Fund-Raising Ideas
Guidelines and ideas for raising money for the World Hunger Appeal
Are you planning to hold an ELCA World Hunger emphasis but don't know where to start? Here are ideas and activities that will jump-start your creativity and help you plan your next World Hunger fundraiser. Copy or adapt anything posted here to best fit synod, community, congregation, or home. Many ideas and suggestions you will find here work well with printed, electronic, video, and other World Hunger resources—many of which are available for free.
Congregation Connections
 Congregation Connections is a semi-annual publication that helps congregational leaders integrate hunger themes throughout the congregation. It follows the church calendar to assist people in integrating hunger awareness and engagement all year. |
Ideas for a great ELCA Good Gifts Fair
 Are you planning to organize an alternative gift fair? The new ELCA Good Gifts Fair Planning Guide is complete with step-by-step instructions, crafts, activities, bulletin inserts, announcements and more to help you plan an alternative gift fair in your congregation. There are ideas to help you plan an event during Advent, Lent, Mother's Day, Vacation Bible School and other key times throughout the year.
Order a free copy (Free registration; browse or search for the guide)
Download the guide (PDF  )
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Ten Principles for Raising Funds for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal
1. Remember that people want to give and serve on behalf of people living in hunger and poverty. Our gifts make us partners in a global movement to end hunger. Together, we make a real difference!
2. Do what your mother taught you—say “Please” and “Thank you.” Be intentional about inviting members of your congregation to give to this ministry. Take the time to say “thank you,” and share stories.
3. Frequency is more effective than intensity. Generally, you will be more successful if you find frequent ways to lift up the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Review Congregation Connections and note the Sundays and seasons where lectionary texts relate to hunger and justice.
4. Use as many information channels as you can to tell the story of ELCA World Hunger and invite people to give: Sunday bulletin, newsletter, announcements during worship, bulletin boards, display tables, adult forums, Sunday school...
5. Involve as many different groups as possible. Sunday school teachers; confirmation students; men’s, women’s, and youth groups; congregation council; choirs; church committees. Help them connect with opportunities to learn, serve, lead, and give.
6. Push the envelope—literally. Seemingly simple things—like having ELCA World Hunger offering envelopes in the pews every Sunday—really work. This also helps communicate to visitors that your congregation really cares about making a difference in our world.
7. Think “beyond the bake sale.” There are members of your congregation who are ready to make personally significant gifts to help end hunger. Many will want to include ELCA World Hunger in their wills or explore planned giving options. ELCA Foundation staff are available to help members of the ELCA maximize the impact of their gifts and plan to leave a legacy for ministry. For more information, contact Sharon Magnuson at 800/638-3522, ext. 2865.
8. Make it meaningful. Tell the stories of this ministry to help people see how their gifts make a real difference in neighbors’ lives. Study the Bible with an eye to issues of hunger and justice. Connect ELCA World Hunger to lectionary readings and liturgical seasons, especially Advent and Lent. Keep people engaged by connecting global mission with local action, advocacy, and volunteerism.
9. Make it fun. Have some fun doing serious good. Distribute the ELCA Good Gifts catalog. Organize an alternative giving fair. Invite the youth to get creative with Souper Bowl of Caring. Spark a little friendly “Good Gifts” competition—which group can “build a well” first, or “give more goats”?
10. Make it life-changing. Lead by example to help young people understand that ending hunger is a part of Christian vocation—and get ready for youth to return the favor! Be open to the hunger-fighting ideas and leadership that youth and young adults offer. |