Best Youth Group Fundraisers: 14 Ideas That Actually Work

Organizing a fundraiser for your youth group can feel like trying to crowd just one more thing on an already full plate. 

Between juggling church events, family commitments, and limited volunteers, it’s no wonder many leaders feel overwhelmed before they even start. But the good news is fundraising doesn’t have to be exhausting. 

In fact, with the right ideas and tools, it can be fun, faith-filled, and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you’re raising money for mission trips, youth retreats, or new sports equipment, the best fundraisers are the ones that fit your group, your goals, and your time. 

Community-Based Fundraisers

See how Fun Pasta Fundraising helped Landing Place Church reach their goals.

When your to-do list is a mile long and your volunteer roster is, well… you, you have  to choose fundraisers that are both doable and effective. The ideas below are tailor-made for youth leaders who wear all the hats, and still want to make a big impact.

Car + Pup Wash Combo

This classic church lot fundraiser gets a fun twist when you add furry friends into the mix. Offer a two-for-one special: car wash for the adults, pup wash for their dogs.

• Make it smoother: Sell tickets ahead of time during Sunday service or through email to help you plan better.
• Got zero adult volunteers? No problem. This one works great with just teens and one trusted adult keeping watch.

Envelope Wall Fundraiser

Low-tech. Low-cost. Super visual. Tape 100 envelopes on a church bulletin board or hallway wall, each labeled with a dollar amount ($1 to $100). Donors pick an envelope, donate that amount, and watch the wall “disappear” as giving grows.

• Perfect for the church foyer or fellowship hall
• Use it to kick off your season, then build into a bigger fall or spring push
• Great for folks who want to give without buying anything

Yard Work Sponsorships

Teach responsibility while raising funds. Have your teens offer to rake leaves, mow lawns, or do spring clean-up in exchange for donations.

• No paperwork headaches: Let supporters donate directly to your church Venmo or PayPal.
• No finance committee? Use a shared Google Sheet to track who did what and who raised what. It’s simple, secure, and transparent.

Bonus Tip: These types of service fundraisers tend to attract support from neighbors and grandparents, people outside your usual giving circle who love to see youth doing good.

Product-Based Fundraisers

Perfect for offering value to the community, not just asking for money.

Sometimes, supporters just want something to take home, something that feels worth the spend and brings a little joy. These product-based fundraisers do exactly that. They’re meaningful, practical, and invite your whole congregation to participate without the pressure of “just donating.”

Plant Sales & Candles

A fresh bouquet, a potted herb, or a cozy candle, these are the feel-good items people want to buy. Reach out to local nurseries or craft makers and host a seasonal “market day” right after Sunday service.

• Set up outside in spring or fall when the weather’s nice
• Add baked goods, greeting cards, or student-made crafts to round out your offerings
• Bring the youth into it, let them run the booths, make signage, and talk about the cause

Pro tip: Hosting a “Giving Garden” sale is a great way to combine multiple small efforts into one standout event, saving you time and giving your group a signature fundraiser.

Pasta Fundraising with a Purpose

Sell dry pasta in fun, themed shapes. It’s pantry-friendly, budget-conscious, and probably already on grocery lists. Making it a perfect sell. 

• Shelf-stable and non-perishable, so no refrigeration or special storage needed
• Available in fun shapes like sports themes, crosses, animals, or holiday designs
• Great for gift baskets, meal kits, or themed dinner nights

Leadership tip: This is one of those fundraisers that feels fresh year after year. It’s practical, visual, and appeals to both parents and supporters outside your immediate circle.

Event-Based Fundraisers

Ideal for building energy and visibility in your congregation and town.

Looking to rally your community while raising funds? These events bring people together, and get them excited about supporting your youth group. Even better, they’re flexible and fun to run, especially when your teens take the lead.

Game or Trivia Night

Host a night of laughter, friendly competition, and snacks, all for a great cause. Divide guests into teams, throw in some Bible trivia or pop culture rounds, and crown a champion by the end.

• Add snack sales, raffles, or a youth-performed skit to boost your earnings
• Encourage teens to MC or serve as scorekeepers for extra involvement
• No finance committee? No problem. Set out a clearly marked donation jar or use mobile apps like CashApp or Venmo to collect digital donations right at the door

Leadership tip: This is a great event to hand over to the youth group, let them plan, promote, and perform. It builds ownership and lightens your load.

Scavenger Hunts or Fitness Challenges

Ready to get everyone moving? Try a scavenger hunt around your church campus or a walk-a-thon through the local park. Each youth participant can collect pledges based on laps, steps, or participation milestones.

• Use simple pledge sheets or create individual online donation links to keep it organized
• Need a bigger turnout? Pair the event with a bake sale or plant table for extra fundraising without needing a whole separate event

Combining events = less burnout. Instead of planning three small fundraisers over three weekends, bring them together into one high-impact community day.

Online & Digital Fundraisers

Less volunteer labor, more automation.

Let’s face it: when your volunteers are tapped out and your calendar is packed, digital tools can feel like a lifeline. These fundraisers let your youth group connect with supporters near and far, without printing a single flyer or chasing down cash envelopes.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms

This method puts the power in your students’ hands. Each youth gets their own fundraising link, and every donation is tracked individually. No folders, no tally sheets, no “Did we get that check?” confusion.

• Parents and teens can share links via email or social media
• Donors can give anytime, from anywhere
• You get built-in dashboards and downloadable reports, perfect if you don’t have a finance team

Pro tip: This is an ideal fit for mission trips or goal-based campaigns. Want to know who raised enough for their spot on the retreat? The platform tracks that for you, automatically.

Social Media Challenge Campaigns

Tap into what teens already love, creating content! Set up a themed challenge and have each youth post their version along with their donation link.

• Creates energy and spreads your message organically
• Parents, grandparents, and out-of-state family members can give easily

Avoid These Fundraising Pitfalls

Even the most passionate youth leaders can run into roadblocks. 

We’ve seen it all, from over-scheduled calendars to underwhelming results, and we’re here to help you steer clear of the traps that can drain your energy (and your team’s enthusiasm).

Trying to “do it all” yourself

We know many of you are pastors, parents, and planners all in one, but fundraising shouldn’t feel like a solo mission. Simplify where you can. Delegate when possible. And lean on platforms that automate things like tracking, communication, and reporting.

Running back-to-back small events

A bake sale here, a car wash there… pretty soon, everyone’s burned out and tired of being asked for “just one more thing.” Instead, look for ways to combine your smaller ideas into one powerhouse event that creates excitement and draws a crowd.

Pro tip: Host a Fall Fundraising Festival with booths for games, baked goods, raffles, and a themed dinner. It’s more fun, less stress, and way more effective than stringing together 10 separate events.

Not setting a specific, personal goal for each youth

Boost Motivation by giving each teen a clear, attainable target. Whether they’re earning their way to camp or raising money for uniforms, personal accountability inspires action.

Overusing the same volunteers

If you’re always leaning on the same few helpers, they’ll burn out fast. Instead, rotate roles, shorten shifts, and explore digital options that reduce the need for hands-on staffing altogether.

Not explaining why the money is needed

People give when they feel connected to the cause. So don’t just say, “We’re raising money.” Say, “We’re raising $3,000 so our youth group can attend a leadership retreat that will help them grow in faith, friendships, and confidence.”

Storytelling changes everything.

Make sure every fundraiser has a “why” that your supporters can believe in.

Why Fun Pasta Fundraising Is a Game-Changer for Church Youth Leaders

We get it, fundraising needs to be simple and reliable. That’s why we created Fun Pasta Fundraising with busy leaders, spirited youth, and supportive families in mind. Whether you’ve got a full committee or you’re leading the charge solo, our system is built to help you succeed, without the stress.

A Product That Works With or Without a Big Team

Shelf-Stable Pasta = No Refrigeration Stress: No freezers. No melting chocolate. No spoiled goods. Our pasta is pantry-ready with a long shelf life, so you can run your fundraiser anytime, even in the heat of summer.

Unique Shapes = Easy to Promote: From crosses to sports themes, pets to school spirit, our fun-shaped pastas practically sell themselves. They’re perfect for youth group trips, holiday gifts, or just a pasta night with a purpose.

Individual Tracking = No Math for You: Every participant gets a custom link, and our platform handles all the totals. Want to know who earned what? It’s all there, ready to download.

No Contracts, Minimums, or Hidden Fees: We believe in making fundraising easy. That means no upfront costs, no pressure to hit a certain quota, and no surprise charges. Just real support and real results.

Whether you’re a seasoned youth director or planning your very first fundraiser, we’re here to help you every step of the way. With Fun Pasta Fundraising, you’ll get more than a product, you’ll get a partner.