Have you ever stopped to think about why the church fan holds such a special place in our hearts? Itβs a tool for praise, a shield for prayer, and a canvas for beautiful Black art and scripture. For decades, it has been a constant presence in our most sacred spaces. This deep cultural significance is precisely what makes it an incredible fundraising tool. Youβre not trying to convince people to buy something new; youβre offering them a beautiful version of something they already love and value. This guide explores how to harness that built-in affection to create successful black church fan fundraisers that truly support your mission.
Key Takeaways
- Connect with Culture, Not Just a Product: Remember that church fans are a meaningful part of our history and worship. When you sell them, you're offering a piece of our shared heritage, which makes people more excited to support the cause.
- Strategy is Key to Success: A successful fundraiser doesn't just happen; it's planned. Set a clear financial goal, choose a fan style that fits your church's personality, and create a simple pricing plan to make sure you meet your target.
- Build Excitement by Sharing the Story: Get people involved by being clear about where the money is going. When your community understands the specific goalβlike funding the youth choir's new robesβthey become your best promoters and most generous supporters.
What Are Church Fans and Why Do They Matter in Our Culture?
If you grew up in the Black church, you know the soundβthe gentle whoosh of dozens of cardboard fans cutting through the thick, warm air on a Sunday morning. These fans are more than just a way to keep cool. They are a staple of our worship experience, a piece of our history, and a symbol of our community's strength and spirit. They hold stories in their folds and connect us to the generations of saints who fanned themselves in the very same pews.
A Look Back: The History of Church Fans
Church fans hold a special place in our hearts and our history. For generations, theyβve been a constant presence in our sacred spaces, connecting us to our parents, grandparents, and ancestors who shared in the same worship traditions. Long before air conditioning was common, these simple but essential tools provided relief during passionate sermons and soul-stirring choir performances. They are symbols of our shared experience and resilience, often featuring uplifting messages or beautiful Black art that reflects our faith and culture. Each fan is a small testament to the enduring spirit of the Black American church, a tradition passed down from one hand to the next.
More Than a Breeze: Their Role in Worship
While their main job is to create a breeze, church fans do so much more. Think about it: a fan can be raised to say a hearty "Amen!" to a powerful point in the sermon. It can be used to discreetly wipe away a tear during a moving testimony or shield your face during a moment of private prayer. Many fans are personalized with images of church leaders, important scriptures, or advertisements for local Black-owned businesses, weaving them into the very fabric of the community. They become keepsakes from anniversaries, revivals, and homegoings, making them an integral part of our spiritual journey and a great tool for your fundraising program.
How Fan Styles Vary Across Our Communities
The classic 20th-century church fan is an iconic piece of Black American culture, and its design often tells a story. Youβve probably seen the most common style: a sturdy paddle fan with a wooden handle, perfect for creating a steady breeze. The artwork on these fans can range from beautiful depictions of Black families and historical figures to serene biblical landscapes. The style often reflects the unique personality of the church itself. Some might feature a portrait of the pastor and first lady, while others display an inspiring quote or a simple, elegant church logo. These designs are a source of nostalgia and pride, reminding us of the diverse traditions and aesthetics that make each of our communities special.
Why Church Fans Are a Great Fundraising Idea
When youβre thinking about fundraising, you want an idea thatβs simple, effective, and connects with your community on a deeper level. Church fans check all those boxes and then some. Theyβre more than just a way to catch a breeze during a fiery sermon; they are a cherished part of our worship experience and a symbol of our shared history. Choosing church fans for your next fundraiser is a powerful way to raise money while celebrating a tradition that is uniquely ours. Itβs an idea that feels good because itβs rooted in who we are.
Connect with Culture and Build Community Pride
Church fans hold deep cultural and historical significance in the Black community. From Sunday service to family reunions, these fans are a staple, connecting us to memories, traditions, and the generations that came before us. When your church or organization sells them, youβre not just offering an item; youβre offering a piece of our heritage. Itβs a way to build community pride and give people something that reflects their faith and culture. Each fan becomes a small piece of Black art that members can carry with them, a tangible reminder of their spiritual home and the community that supports them.
Offer an Affordable and Beloved Item
A successful fundraiser needs a product that people actually want and can afford. Church fans are a beloved and practical item that almost everyone in the congregation will appreciate. Theyβre inexpensive to source, which means you can sell them at a price point thatβs accessible for everyone while still making a healthy profit for your cause. Unlike other fundraising items that might be a tough sell, these fans are an easy yes. People will gladly shop for a beautiful fan to use during service, keep in their car, or even display at home, making it a simple and effective way to meet your financial goals.
Raise Funds All Year Long
The beauty of a church fan fundraiser is that it isnβt limited to a specific season. While theyβre a lifesaver during hot summer revivals, they are also perfect for church anniversaries, Black History Month celebrations, womenβs and menβs day programs, and holiday services. You can sell them year-round at various church and community events. This consistent stream of income can make a huge difference for your organization. By participating in our fundraising program, you can easily stock up on beautiful, high-quality fans that will keep the contributions flowing all year long, supporting your mission every step of the way.
Choosing the Right Fan Style for Your Fundraiser
Picking the right fan for your fundraiser is about more than just choosing a pretty design. Itβs about deciding what kind of message you want to send and what will resonate most with your community. The style of the fan can reflect your churchβs personalityβwhether itβs deeply traditional, modern and on-the-go, or a mix of both. Think about who youβre trying to reach and where youβll be selling them. Are these for the congregation to use during Sunday service, or will you be handing them out at a community festival? The right choice can make all the difference in how well your
The three most popular styles are classic paddle fans, convenient folding fans, and custom fans that feature your churchβs information. Each one has its own unique vibe and purpose. The classic paddle fan feels like home, connecting us to generations of worship and those long, spirit-filled services. The folding fan is practical and perfect for taking your ministryβs message out into the streets. And a custom fan turns a simple tool for keeping cool into a personal keepsake and a powerful statement about your churchβs presence in the community. Letβs get into which one is the best fit for your fundraising goals so you can make a choice that truly represents your church family.
Classic Paddle Fans
You know the soundβthat gentle flutter that fills the sanctuary during a powerful sermon. The classic paddle fan is a staple in the Black church for a reason. Itβs a timeless choice that connects directly to our traditions and history. These fans are more than just a way to catch a breeze; they are a part of the worship experience itself. Often decorated with vibrant Black art, images of historical figures, or uplifting scriptures, they become cherished keepsakes. Choosing a classic paddle fan for your fundraiser means offering something that feels familiar and meaningful. Itβs an item that people will hold onto, not just for the memories of a warm service, but as a beautiful piece of our shared culture.
Convenient Folding Fans
If your church is active in the community, convenient folding fans are a smart and modern choice. Think about your next health fair, outreach event, or community festival. These lightweight fans are easy to carry, pack, and hand out to everyone. Because theyβre so portable, they can go anywhere, spreading your churchβs message far beyond its walls. Most folding fans are durable and can be customized with a full-color design, giving you a great opportunity to showcase your churchβs logo and branding. They offer a practical way to keep your congregation and community cool while making sure your churchβs presence is seen and felt all over town.
Custom Fans with Your Church's Info
Creating a custom fan takes your fundraiser to the next level. This is your chance to design something that is uniquely yours and serves as a powerful marketing tool. You can add your churchβs name, address, service times, and a special message from the pastor. A custom fan becomes a tangible connection to your church family, a reminder of a special anniversary, or a celebration of your ministryβs theme for the year. By personalizing these fans, youβre not just selling an item; youβre giving people a piece of your churchβs story. Our fundraising program can help you create beautiful, high-quality custom designs that your supporters will be proud to own and use.
How to Source and Design Your Church Fans
Once youβve decided that church fans are the right choice for your fundraiser, the next step is bringing them to life. This is where the real fun beginsβchoosing a partner, creating a design that reflects your churchβs spirit, and planning your order. A well-designed fan isnβt just a tool to keep cool; itβs a piece of art, a keepsake, and a symbol of your communityβs faith and unity. Getting the design and sourcing right is key to creating a product your congregation will be proud to buy and use, ensuring your fundraiser is a success from the start.
Partner with African American Expressions for Custom Designs
Finding the right partner is the most important first step. You need someone who understands the cultural significance of the church fan and can help you create something truly special. Thatβs where we come in. For decades, African American Expressions has been dedicated to creating beautiful, culturally relevant products that celebrate our heritage. Our fundraising program is designed to help Black churches and organizations thrive. Weβll work with you to create custom fans for your special events, anniversaries, or pastoral celebrations. We know how to design fans that are perfect for prayer, remembrance, and praise, creating a meaningful keepsake your members will cherish for years to come.
Plan Your Bulk Order
Before you place an order, youβll need to figure out how many fans you need. Think about the size of your congregation and consider any upcoming special events like church anniversaries, homecomings, or community outreach days where you plan to sell them. Ordering in bulk is almost always more cost-effective, which means more funds raised for your cause. A good quality fan is durable and lightweight, making it a perfect item for outreach. To get a better idea of the styles and options available, you can always request a catalog to help you plan your order and budget accordingly.
Choose Designs That Speak to Your Congregation
The design you choose is everything. Remember, the church fan holds deep cultural and historical significance in the Black community, so the artwork should be thoughtful and inspiring. Select designs that resonate with your congregationβs values and spirit. This could be an image of Black praise and worship, a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., or a beautiful piece of art that reflects the strength and grace of our people. Browse our collections of Black art for inspiration. The goal is to create a fan that not only looks beautiful but also feels meaningful in the hands of every person who holds it.
Add Your Church Info and an Uplifting Message
Personalizing your fans makes them a powerful tool for connection and outreach. Be sure to include your churchβs name, address, phone number, and service times. You can also add your pastorβs name and a photo. This turns the fan into more than just a fundraiser item; it becomes an invitation to your community. Donβt forget to include an uplifting messageβa favorite scripture, a line from a beloved hymn, or a simple, powerful phrase like βFaith Over Fear.β This personal touch blends elegance with functionality, creating a beautiful and practical piece that shares a message of hope while representing your church with pride.
How to Get Your Community Excited and Involved
A successful fundraiser is about more than just selling a product; itβs about bringing people together for a common cause. When your congregation feels connected to the mission, theyβll be your biggest champions. Getting everyone excited and involved is the key to not just meeting but exceeding your fundraising goals. Itβs about creating a movement within your church walls that ripples out into the community. Think of it as the difference between simply asking for money and inviting people to be part of something special. You want to build momentum that carries the fundraiser from its launch to its successful finish.
This energy doesn't just happen on its ownβit's built intentionally through clear communication, strong leadership, and genuine fellowship. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, theyβre not just buyers; they become advocates for your cause, telling their friends, family, and coworkers about the great work your church is doing. This kind of grassroots support is priceless and can turn a small campaign into a major success. The goal is to make participation feel like a joyful act of service and community pride. Here are four solid ways to build that energy and get everyone on board.
Get Your Church Leaders on Board
Before you do anything else, get your church leadership in your corner. Having your pastor, first lady, deacons, and ministry leaders vocally support the fundraiser gives it instant credibility. Their endorsement is more than just a stamp of approval; itβs a signal to the entire congregation that this cause is important. When leaders are excited, that energy is contagious. Ask them to make announcements from the pulpit, feature the fundraiser in the church bulletin, and personally encourage members to participate. Their involvement can help overcome any hesitation and inspire the whole church family to get involved.
Be Clear About Where the Money Is Going
People are more willing to give when they know exactly how their contribution will make a difference. Be transparent and specific about your fundraising goal. Are you raising money for a new youth center, scholarships for graduating seniors, or repairs for the church roof? Tell that story. Create a simple, powerful message and share it consistently. For example, "Every fan sold helps us send one more child to summer camp." This clarity builds trust and helps people feel personally invested in the outcome. Our fundraising program is designed to help you track your progress and share your success with the community.
Partner with Local Black-Owned Businesses
Strengthen your community ties by partnering with local Black-owned businesses. This is about more than just asking for a donation; itβs about building a relationship that benefits everyone. Ask a local business to sponsor a batch of fans in exchange for having their logo printed on the handle or a shout-out during service. You could also set up a table at their storefront or ask them to sell the fans on your behalf. This approach helps circulate the dollar within our community and shows a united front. Itβs a powerful way to expand your reach and show that the whole neighborhood is behind your churchβs mission.
Plan Fun Community Events
Turn your fundraiser into an event that people genuinely want to attend. Instead of simply selling fans after service, create an experience around it. Host a "Fan and Fellowship" fish fry, an outdoor gospel concert, or a special anniversary celebration where the fans are the featured souvenir. When you tie your fundraiser to a joyful, memorable occasion, it feels less like an ask and more like a celebration. These events create opportunities for connection and give people a fun reason to show their support. The beautiful Black art on the fans can even serve as a theme for your event.
How to Price and Promote Your Fans for Success
Once you have your beautiful church fans in hand, the next step is to get them into the hands of your community. A successful fundraiser isnβt just about having a great product; itβs about smart pricing and effective promotion. This is where you build the momentum that turns those fans into meaningful support for your churchβs vision. Think of this as your game plan for making sure every fan sold makes the biggest possible impact. By being thoughtful about your pricing and creative with your outreach, you honor the generosity of your supporters and set your fundraiser up for incredible success. Letβs walk through how to set the right price and spread the word to get everyone excited to contribute.
Know Your Costs and Set a Fair Price
Before you can set a price, you need to know exactly what each fan costs your church. Start by adding up the price per fan from your order, plus any shipping fees or design costs. This total is your "cost per fan." Once you have that number, you can decide on a sale price. The goal is to find a sweet spot: a price that is affordable for your congregation but also high enough to raise significant funds. We know that many Black-led organizations face challenges in securing funding, so a well-planned pricing strategy is a powerful first step. Your price should reflect the fan's quality and the importance of the cause it supports.
Adjust Your Pricing for Different Events
Your pricing strategy can be flexible. While youβll have a standard price for fans sold after Sunday service, consider creating special offers for different church events. For example, at a major church anniversary or a holiday celebration, you could offer a bundle deal, like two fans for a slightly reduced price, to encourage multiple purchases. If youβre hosting a special gospel concert, you could even create a premium package that includes a fan with priority seating. Tying your fan sales to these big moments creates excitement and can lead to a significant increase in funds raised, helping you make the most of a captive and engaged audience.
Spread the Word on Social Media and in the Community
Now itβs time to let everyone know about your fundraiser. Start with your built-in network. Make announcements from the pulpit, include flyers in the weekly bulletin, and post consistently on your churchβs social media pages. But donβt just post a picture and a priceβtell the story. Share what the funds will be used for and how each purchase helps the church achieve its goals. Effective church marketing also means reaching beyond your own walls. Ask local Black-owned businesses if you can leave a stack of flyers or display a fan at their counter. Word-of-mouth is powerful, so encourage your members to share the news with their family, friends, and coworkers.
Take Great Photos and Videos
In todayβs world, strong visuals are everything. You need clear, bright, and appealing photos of your church fans to grab peopleβs attention. Take pictures in good natural light to showcase the beautiful artwork and your churchβs custom message. Donβt just show the fan by itself; capture photos of church members smiling and using them. These images tell a story and create an emotional connection. You can also create short videos for social mediaβa quick pan across the different designs or a short message from your pastor can be incredibly effective. For inspiration on how to present culturally rich visuals, look at collections of powerful Black art.
Where to Sell Your Church Fans
Once you have your beautiful church fans ready, the next step is getting them into the hands of your community. The key is to meet people where they are, tapping into moments of fellowship, celebration, and community care. Think beyond the church lobby and consider all the places where your congregation and neighbors gather. By being strategic about where you sell, you can connect with more people and make your fundraiser a true success. From Sunday service to the local summer festival, each location offers a unique opportunity to share your churchβs mission and raise the funds you need to support it.
During Sunday Service and Church Anniversaries
The most natural place to sell your fans is right at church. After a powerful sermon, folks feel inspired and connected, making it the perfect time to support a good cause. Set up a table in the fellowship hall or have your youth group offer them to members. Special events like your churchβs anniversary or homecoming are also prime opportunities. During these moments of celebration and pride, a custom fan becomes a beautiful keepsake that members will cherish for years to come.
At Community Health Fairs and Workshops
Our churches have always been centers for community well-being, hosting everything from health screenings to financial workshops. These events are a fantastic place to sell your fans. Attendees are there to learn and engage, and theyβll appreciate a way to cool down while supporting the churchβs outreach. Selling fans here shows your church is invested in the communityβs wellness and connects your fundraising program to the good work it makes possible.
At Local Festivals and Holiday Events
Take your fundraiser on the road! Set up a booth at local Black cultural festivals, Juneteenth celebrations, or holiday markets. These events draw large crowds, giving you a chance to reach people beyond your congregation. Itβs an opportunity to share your churchβs story, connect with new faces, and raise significant funds. Make your booth inviting with friendly volunteers. A beautifully designed fan featuring inspiring Black art can be an easy and meaningful purchase for festival-goers looking for a unique souvenir.
Sell Online Through Your Social Media
Donβt forget your online community. Use your churchβs Facebook and Instagram to sell fans to members whoβve moved away or canβt attend in person. Post clear, attractive photos and share the story behind your fundraiser. Make it easy for people to buy with a simple payment link. This is also a great way for members to share the fundraiser with their own networks of family and friends. You can even create a special online-only offer to get people excited to buy and share.
How to Manage Your Fundraiser from Start to Finish
A great idea is one thing, but a solid plan is what brings the money home. Managing your church fan fundraiser doesnβt have to be complicated, but it does require a little organization to make sure everything runs smoothly. Think of it as being a good steward of the time, energy, and money your community is entrusting you with. When people see that you have a handle on the details, theyβll feel even more confident in supporting your cause. From setting your financial goals to handling the final sale, a clear process will keep your team motivated and your supporters engaged. Letβs walk through the simple steps to manage your fundraiser from start to finish, ensuring you can focus on what truly matters: connecting with your community and reaching your goals.
Set Clear Goals and a Timeline
Before you sell a single fan, you need to know what youβre working toward. Setting clear, specific goals is the first step to a successful campaign. How much money do you need to raise? What will the funds be used for? Be precise. Instead of saying "for the youth group," say "$2,500 for the youth ministry's annual college tour." This clarity helps everyone understand the mission and motivates them to contribute. Once you have your goal, create a simple timeline. Map out key dates for ordering your fans, promoting the fundraiser, selling at events, and celebrating your success. A timeline keeps everyone on the same page and builds momentum.
Organize Your Team of Volunteers
You canβt do this alone, sis. A strong team of volunteers is the heart of any community fundraiser. Gather a few dedicated people from your church or organization and give everyone a specific role. You might need a promotions person to handle social media and flyers, a treasurer to manage the money, and a sales crew to work the table during services and events. Playing to everyoneβs strengths makes the work lighter and more enjoyable. Our fundraising program is designed to be simple, so you wonβt need a huge team, but having a few helping hands makes all the difference. Regular check-ins will keep your team connected and focused on the goal.
Track Your Sales and Inventory
Keeping good records is non-negotiable. It builds trust with your supporters and helps you run a more effective fundraiser. Use a simple spreadsheet or a notebook to track your inventory and sales. Note how many of each fan design you started with, how many youβve sold, and how much money has been collected. This helps you see which styles are the most popular and tells you when itβs time to reorder. Staying organized shows your community that youβre serious about the mission. You can easily view our catalog online to check out designs and plan your inventory needs from the start.
Handle Questions and Returns with Grace
Great customer service matters, even when youβre fundraising. Your supporters are family, so treat them that way. Be ready to answer common questions about the fundraiserβs purpose or payment options with a warm smile. On the rare occasion that someone needs to return a fan or has an issue, handle it with grace. A simple, fair policy for exchanges will show people you appreciate their support. Remember, effective and kind communication is key to maintaining the strong relationships that hold our communities together. Every positive interaction is a chance to strengthen the bond between your supporters and your cause, ensuring theyβll be back to support you next time.
How to Handle Common Fundraising Challenges
Letβs be realβevery fundraiser hits a few bumps in the road. But a challenge is just an opportunity to get creative and lean on your community for support. We know that our organizations sometimes have to make a dollar out of fifteen cents, but thatβs where our strength lies. Whether youβre working with a small budget or trying to keep the energy up all year, there are simple, effective ways to make sure your church fan fundraiser is a success. Hereβs how to handle some of the most common hurdles with grace and strategy.
Working with a Tight Budget
You donβt need a lot of money to start raising money. One of the biggest challenges for our organizations is often securing initial funds, but you can get around this by being strategic. Start by using a fundraising program that offers products at a low cost, which minimizes your upfront investment. You can also take pre-orders from your congregation before placing a large bulk order. This way, you know exactly how many fans you need and wonβt be left with unsold inventory. Use free tools like social media and church bulletins to get the word out instead of paying for advertising. Itβs all about using the resources you already have to create momentum.
Keeping Sales Strong in the Off-Season
Church fans might seem like a summer thing, but with the right approach, you can keep sales going all year long. During cooler months, frame the fans as beautiful keepsakes, art pieces for the home, or thoughtful gifts. Bundle them with other items for holidays like Motherβs Day or Christmas. You can find plenty of beautiful gifts for Mom and other loved ones to pair them with. Tie your fan sales to specific church events, like your pastorβs anniversary or a homecoming celebration. This connects the fan to a special memory, making it a cherished item that people will want to buy regardless of the season.
Standing Out from Other Fundraisers
Your community is likely asked to support many different causes, so you want your fundraiser to feel special. Make it an event. Partner with your churchβs praise and worship team for a concert where the fans are sold as memorabilia. You could even collaborate with a local Black artist to create a truly unique design that reflects your churchβs spirit and history. Our collection of Black art can be a great source of inspiration. Most importantly, tell a compelling story. Be clear about what the funds will supportβa new van for the youth ministry, repairs for the church roof, or community outreach programs. When people know their purchase has a purpose, they are much more likely to give.
Reaching People in New Ways
To make a real impact, you have to meet people where they are. That means going beyond Sunday morning announcements. Use your churchβs social media pages to post high-quality photos and videos of the fans. Get your youth ministry involved to create fun, engaging content that will reach a wider audience. Send out emails and text messages to your congregation with a direct link to purchase. You can also create simple, beautiful flyers to post in the church and around the community. If you need great images for your promotions, you can always request a catalog to get professional photos of the products youβre selling.
How to Turn This Fundraiser into a Long-Term Success
A successful fundraiser is a blessing, but turning that one-time success into a steady stream of support is the real goal. Youβve put in the work to get things started, and now itβs time to build on that momentum. Keeping your congregation and community engaged is key to making your fan fundraiser a staple that people look forward to year after year. Itβs all about showing appreciation, planning ahead, and celebrating your collective wins. By creating a cycle of excitement and impact, youβre not just selling fans; youβre building a stronger foundation for your churchβs future and all the good work it does in our community.
Keep the Excitement and Participation Going
Once the initial buzz wears off, you have to be intentional about keeping the energy up. Make sure youβre reaching everyone in the way they prefer to communicate. Some of your members live on Facebook, others will only see a text message, and plenty of our elders still rely on the Sunday morning bulletin. Using a multi-channel marketing strategy ensures your message is consistent and seen by all. Keep introducing fresh designs or feature a different fan each month in the church newsletter. You can even offer a small discount for those who buy a fan for a friend, helping to spread the word and the love even further.
Encourage Repeat Buyers and Consistent Support
You want people to do more than just buy a fan; you want them to become regular supporters of your churchβs mission. Show them you appreciate their contribution, big or small. A simple thank you during announcements or a special shout-out in the bulletin goes a long way. To encourage repeat purchases, consider creating a collectorβs series of fans, releasing a new design for major holidays or church anniversaries. You could even partner with a local Black artist to create a unique design, turning your fans into beautiful pieces of Black art that people will be proud to own and gift to others.
Plan Your Next Fundraising Event
Donβt wait until the collection plate feels light to think about your next fundraiser. While the success of your fan sale is still fresh in everyoneβs minds, start planting the seeds for whatβs next. Maybe the next campaign will raise funds for a new van, or perhaps you can introduce other items from the African American Expressions catalog. Announcing your next goal keeps the momentum going and shows your congregation that you have a long-term vision. This proactive approach to your churchβs fundraising program builds financial stability and allows you to dream bigger for your community outreach and programs.
Share Your Success and Show the Impact
Nothing motivates people to give more than seeing the incredible impact of their contributions. Be transparent and celebrate what youβve accomplished together. If you were raising money for the youth choir, post pictures of them looking sharp in their new robes. If the goal was to send kids to a summer camp, share their testimonies when they return. Showing the tangible results of the fundraiser builds trust and makes everyone feel like a vital part of the churchβs success. This powerful storytelling transforms supporters into lifelong partners in your ministry, eager to see what you can all achieve next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should we charge for each fan? There's no single magic number, but a good rule of thumb is to price your fans at about double what you paid for them. First, figure out your cost for each fan, including any shipping or design fees. This gives you a baseline. From there, set a price that feels fair for your community while still ensuring you raise enough money to make a real impact. You want a price that makes it an easy "yes" for most members to buy one for themselves and maybe even another for a friend.
What if our church has a really small budget to start with? You don't need a lot of money to get this started. A great way to begin is by taking pre-orders from your congregation. This way, you collect the money upfront and know exactly how many fans to order, so you're not left with unsold inventory. You can also start with a smaller order of a popular, classic design to test the waters. Use free promotional tools like your church's social media and weekly bulletin to get the word out without spending extra cash.
How can we make our fans feel special and not just like another fundraiser item? The key is to connect the fan to your church's unique story. Customize it with a photo of your pastor and first lady, your church's anniversary date, or the theme for the year. You can also feature a line from a hymn that everyone loves or a scripture that speaks to your ministry's mission. When the fan becomes a keepsake that celebrates a specific moment or person, it transforms into a cherished piece of your community's history.
Are church fans only a good fundraising idea for the summer? Not at all! While they are perfect for keeping cool, you can sell them all year long by framing them as meaningful keepsakes. They make wonderful souvenirs for church homecomings, pastoral anniversaries, and Black History Month celebrations. During the holidays, you can market them as thoughtful and affordable gifts for family and friends. Tying the fan to a special event gives it a purpose that goes far beyond the weather.
How do we get our younger members excited about a traditional fundraiser like this? Give them ownership of the project. Put your youth and young adult ministries in charge of the promotion. Let them create the social media content, shoot fun videos showcasing the fans, and run the sales table after service. You could even involve them in the design process, asking for their input on the artwork and messaging. When they feel personally invested in the fundraiser's success, their energy and creativity will be contagious and help bridge the gap between generations.