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Churches large and small strive to fulfill God's call to be the Body of Christ, and to reach their communities and the larger world with the Good News. They develop ministries that have a powerful impact on people's lives, and members often give a great deal of their time and their talent to make a difference for Christ. Yet ministries need money to develop facilities, purchase equipment, run programs, pay workers, and reimburse travel costs.

Even when church members are generous in their regular tithing, the church budget may not be sufficient to pay for discretionary expenses, expansion opportunities, or special projects. So how can churches raise the most money in the best possible way?

Sometimes churches simply ask for a donation, and people write a check. But not everyone wants to give in this way. Other churches ask people to pledge to support people in a Bowl-a-Thon or Walk-a-Thon. Others, especially in youth groups, run car washes or host bake sales.

These fundraising results, while good, are not all that they could be. The work can be very tiring—and sometimes demoralizing. Many churches are discovering an important alternative—fundraising through product or service sales. Product sales can be an effective and quick way to raise significant amounts of money and build some great teamwork.

The most difficult part of a fundraiser might be choosing the right product to sell. With a wide range of programs and activities to choose from, the decision could require a lot of internal negotiation. Churches and ministries can opt to sell collectible products that celebrate a special event or milestone such as a church centennial. Commemorative products give individuals and families opportunities to honor or remember loved ones. Consumables such as candy, fresh fruit, cookie dough, or snacks sell well in many congregations. Cookbooks draw the interest of all those who broil, blend, or bake.

Regardless of the product line, it is important for a church to partner with the right company. "This is a business venture," says Russell Lemieux, executive director of the Association of Fund Raising Distributors & Suppliers, an international association representing the product fundraising industry. "Churches will have a lot of options as they are solicited by several companies. Do a thorough investigation and examination of all companies. Ask a lot of questions of any company, especially regarding their support for and help with the program."

Before choosing a type of fundraiser, consider the demographics of the congregation and the community to which products and services will be sold. What products will be especially appealing? Some people, such as teens and older persons, might prefer candy, while families with children might want frozen cookie dough. "We find that cookie dough is one of our best sellers these days," says Morris Capp, president of Spirit of America, a distributor of fundraising products. "Families like cookie dough because parents can bake with their children. And who doesn't like the taste of a fresh-baked cookie?"

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