Below we’ve listed 10 fundraising ideas to help you plan events for the Lent Appeal. Don’t forget to download posters and order Gift Aid envelopes.
- Pancake Party
Invite your friends, family, neighbours and church members to come along and join in the fun. A small donation can be made on the door which entitles guests to two pancakes with fillings of their choice. Set up a pancake bar with a selection of toppings such as; lemons, sugar, honey, banana, chocolate buttons, sprinkles pretty much whatever your imagination tells you! If you’re feeling energetic after all those pancakes you could even have a pancake race. We’d love to see your pictures! Tag us on social media using @diocesenorwich on Twitter and @dioceseofnorwich on Instagram.
- Lent lunches
Why not hold a week of Lent lunches? This is a great chance to get your community together and support the Lent Appeal Project.
If you would like someone to come and speak at your Lent lunch to raise money for the Lent Appeal you can contact the following people:
- Revd Phil Charlesworth: revdphilcharlesworth@gmail.com 07545 968435
- Revd Sue Martin: revdsuermartin@gmail.com 07801701677
- Revd Sally Theakston: bishops.chaplain@dioceseofnorwich.org 07825 132050
- Revd Lynn Fry: lynnandtony@outlook.com 07554 930054
- Sponsored Prayer walking
Start a prayer walking group around your village or town. Pray for those dealing with long term illness or a terminal diagnosis, their families and those who care for them. We would always recommend walking in pairs, especially at night.
- Tech free time
An idea for teenagers – why not give up social media or screen time and get sponsored for it. Give up all technology (or selected technology) for however long you think you can cope.
- Auction of Promises
Ask members of your church and community if they will promise to wash cars, do some gardening, mow lawns or do DIY and auction off the promises to the highest bidder.
- Friday Fish & Chips evening
Traditionally during Lent, Christians did not eat meat on Fridays. So why not hold a Fish & Chips evening and invite your community.
- Barn dance / Celeidh
Always a popular evening! Hire a music group to organise the dancing or alternatively try being the caller yourself.
- Cake sale
Baking is a great activity for all ages and can really bring people together. If your church hall has the facilities, why not bake something during Sunday school with the children and sell it at tea and coffee time? Alternatively, hold a coffee morning and ask people to donate cakes and treats.
- Football Match (running or walking)
Ask a local team to play a match against your church team or play your youth group against the senior members of your church. Ask each player to pay a fee to play and sell tickets to the game. Organise a raffle at half time and ask for prizes to be donated by local businesses.
- Quiz night
Speak to your local pub / restaurant / community space and see if they will partner with you to hold a one-off Quiz Night or if they will use their regular Quiz Night to raise money for the Lent Appeal. A great way to get the local community involved and aware of the Appeal! Or hold a Quiz night in your church or church / community hall.