Selling tangible goods is generally the least favorite method of fundraising as few people enjoy sales.  Asking our family, friends and neighbors to purchase from us often feels uncomfortable, especially if the items being sold are priced higher than what could be obtained at a store or are not necessary.  Of course, not all tangible good sales must be achieved through contacting people you know – a classic bake sale can be set up at any event where a table can be placed & stocked with homemade items.  There are also many companies who offer a wide variety of fundraising options from chocolate and gummy bears to wrapping paper and frozen pizza.  Another growing trend comes in offering products from companies who do at-home parties (think Tupperware, Pampered Chef, candles, etc.).  Independent contractors or company representatives are more than willing to work with fundraising groups and allow you to make a profit from their products.

Another fundraising technique is selling services, most commonly car washes, although the possibilities abound.  Groups and clubs can offer to rake leaves, clean up trash, or even clean houses to raise money.  Most of these are best done within the home rather than for strangers or people outside your family, but if the members of your group are willing, this can not only raise money, it can clearly show young people the link between hard work and money earned while providing real value to those paying for your group’s service.

Offering a good time usually takes a bit of money up front for your group to purchase prizes or space to host, but events intended to entertain paying guests often bring in large numbers and are convenient in that they are over and done usually in one day rather than lasting a couple of weeks like other fundraisers.  Good time fundraisers can be a dance, bingo (often with donated prizes) or a carnival.  Your group can make it as simple or complex as you are willing to pursue and you may be surprised at the number of local businesses willing to donate prizes, food or entertainment to your venue.  Raffles for prizes of varying types also fall into this category.

Finally, there is simply asking for money.  It may look like begging if you choose to do “canning” which is holding a coffee can and relying on the kindness of passer-by to share their spare change.  However, you can also conduct a 50/50 drawing which involves selling tickets then drawing a winning ticket and splitting the total ticket proceeds with the lucky winner.  Some groups also have individuals solicit sponsorships paying either a flat rate or a “per” amount for a wide variety of physical feats – this can be something as simple as a nickel per jump or a dollar per mile walked, etc.

Whatever your group’s needs, there is surely a fundraising method right for you.  Once you have consensus from your fundraising committee on what to do, make sure you select firm deadlines and clearly communicate all of the steps so everyone in the group can work toward a successful event.  After all, it is much easier to have one or two highly successful fundraisers in order to meet your objectives than it is to conduct multiple, smaller producing one.

See related resources below.  We update daily, so check back often.
Morris Press Cookbooks  is the nation's largest cookbook publisher and cookbook fundraiser. Our cookbook publishing program has produced successful fundraising cookbook projects for schools, churches, bands, PTAs, and PTOs. As a cookbook printer, we can help you self-publish your community cookbook, personalized cookbook, or keepsake cookbook.

The Children's Guide shows you how anyone can host an Usborne fundraiser. They are perfect for schools, Girl Scout troops, libraries, church groups, home school groups, youth sport groups, civic organizations, and more!
Fundraising resources for all homeschoolers.
RADA Cutlery have helped groups raise funds for over 50 years - let us help you too! There are two main reasons why groups fund raise with Rada Cutlery.
Simply Youth Ministry has been in youth ministry for over 25 years and has more than 40 books including, "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" and "Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry". The founder Doug Fields and his team are passionate about equipping youth workers with quality tools that will help to simply their ministry and save them time

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