fundraiser

Everyone loves popcorn. Sell pre-made flavored popcorn or offer a make-your-own popcorn bar for a customizable twist.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Partner with a popcorn supplier or make it yourself in bulk.
2. Offer a few unique flavors like caramel, cheddar, or spicy.
3. Promote the sale at schools, churches, or local events.

6. Envelope Challenge

This one is as simple as it gets! Number envelopes from 1 to 100 and ask donors to pick an envelope to match their donation.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Create a colorful display with numbered envelopes pinned to a board.
2. Explain the rules—choose an envelope, donate that amount.
3. Watch as the donations roll in, and celebrate when the board is empty!

7. Book Swap and Sale

Got a stack of books collecting dust? Organize a book swap where people can trade or buy secondhand reads.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Ask for book donations from group members and the community.
2. Set up a cozy, bookstore-like atmosphere.
3. Charge a small fee per book or per trade.

8. Virtual Game Night

If gathering in person isn’t an option, host a virtual game night with games like trivia, Pictionary, or Bingo.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Choose a free or low-cost online platform like Kahoot or Zoom.
2. Charge a small entry fee for players to join.
3. Offer fun prizes like e-gift cards or shout-outs for the winners.

9. Curbside Cookie Sale

Who can say no to cookies? Bake up a storm and sell them curbside or through pre-orders.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Organize a baking day to whip up a variety of cookies.
2. Set up a simple stand with clear pricing and packaging.
3. Use social media to take pre-orders and offer delivery options.

10. Chalk It Up Sidewalk Art Contest

Host a sidewalk chalk art contest where participants can pay to join and showcase their creativity.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Choose a public space like a park or school sidewalk.
2. Provide chalk or ask participants to bring their own.
3. Charge an entry fee and let the community vote for the best design!

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Fun Fundraising Ideas for Church Youth Groups

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1. Bible Trivia Night

Bring on the competition with a Bible-themed trivia night! Test everyone’s knowledge of scripture and have fun while raising funds.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Prepare trivia questions with different difficulty levels (bonus points for humor).
2. Divide players into teams or let individuals compete.
3. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes like gift cards or baked goods.

2. Hymn Karaoke Night

Turn your church hall into a karaoke stage with a twist—only hymns or church-friendly songs allowed!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up a karaoke machine and create a song list of hymns and classics.
2. Charge a small fee for participants to sing or “pay to stop” someone singing.
3. Sell refreshments to keep the energy up.

3. Church Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt on church grounds with fun challenges and scripture-based clues.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Plan a route with creative tasks like reciting a verse or solving Bible riddles.
2. Charge an entry fee for teams to participate.
3. Reward the winners with a trophy or a basket of goodies.

4. "Holy Bake-Off" Competition

Think you’ve got the best cookies in town? Prove it! Host a church bake-off with youth members as judges.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Invite congregation members to bake their best desserts.
2. Charge an entry fee for bakers and taste-testers.
3. Sell extra baked goods during the event for additional funds.

5. Parking Lot Car Wash

Keep it simple and fun with a classic car wash, powered by your youth group’s smiles and teamwork.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up a car wash station in the church parking lot.
2. Offer a pay-what-you-can model to encourage generosity.
3. Play music and keep the atmosphere lively to attract more cars.

6. Movie Under the Stars

Turn the church lawn into an outdoor theater! Screen a family-friendly movie and invite everyone to bring blankets and chairs.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Choose a popular movie with a positive message.
2. Sell tickets and snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks.
3. Create a cozy ambiance with string lights and a big screen.

7. Youth-Led Talent Show

Showcase the talents of your church youth with a fun-filled talent show featuring singing, comedy, or even juggling!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Plan a lineup of performers from your youth group and the community.
2. Sell tickets to the event and include a donation box for extra support.
3. Offer a small prize for the audience’s favorite act.

8. Praise and Paint Night

Combine art and worship with a painting session accompanied by worship music.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up easels, canvases, and painting supplies.
2. Charge a fee for participation and provide simple painting guides.
3. Sell the finished artwork at the end of the night to raise even more funds.

9. Sunday Sundae Bar

Who wouldn’t want a build-your-own sundae bar after service? It’s a sweet way to bring everyone together.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Stock up on ice cream, syrups, and toppings.
2. Set up a station where attendees can create their dream sundaes.
3. Charge per sundae or ask for donations.

10. Angel Auction

Host a fun auction with donated items, themed baskets, or “services” like lawn mowing or babysitting.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Collect unique items or volunteer services from the congregation.
2. Host the auction after a Sunday service or during a youth event.
3. Encourage lively bidding and celebrate the generosity of your community.

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Christian Youth Group Fundraising Ideas

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1. “Walk with Jesus” Sponsored Walk

Take inspiration from scripture and host a community walk to raise funds while reflecting on faith.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Map out a route and include prayer stops along the way.
2. Encourage participants to gather sponsors for every mile walked.
3. Offer post-walk refreshments and share scripture to conclude the event.

2. Scripture Bookmark Sale

Combine creativity and faith by designing and selling handmade bookmarks with inspiring Bible verses.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Gather your youth group to create bookmarks using craft supplies.
2. Choose uplifting verses to feature on each bookmark.
3. Set up a booth at church or sell them online through your congregation’s network.

3. Prayer-a-Thon

Organize a prayer marathon where your youth group takes turns praying for specific causes over 12 or 24 hours.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Ask participants to gather pledges for every hour they pray.
2. Create a sign-up sheet to cover different time slots.
3. Share updates on social media or in church bulletins to inspire more donations.

4. Bible-Themed Escape Room

Turn Bible stories into fun challenges with a faith-based escape room experience.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Choose a Bible story and design puzzles or riddles around it (e.g., “Escape the Lion’s Den”).
2. Charge an entry fee for teams to participate.
3. Add a reward for the fastest team to complete the challenge.

5. “Heavenly Recipes” Cookbook

Collect recipes from church members and create a faith-inspired cookbook to sell.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Ask the congregation to contribute their favorite dishes and include a Bible verse with each recipe.
2. Print or digitally publish the cookbook.
3. Sell copies during church services or community events.

6. Cross Crafts Workshop

Host a workshop where attendees create cross-themed crafts, from necklaces to wall art.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Provide materials like wood, beads, and paint for participants.
2. Charge a workshop fee to cover costs and raise funds.
3. Sell any leftover crafts to those who couldn’t attend.

7. Acts of Kindness Jar

Encourage the congregation to support acts of kindness led by your youth group.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up a donation jar with examples of how funds will be used for acts of kindness (e.g., delivering meals, visiting nursing homes).
2. Involve the youth in fulfilling those acts and sharing the impact.
3. Thank donors by sending them handwritten “kindness cards.”

8. Gospel Concert Night

Let the power of music bring people together with a gospel concert featuring local talent or your youth group choir.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Find a venue (the church or a local park works great).
2. Sell tickets and refreshments during the event.
3. Offer a raffle or donation table to boost fundraising efforts.

9. “Faith in Bloom” Plant Sale

Celebrate God’s creation with a plant sale that promotes both fundraising and greenery.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Partner with local nurseries or grow plants as a youth group.
2. Add scripture-inspired plant labels for a Christian touch.
3. Sell them after church or at community events.

10. Verse-a-Thon Challenge

Encourage youth members to memorize Bible verses in exchange for sponsorships.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Have each youth member set a goal for the number of verses they’ll memorize.
2. Ask sponsors to pledge an amount per verse.
3. Celebrate with a recognition ceremony for participants after they reach their goals.

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 No-Cost Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups

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1. “Good Samaritan” Chore Drive

Put the youth group’s energy to good use by offering to do small chores or errands in exchange for donations.

Kickoff Guide:

1. List tasks the group can help with, like yard work, babysitting, or grocery runs.
2. Spread the word through church bulletins, social media, or word of mouth.
3. Set a donation box or suggest contributions for each task completed.

2. Donation Bingo

Turn fundraising into a fun challenge with a no-cost bingo card featuring donation prompts.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Create bingo cards with spaces like “Ask 3 friends for $5 each” or “Receive a donation from someone wearing red.”
2. Distribute the cards to youth group members and track progress.
3. Celebrate when someone completes their card with a small reward, like a homemade certificate!

3. “Ask the Experts” Q&A Night

Leverage the knowledge and skills of your congregation for a donation-based Q&A event.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Recruit church members with expertise in areas like cooking, finances, or parenting to host short sessions.
2. Set up a free venue like the church hall.
3. Charge a donation for entry or participation in specific sessions.

4. Talent Show Extravaganza

Host a no-frills talent show where attendees donate to watch local talent shine.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Use the church stage or a community space as your venue.
2. Invite participants from your group and community to perform.
3. Collect donations at the door or pass around a donation bucket during intermissions.

5. Bible Trivia Night

Challenge your congregation with a Bible-themed trivia contest.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Prepare trivia questions in categories like Bible stories, famous quotes, and church history.
2. Host the event at no cost using the church or a volunteer’s home.
3. Charge an entry fee per team or ask for donations during the event.

6. Social Media Shoutout Fundraiser

Use your youth group’s online presence to raise funds.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Post a challenge on social media, like “For every $10 donated, we’ll post a creative thank-you video!”
2. Encourage youth members to share the campaign with friends and family.
3. Highlight milestones with fun posts to keep donors engaged.

7. Community Cleanup Sponsorship

Offer to clean up parks, neighborhoods, or church grounds in exchange for donations.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Promote your cleanup project and encourage community members to sponsor your efforts.
2. Track how much trash or recycling you collect to share progress with donors.
3. Use before-and-after photos to thank sponsors and inspire future support.

8. “Give It Up” Challenge

Challenge members of your congregation to give up one luxury item for a week and donate the savings.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Suggest ideas like skipping coffee runs, fast food, or online shopping.
2. Use email newsletters or church announcements to encourage participation.
3. Collect and share stories from participants about their experiences and contributions.

9. “Faith Jar” Prayer Challenge

Host a spiritual fundraiser that focuses on prayer and community engagement.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Create a prayer request jar where people can drop in their needs.
2. Ask for a small donation to “sponsor” a youth group prayer for each request.
3. Share updates with the congregation on how their prayers are being fulfilled.

10. “Declutter for a Cause” Giveaway

Organize a donation-based giveaway where people contribute items instead of money.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Ask members to donate gently used items they no longer need (books, clothes, etc.).
2. Host a free “shopping” day where people can take items in exchange for a donation.
3. Promote the event as an eco-friendly way to raise funds and reduce waste.

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Creative Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups​

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1. “Glow in the Dark” Mini-Golf Tournament

Transform your church hall or local park into a glowing mini-golf course!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Use glow sticks, neon tape, and blacklights to create fun obstacles.
2. Have youth members design unique course holes using household items.
3. Charge an entry fee or offer a “pay per round” donation system.

2. “Mystery Box Auction”

Add a touch of suspense with a mystery box auction full of surprises.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Collect donated items from the community and wrap them in fun, creative packaging.
2. Label boxes with clues like “Something cozy” or “For the foodie.”
3. Host a live auction or set up an online bidding platform.

3. DIY Escape Room Challenge

Test problem-solving skills with a church or youth group-themed escape room.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Design puzzles, riddles, and clues related to Bible stories or community service.
2. Turn a church room or gym into your escape zone using decorations and props.
3. Charge participants an entry fee to solve the mystery before time runs out.

4. “Upside-Down” Bake Sale

Put a twist on the classic bake sale by letting people bid on who doesn’t bake their item!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Youth group members volunteer to bake, but donors can pay to swap roles.
2. Create a price list for “outsourcing” a task like frosting cupcakes or kneading dough.
3. Share hilarious baking fails or successes on social media to engage more supporters.

5. Live “Art Battle” Fundraiser

Let creativity take center stage with a live art-making competition.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Set up easels and supplies for youth group members or local artists.
2. Charge an entry fee for spectators to watch and vote on their favorite piece.
3. Auction off the finished artwork or take donations for photo prints of the masterpieces.

6. “Retro Game Night” Throwback

Host a nostalgia-filled gaming night with classic board games and vintage video games.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Borrow games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or retro consoles like Nintendo 64.
2. Create themed snack stations with throwback treats like soda floats and popcorn.
3. Sell entry tickets or set up donation jars at each game table.

7. Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser

Turn the stage into a hilarious and entertaining lip-sync showdown!

Kickoff Guide:

1. Have youth members and leaders pick their favorite songs to “perform.”
2. Encourage costumes, props, and choreography to add to the fun.
3. Sell tickets to the show and include a donation-based voting system for the crowd’s favorite.

8. Giant Living Board Game

Bring a life-sized twist to a beloved board game like Candyland or Chutes and Ladders.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Use your church or community center floor to create a large game board with painted squares.
2. Have youth members dress as game pieces and move around the board.
3. Charge for player participation or set up donation points along the way.

9. “The Great Church Bake-Off”

Take inspiration from baking shows and host a friendly dessert-making competition.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Assign a panel of “celebrity” judges (like church leaders or local figures).
2. Ask participants to bake on a theme (e.g., holiday desserts, international treats).
3. Sell tickets to the tasting or offer baked goods for donations after the event.

10. Youth Group Film Festival

Let your youth group become filmmakers for a night of creativity and storytelling.

Kickoff Guide:

1. Challenge youth members to create short films or skits with a positive message.
2. Host a screening night at your church or school auditorium.
3. Sell popcorn, drinks, and tickets to fundraise, and let the audience vote for their favorite film.

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Read more about our blog article => Community Centric Fundraising

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