We all know most churches operate on tight budgets. You could raise money for the church by selling candy bars or magazine subscriptions, but those programs can be risky. If you are looking for a moneymaker that offers you the opportunity to maintain control of materials and costs while providing a great product to your parishioners, consider the possibilities of publishing unique documents right there in the church office. You can sell your books at church before and after services.
Establishing a church press is not nearly as difficult as you may believe it is. Most church offices already have most of the necessary equipment. You will need access to a printer, a word processing program, a copier, paper, and a binding machine and related supplies. If you are worried about binding equipment, don't be! Binding machines are affordable and easy to use. Look into the various types of binding machines to choose one just right for your office. Common binding types include plastic comb, spiral coil, UniBind, VeloBind/Surebind, thermal, ProClick, and wire. Once you have assembled the right equipment, publishing your own books is simple.
Now that you have decided to publish your own books to use as church fundraisers, it is time to decide what type or types of publications you will create. The following list offers some suggestions to get you thinking creatively about the possibilities.
Cookbook
Solicit recipes from parishioners. Have church members email you the recipes to save time on typing then categorize the recipes according to type (desserts, appetizers, beverages, etc.).
Member Directory
Build a sense of community by putting together a church directory. Include contact information provided by parishioners. Boost the fundraising potential of this publication by selling ads to local businesses or to businesses owned by or employing church members.
Collections of Sermons
Collect copies of sermons quarterly or annually and compile them into a handy reference and devotional for church members.
Collections of Inspirational Quotes
Ask the church community to share their favorite religious quotes and passages. Assemble them into a book for all to enjoy and learn from each other.
Chicken Soup for the (Your Church Name) Soul
Most people of faith have personal stories to tell about what their faith means to them. Collect personal spiritual stories from your parishioners and assemble them into a single publication sure to entertain and inspire everyone who reads it.
As you can see, there are many possibilities for making money by publishing special books unique to your church. Once you have decided on the type of publication, you will need to spend a little time getting organized. Publications projects usually work out better when they are planned in advance. Choose a project chairperson and assemble a committee of volunteers to work on the project. Divide the work into stages and set deadlines for each stage. Think about inserting notices for the project and the upcoming deadlines into the church newsletter or on the church website. Carefully calculate the cost of the publication and determine how much more to charge per copy to meet your fundraising goals. The members of your congregation will love seeing their names in print and will likely purchase copies for their relatives and friends.
About the Author:Jeff McRitchie is the director of marketing for MyBinding.com and lives in Hillsboro, Oregon. Before joining the team at MyBinding.com he was an associate pastor in charge of worship for three years. He writes extensively on topics related to Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Pouches, Roll Film, Shredders, and Paper Handling Equipment.
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