19 Top Easter Fundraising Ideas for Church

Are you struggling to find fresh, effective Easter fundraising ideas for church?

Tired of the same old ideas and donation drives that barely make an impact? Do you need creative ways to engage your congregation, bring the community together, and raise meaningful funds?

Well, you can count on me for all the answers.

Easter is one of the most spiritually significant times of the year, yet many churches miss the opportunity to leverage its power for impactful fundraising. Since you are not one of those people and are actually looking for Easter fundraising ideas for your church, you’re in the right place.

This comprehensive guide is exactly what you need. I have put together a powerful list of 19 unique and highly effective Easter fundraising ideas that will help your church maximize giving, inspire participation, and create lasting memories. This article has everything you need to make this Easter season a financial and spiritual success.

Happy Easter! Let’s dive right in.

19 Easter Fundraising Ideas for Church – Faith, Fun, and Funds

1. Biblical Character Costume Parade

A simple way to boost church donations while bringing Easter to life. Families and church members dress as biblical characters—Jesus, Mary, Roman soldiers, disciples—and walk in a parade that re-enacts scenes from the Easter story. This isn’t just a costume event; it’s a way to step into history, share faith, and bring the community together. Entry fees, sponsorships, and donations turn it into a meaningful fundraiser that supports the church while making Easter more engaging for all ages.

Steps to Follow:

• Pick a Date & Route: Choose a location, either the church grounds or a public space, and secure permits if needed.
• Set Entry Fees: Charge per person and offer discounts for families and groups to encourage participation.
• Encourage Sponsorships: Ask participants to collect pledges from friends and family to support the church.
• Add a Costume Contest: Let attendees vote for the best costume by donating, with a prize for the winner.
• Sell Snacks & Souvenirs: Offer themed refreshments and small keepsakes to raise extra funds.

2. Easter Sunrise Stair Climb

This is an easy yet challenging idea for you to try.
Participants climb a set number of stairs, representing Jesus’s journey to Calvary, while collecting donations for every step completed.

The event takes place at the church, a local park, or a landmark with stairs, creating a powerful Easter experience.

Entry fees, sponsorships, and pledges turn this into a high-impact fundraiser that encourages community participation and reflection.

Steps to Follow:

• Choose a Location: Use church stairs, a public staircase, or a nearby hill with a clear path.
• Set Entry & Sponsorship Options: Charge a small fee for participants and encourage them to get sponsors who pledge per step climbed.
• Promote the Event: Announce it in church, through flyers, and on social media. Offer online registration for easy sign-ups.
• Create a Reflection Space: Set up a station at the top with a cross, scripture readings, or a prayer moment to tie the climb to Easter’s meaning.

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3. Golden Egg Surprise Auction

Instead of a traditional auction, bidders compete for mystery-filled golden eggs, each containing a surprise prize.
Some eggs hold gift cards, handmade crafts, or services from local businesses, while others contain exclusive church perks like reserved Easter seating or a dinner with the pastor.

Entry fees and competitive bidding make this a fun and profitable event for all ages.

Steps to Follow:

• Collect Prize Donations: Ask local businesses and church members to contribute gift cards, handmade items, or special experiences.
• Prepare the Golden Eggs: Place each prize inside an egg, ensuring some contain high-value surprises to encourage bidding.
• Set Auction Rules: Offer a mix of live and silent bidding, allowing people to bid in person or online for added reach.
• Promote the Event: Advertise in church bulletins, on social media, and through email campaigns to attract bidders.
• Create a Raffle Option: Sell low-cost raffle tickets to those who prefer a chance to win without bidding.

4. Resurrect It! Church Yard Sale

This is an idea so old and obvious, but I just had to put it here because it works. It allows everyone to donate in their own capacity, making it very easy to participate in.

Members donate gently used clothes, furniture, books, and household goods. The church sells them at a community yard sale, offering fair prices and a “best offer” table. Refreshments like coffee and snacks bring in extra income.

Steps to Follow:

• Pick a Date & Location: Use the church parking lot or hall for easy access.
• Collect & Sort Donations: Accept clean, usable items and organize them for display.
• Spread the Word: Promote the event through church announcements, social media, and flyers.
• Set Up & Sell: Arrange tables, price items fairly, and offer discounts on bulk purchases.
• Offer Extra Fundraising Options: Sell refreshments, baked goods, or raffle tickets for bonus income.

5. Easter Garden Sponsorship

Now, this is a high-impact, long-term funding option that strengthens both faith and church resources.
Members sponsor flowers, shrubs, or trees in honor of loved ones.

The church plants them in a designated “Resurrection Garden,” making it a place of reflection and prayer.

Steps to Follow:

• Designate a Garden Space: Choose an area on church grounds for the sponsored plants.
• Offer Sponsorship Levels: Set different donation amounts for flowers, shrubs, or trees.
• Promote the Opportunity: Encourage sponsorships through bulletins, social media, and personal outreach.
• Host a Dedication Event: Invite donors to a special Easter blessing in the garden.
• Create a Lasting Tribute: Display plaques or a donor list to recognize contributors.

6. Bunny Blessings Egg Drive

This is perfect for churches as it provides another opportunity to spread blessings.

Church members purchase “Easter Blessing Eggs” filled with scripture verses, candy, or small surprises.

The church delivers them to children’s hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters, funded by sponsorships and donations.

Steps to Follow:

• Set a Sponsorship Price: Offer individual or bulk sponsorships for the eggs.
• Prepare & Fill the Eggs: Include small treats, faith-based messages, and surprises.
• Identify Recipients: Partner with hospitals, shelters, or local families in need.
• Organize Delivery Volunteers: Arrange for safe, joyful distribution.
• Thank Sponsors Publicly: Acknowledge contributions in church bulletins and social media.

7. Reverse Easter Basket Raffle

A raffle is an idea used for far too long so a small twist to it makes it far more interesting.

Instead of winning a basket, participants donate Easter baskets filled with goodies.

This is also a great opportunity for local vendors to promote their business.

The church auctions them off, with donors sponsoring each one.

Steps to Follow:

• Ask for Basket Donations: Encourage themed baskets with toys, chocolates, or faith-based items.
• Set Up a Raffle or Auction: Sell tickets or allow competitive bidding for the baskets.
• Promote Widely: Advertise in church, on social media, and through community groups.
• Make it a Fun Event: Host a gathering where winners are announced.
• Use Funds for Outreach: Direct proceeds toward church ministries or families in need.

8. The Empty Tomb Escape Room

While simply reading about the resurrection is of great impact, making people experience it is more exciting and encourages participation.

Teams enter a room designed to resemble the tomb where Jesus was buried.

Their goal is to solve faith-based puzzles, crack hidden clues, and work together to “roll away the stone” and uncover the miracle of the resurrection.

Each challenge ties back to scripture, making this more than just a game—it’s a hands-on way to experience Easter in a new way.

Steps to Follow:

• Design the Escape Room: Set up challenges based on scripture and Easter events.
• Charge Entry Fees: Offer team or individual pricing.
• Set a Time Limit: Make it engaging but achievable.
• Promote Participation: Advertise through church networks and online.
• Offer a Small Prize: Reward the fastest teams with a symbolic gift.

9. Cross Carve-a-Thon Auction

While this idea requires participation from skilled woodworkers and local artists, it also benefits them by providing a platform to showcase their art.

These handcrafted pieces, each unique in style and size, are auctioned to raise funds for church programs.

The beauty of this event lies in its connection to Easter—each cross represents sacrifice, hope, and renewal. Bidders walk away with a meaningful keepsake while knowing their donation supports the church.

Steps to Follow:

• Invite Artists to Participate: Reach out to local artisans and church members.
• Showcase the Crosses: Display them in church or online before the auction.
• Set Auction Rules: Allow live, silent, or online bidding.
• Promote Across Platforms: Use social media, church bulletins, and personal invites.
• Thank & Highlight Contributors: Recognize donors and artists publicly.

10. Easter Sunrise Miracle Walk

I promise this is the most peaceful, faith-filled way to raise money while honoring the meaning of Easter.

At sunrise, participants gather to walk a set route, reflecting on the journey to the empty tomb. Along the way, prayer stations or scripture readings guide them through moments of quiet contemplation.

Each walker collects sponsorships or pledges, with donations supporting church initiatives. The event ends with a short sunrise service, reinforcing the theme of resurrection and renewal.

This is more than a simple walk—it’s a spiritual experience that deepens faith while strengthening the church community.

Steps to Follow:

• Choose a Walking Route: Use a safe, accessible path near the church.
• Encourage Pledges: Participants gather donations for each mile walked.
• Incorporate Reflection Points: Set up prayer stops along the route.
• Provide Commemorative Items: Offer shirts, bracelets, or medals for donors.
• Host a Closing Ceremony: End with an Easter message and thank supporters.

11. Hand-Painted Easter Egg Sale

What could be more personal than hand-painting Easter eggs?

It assures the uniqueness of each egg and helps transform a simple Easter tradition into a work of art that supports the church.

Instead of mass-produced plastic eggs, local artists and church volunteers hand-paint wooden or ceramic eggs with religious symbols, scripture verses, and intricate designs.

These beautifully crafted eggs can be sold as keepsakes, Easter gifts, or home decorations.

This fundraiser brings in donations and community talent.

Steps to Follow:

• Collect or Purchase Blank Eggs: Use wood, ceramic, or durable materials.
• Host a Painting Event: Invite volunteers to create unique designs.
• Sell at Church & Online: Offer them after services or on the church website.
• Promote in Advance: Show previews to encourage pre-orders.
• Offer Customization: Let buyers request personalized eggs for extra donations.

12. Easter Cookie Gram Delivery

Instead of a traditional bake sale, the church sells Easter-themed cookies as “cookie grams,” each packaged with a handwritten scripture or a personal blessing.

Families and friends purchase them to send as gifts, while the church delivers them to homes, workplaces, or community centers.

Steps to Follow:

• Find Bakers or a Partner Bakery: Ask church members to bake cookies or collaborate with a local bakery.
• Create Faith-Based Designs: Use shapes like crosses, doves, lilies, or lambs. Decorate with Christian symbols or scripture.
• Set Up Pre-Orders: Allow people to order in advance through online forms or at church services.
• Organize Delivery Volunteers: Arrange for church members to drop off cookies or offer a pickup option.
• Sell Bulk Orders: Encourage businesses or groups to buy in larger quantities for events or charity donations.

13. Holy Week Shadow Play

Here’s an idea that is an emotional and immersive way to tell the Easter story while raising funds.

Instead of a traditional play, performers act out key moments from Jesus’s final days behind a backlit screen, creating striking silhouettes.

The audience watches as the story unfolds through shadows, narration, and music, making for a powerful and deeply moving experience. Ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships support church initiatives, while the performance itself brings the community together in worship and reflection.

Steps to Follow:

• Choose Key Scenes: Focus on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.
• Recruit Performers & Crew: Involve church members of all ages in acting, narration, and technical roles.
• Sell Tickets or Accept Donations: Charge for entry or encourage love offerings to raise funds.
• Enhance with Music & Scripture: Include live hymns, recorded music, or scripture readings for added impact.
• Offer Refreshments & Keepsakes: Sell coffee, tea, or small items like prayer cards to increase donations.

14. Church Pew Auction

Give members the chance to reserve the best seats for Easter Sunday while supporting the church.

With Easter services drawing large crowds, families often want to sit together in prime spots.

The church holds an auction where members bid for front-row or aisle seats, ensuring they have a reserved place while contributing to church programs.

Additional perks like VIP parking or a special Easter blessing add to the value.

Steps to Follow:

• Decide Which Pews to Reserve: Set aside premium seats while keeping general seating open.
• Hold an Auction or Fixed Donation System: Offer silent bids, live bidding, or set a fixed donation price for each pew.
• Include Special Perks: Provide reserved parking, early entry, or Easter-themed gifts for top bidders.
• Announce Winners in Advance: Notify participants before Easter so they know their seating arrangement.
• Thank Donors Publicly: Recognize their support in church bulletins or during the service.

15. 7 Last Words Sponsorship

This is a meaningful way to raise funds while honoring Jesus’s final words on the cross.

During the Good Friday service, the church dedicates each of the seven last words spoken by Jesus to a different sponsor.

Donors contribute in memory of a loved one or as a personal offering, with their name or dedication announced before the reading.

The sponsorships help fund church programs while giving participants a special role in the service.

Steps to Follow:

• Set Sponsorship Levels: Offer different donation amounts for each of the seven words.
• Announce the Sponsorship Opportunity: Promote it through bulletins, social media, and personal outreach.
• Allow Dedications: Sponsors can honor a loved one or add a personal message.
• Incorporate into Good Friday Service: Read each word with scripture, music, or reflections.
• Provide a Commemorative Gift: Offer a small keepsake, like a prayer card or cross necklace, to sponsors.

16. Easter Bible Quest Challenge

Children and families take part in a scavenger hunt filled with Bible-based challenges.

Each step of the quest includes trivia, scripture puzzles, or reenactments that teach the Easter story in an interactive way.

Participants pay an entry fee, and some collect sponsorships from family and friends for each challenge completed.

Steps to Follow:

• Design the Challenges: Include Bible trivia, scripture-based riddles, and hands-on activities.
• Charge an Entry Fee: Offer affordable pricing for families and groups.
• Encourage Sponsorships: Participants gather donations based on the number of challenges they complete.
• Host the Event at Church: Set up different challenge stations inside and outside.
• Reward Participants: Give small prizes or certificates to all who finish the quest.

17. Build the Biggest Easter Cross

Turn creativity into a fundraising challenge. Families, individuals, or church groups construct large Easter crosses using different materials—wood, cardboard, recycled items—and display them at the church. The community votes on their favorite designs by making donations, with the cross that raises the most money declared the winner.

Steps to Follow:

• Announce the Challenge: Encourage participation from kids, families, and small groups.
• Set Entry Fees: Charge a small fee for each cross submission.
• Provide Voting Options: Church members vote by donating money to their favorite cross.
• Showcase Crosses Publicly: Display them in the church or online for wider participation.
• Award a Prize or Recognition: Give a certificate, small gift, or special mention to the winner.

18. Resurrection Balloon Release

Wouldn’t it be so magical, a sky full of balloons with scriptures written on them?

Members can purchase balloons and write prayers, scriptures, or blessings on them.

On Easter Sunday, the congregation gathers for a collective balloon release, symbolizing hope, renewal, and resurrection.

Proceeds from balloon sales directly support church programs, making it a beautiful way to celebrate Easter while raising funds.

Steps to Follow:

• Sell Balloons: Offer different donation levels based on balloon sizes or colors.
• Encourage Personalized Messages: Let donors write prayers or scripture inside each balloon.
• Host a Special Release Ceremony: Gather the congregation for a shared moment of reflection.
• Capture the Moment: Take photos and videos to share online and encourage more giving.
• Offer a Virtual Option: Allow online donors to submit messages for a church representative to release on their behalf.

19. Miracle Matching Easter Giving

All churches have members with a generous heart and savings to match it.

A generous donor or local business agrees to match all Easter contributions dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every donation.

The challenge is announced ahead of Easter, creating urgency and encouraging greater giving.

Steps to Follow:

• Secure a Matching Donor: Find a sponsor willing to match church donations up to a certain amount.
• Promote the Challenge: Advertise the matching opportunity through church services, social media, and email campaigns.
• Set a Deadline: Limit the matching period to Easter weekend to drive urgency.
• Make Giving Easy: Offer online donations, text-to-give options, and in-person collection.
• Celebrate the Results: Announce the total raised and how it will benefit the church.