FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Each year, ministry units across Canada host incredible fundraisers for the Partners in Mission Self-Denial Campaign. These initiatives raise money and awareness while offering a time for fellowship and reflection. They're also the chance to remember that our church family includes our brothers and sisters worldwide; Self-Denial provides a special opportunity to support them. The list below is a collection of fun ideas to bring your Self-Denial campaigns to life. Thank you for your enthusiasm as we work toward our 2025 goal of $2.4 million. Together—shoulder to shoulder, fundraiser by fundraiser and prayer by prayer—we'll get there!

Here are a few fun ideas you can use for this year’s Self-Denial Campaign to help us reach our goal of $2.4 milion.

Soup-A-Thon

This simple meal shared with fellow members of your ministry unit is a reminder that in the global south, people have very little and often very simple meals. These soups can be homemade or from a can, served with crackers and water. For everyone who attends, donations can be made to the Self-Denial Campaign.

Book Sale

Ask employees to donate books they no longer need and set up a book sale in the breakroom. This can be an ongoing event where employees can continuously donate and purchase books.

A Pot-Luck with a Twist

Everyone brings a lunch/dinner item and a dessert. At the end of the lunch/dinner, the desserts are auctioned off.

Worth Your Weight in Apples

A wall display shows a sunflower field, a delivery truck, a quaint windmill and a spot for stacking bags of freshly picked apples. For every $50 raised, a new bag of apples is added, turning the wall into a colourful display of contributions.

His and Hers Jars

Label two jars as "Men" and "Women" and place them in the foyer before and after Sunday service for contributions to the Self-Denial fundraiser. Weekly humorous updates on the competition will encourage participation and boost donations through friendly rivalry.

Bake Sale

Attention, bakers! Inform your ministry unit ahead of time that you're seeking donations of homemade baked goods. Ask each baker to package and price their items before the sale for faster setup. Promote the bake sale to generate excitement among attendees, especially if timed with upcoming holidays.

Cookbook Fundraiser

Create a cookbook featuring favourite recipes from employees. Sell the cookbook to staff, family and friends. You can even include a section with recipes for quick and easy office lunches.

Arts and Crafts Fair

Organize an arts and crafts fair where employees can sell their arts and crafts. Charge booth fees and a percentage of sales to contribute to the fund.

A Wrapped Mystery

People are asked to bring one or two wrapped items from home. Some have value, and others are hilarious. These gifts are labeled with a hint. For example: a dinner for two, but inside could be two potatoes. These items are auctioned off, usually no more than $10.00

Walk-A-Thon

Pick a day that works best for your ministry unit and use posters, announcements or other creative methods to drum up interest in the walk. Encourage participants to seek sponsorships from friends, co-workers and family. Create signs to let the community know the purpose of the walk. For help with promotional materials, contact the international development department.

Chili Cook-Off

Leverage everyone's favourite family chili recipes by organizing a chili cook-off. Have participants prepare their chili in advance and host the event on an evening or weekend that suits your ministry unit. Invite people to come and judge the chili, and request a donation at the door before the taste testing begins.

Baked Potato Bar

Set up a baked potato bar during lunchtime. Offer a variety of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits and chili. Charge a flat fee for each potato and encourage employees to build their own delicious creations.

Movie Night

Host an outdoor movie night featuring a popular film. Charge for entry and offer concessions like popcorn, drinks and snacks for an additional donation.

Change Jar Challenge

Place jars labeled with different departments or teams in a common area. Encourage employees to drop their spare change into their team’s jar. The team with the most money at the end of the challenge wins a small prize or recognition.

Toonie Days

Experience the challenges faced by many around the world by living on $2 a day for a week. Here's how: Use half of your biweekly income, keeping just $14 for the week and see how far you can make it stretch without causing financial or physical harm. Consider donating a substantial portion of your remaining income to Self-Denial Campaign. For a deeper impact, pray in solidarity with those who live on $2 a day.

Talent Show

Organize a talent show where members of the community can showcase their skills in singing, dancing, comedy or any other talent. Charge a small entry fee and encourage attendees to vote for their favourite acts with donations.

Themed Lunch

Host themed lunch featuring cuisines from different countries. Charge for entry and include cultural performances or storytelling sessions about the regions.

Commit to Prayer

In addition to donating to Self-Denial, pray for other countries to deepen your global connection. The Canada and Bermuda Territory is known for its generosity; let’s keep supporting the appeal with “Heart to God, Hand to Man!”

Set Targets

Using the financial goal for your corps, display the growth chart (provided online) and track the progress in a visible spot. Involve everyone in the process to foster ownership and accountability. Encourage weekly contributions instead of waiting for a single Sunday.

Rally the Troops

Encourage your corps to support the Self-Denial appeal and check with leaders about their promotion strategy. If needed, offer to organize the campaign. Ensure there’s a weekly connection to the appeal and motivate your small group or corps section to support it as well.