Gender inequality is a significant driver of global poverty rates, denying women and girls of their inherent, God-given dignity. In many cultures, women face barriers—even in their own homes—that limit their opportunities to learn and support themselves and their families. At least 60 percent of individuals living with chronic, extreme hunger are women and girls. In countries impacted by fragility, conflict, and violence, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. Women make up more than two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population.  

Empowering women to earn an income and support their families helps close these and other gender gaps. Education and employment lead to widespread benefits, including improved child nutrition, better health, and opportunities like small business ownership.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is working in partnership with local Nazarene churches in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Ghana to support the empowerment and dignity of women and girls. Through projects that open doors to education alongside vocational training and job placement assistance, women and their families are finding hope for a better and more secure future. 

When you give to the 2024 NCM Christmas Project, you will help unlock the skills and resources women need to transform lives and communities.

Read on for creative church-based fundraising ideas you can use to gather support for the Christmas Project this holiday season.

• Women’s Tea Fundraiser

Because this year’s project supports women and girls, your church could host a women’s tea, open to girls and women of all ages. Invite the men of the church to host and serve the event. Ticket sales can directly go to the Christmas Project.

• Dessert Auction

Round up your church’s best bakers and auction off cakes, pies, cookies, and more to the top bidders. Or, combine an auction with the women’s tea idea listed above, for an event with double the fundraising power!

• Christmas Craft Fair or Market

Organize a holiday craft fair or market where church members and local crafters can sell handmade goods, crafts, and baked goods. The proceeds from the sales are combined to support the Christmas Project.

• Christmas Caroling for a Cause

Organize a group of church members or students from your youth group to go caroling around the neighborhood or to local businesses, asking for donations to the Christmas Project in exchange for a performance.

• Giving Tree

Set up a Christmas tree in your church lobby or foyer and place tags with varying donations on the tree. Encourage members to pick a tag and donate that amount to the Christmas Project.

• "Walk for Women" Fundraising Walk or Run

Organize a fundraising walk or run event where church members walk or run in exchange for pledges or donations to the Christmas Project. You could set a specific distance (e.g., 5K) and invite participants to gather sponsorships from friends, family, and church members.

• Christmas "Photo Booth" Fundraiser

Set up a festive Christmas photo booth at your church service or event, complete with holiday props. Ask for a donation to the Christmas Project for families or individuals to take professional or fun pictures in the booth.

• Christmas Project Sunday

One Sunday in December, tell your congregation about this year’s project. Share the video and bulletin available at ncm.org/christmas, and take an offering to support the project.

We hope these ideas help fuel your creativity as you consider how your church can partner with the Christmas Project to make a difference this Christmas season.