How to Hold a Fundraiser for a Small Non-Profit

Most non-profits are small – they have no full-time staff, raise five (not six or seven) figures per year, and are volunteer-driven. Because these schools, churches, and smaller charities have no professional staff, they must rely on their supporters and volunteers to do their fundraising for them.

If you’re helping a small non-profit hold a fundraiser, here are 5 tips to ensure a successful effort:

1. Put Together a Committee Holding a fundraiser takes lots of work. Put together a group of people who are committed to the non-profit and are willing to raise money as part of your fundraising effort. Remember: you’ll want your host committee to reach into their own networks to the fundraiser for this event, so be sure the people you choose are willing to make calls and aren’t just interested in choosing the catering menu.

2. Have a Plan Every fundraiser – no matter how small or large – should have a written plan. What are the logistics? How much with the fundraiser cost? Who is responsible for set up? For clean up? Who will we invite? Who will sponsor the event? How much should we charge? What will our profit be?

3. Keep Your Costs Down The less money you spend on your fundraiser, the more money will go to support the non-profit you are working with. Keep a close eye on fundraising event costs, and be sure to resist the urge to overspend, particularly if this is a small event.

4. Maximize Your Profit Are you taking advantage of all of the possible ways to raise additional money around your fundraiser? Does your event have sponsors who write larger checks in return for marketing and public relations opportunities? Did you see if you could get event materials donated or at a reduced cost? Should you add a silent auction, a candy sale, a raffle, or another revenue stream to your fundraiser?

5. Communicate With Your Supporters Once your fundraiser is over, be sure to stay in touch with your donors and attendees. They have shown that they care about your non-profit… keep them informed and updated, and you’ll be able to go back to them for another donation in the near future!

— Joe Garecht is the founder of The Fundraising Authority (http://www.thefundraisingauthority.com/), which offers hundreds of free articles on how to raise money for small and mid-sized non-profits.

Start Your Fundraising Journey Here

No upfront cost fundraisers High profit discount cards Delicious candy & Lollipops
Yummy Lix Round Lollipops Fundraising

Yummy Lix Round Lollipops are our #1 selling lollipop. They come in an assortment of all your favorite flavors. Yummy Lix Round Lollipops are packaged in cases of 640 pops. Inside the case are 8 packages. Each package contains  80 lollipops. You will make 50% profit selling just one case. Shipping is free!

What You Should Know

Yummy Lix Round  Lollipops offer the same profit regardless of the number of cases that you purchase. Sell the lollipops for two times the cost. Meaning, you double your investment no matter how many cases you purchase. Here is a quick profit chart for you to review:

Profit and Cost

  • In hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cases Bought Cost Per Case Profit %
1 min $320.00 50%
Buy Now Send Me Info More Info
One Dollar Chocolate Candy Bars Fundraiser

The Original One Dollar Chocolate Candy Bars come in two different variety packs. These are our best selling candy bar fundraisers. They offer the largest one dollar fundraising candy bar that is manufactured in a peanut-free facility.

What You Should Know

Candy fundraising profits are determined based on the number of cases of candy that you sell. The more cases you purchase the lower your cost per case.  For more details, take a look at profit charts for each of the available variety packs:

Profit and Cost

  • In-hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cases Bought % Profit Cost Per Case
49 or more 48% $124.80
25 -49 45% $132.00
10 – 24 43% $136.80
1 – 9 40% $144.00
Buy Now Send Me Info More Info

If you are looking for a holiday season fundraiser, our Home for the Holidays Candle Fundraiser is it.  With their cheery labels and seasonal scents, these candles make a fantastic gift. There’s no upfront cost, so this fundraiser works for any type of group.  We provide everything you need to get started and there’s no obligation.

What You Should Know

Candle fundraising is different than other fundraising programs. Easy Fundraising Ideas gives you a 50% profit on each candle you sell. The only additional charge you may incur is a $65 shipping fee if your group sells less than 150 candles.

Each candle sells for only $20 each.

Profit and Cost

  • No upfront cost
  • Free brochures for your participants
  • Free shipping (orders of 150 items or more)
  • Start in under a minute
Items Bought % Profit Free Shipping
150 plus 50% YES
1 to 149 50% No
Start Now Send Me Info More Info

Sports Lollipops Show Profit

Lollipop Fundraisers

Get your team revved up and ready to lick the competition with Sports Lollipops. Put other boring fundraisers on the bench. Throw these products into your fundraising line-up and score sweet savings. If we do not have your particular sport check out our selection of other fundraiser suckers that are great pinch hitters.

What You Should Know

You will make a 50% profit when you sell our Sports Lollipops no matter how many cases you purchase. Sell the lollipops for two times the cost of the lollipops. Here is a quick profit chart for you to review:

Profit and Cost

  • In-hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cases Bought Cost Per Case Profit %
1 min $320.00 50%
Buy Now Send Me Info More Info
Jack Link's Beef Jerky Fundraiser

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the cure to candy fundraising. While it may seem to have just snapped onto the scene and gained popularity over the last decade, humans have been eating jerky for thousands of years. Beef jerky is a handy, on-the go-option for quick hunger fixes. Plus it’s full of protein and minerals. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky sticks meet or exceed most school nutritional standards, making it a healthy fundraiser for kids.  The sticks sell for only $2 each. You can purchase as little as one case and shipping is absolutely free.

What You Should Know

Jack Link’s profits are determined based on the number of cases that you sell. See the profit chart below for more details:

Profit and Cost

  • In-hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Product Cost Per Case Profit %
Beef Sticks $200.00 50%
Squatch Sticks $120.00 50%
Buy Now Send Me Info More Info
School Fundraiser

School Fundraising Made Easy

If you feel that selecting the best school fundraising idea is a daunting task, don’t worry! Since it seems the gap between school budgets and funding required for extracurricular programs is getting larger every year, the need for profitable school fundraisers is growing.

Sports Fundaising Ideas

Sports Fundraising Ideas That Win

Sports fundraising goes hand-in-hand with playing sports. Whether you are a basketball, football, soccer, or cheerleading organization, we have fundraisers that will score big money for your team.

Church Fundraisers

Church Fundraisers Move the Spirit

Top Church Fundraisers by Group

Non-profit fundraisers

Non-Profit Fundraising for Charity

Top Non-Profit Fundraising Ideas by Group

More Interesting Reading:

Unique Fundraising Ideas – Are There Any?

direct and pre-sell fundraisers

We’ve helped with people fundraisers for more than 10 years now and it’s truly amazing how many people start out their thought process so sure they need unique fundraising ideas if they are going to raise money. There will be none of those same old fundraisers for them.

Read more »

adoption

Parents of young children learn about fundraising very quickly as their kids enter elementary school. It does not take long before your student comes home with fundraising information. What you do with that information is more important than you think. Unfortunately, many parents simply take the fundraising packet and toss it in the trash. Other Read More »

Read more »

goals

The one thing many people fail to do in their fundraising effort is to inform their supporters about their efforts. We have learned that the more people know about you and what you do the more willing they will be to support your organization. Assuming, then, that you have done a good job at developing Read More »

Read more »

Start Fundraising

There are many types of fundraisers. No matter what type of fundraiser you and your group choose to start, there is one question that you must ask – how much will this cost? In fact, that is usually the most important factor when choosing a fundraiser – you need to choose a fundraiser that reflects Read More »

Read more »

Battle of the Bands Fundraiser

One of the most exciting money-making ideas is a Battle of the Bands Fundraiser. Live music is a huge draw for most people, giving you a broad audience, which translates to money for your cause. Once you have a venue and date, the most important part of a Battle of the Bands fundraiser is – Read More »

Read more »

When you are looking for the best fundraiser for your group, you need to define a couple of criteria that will greatly help you narrow down the field. First, do you want to use a brochure fundraiser that is typically free to start, or do you want to do a direct-sale where you buy inventory before the sale begins?

Read more »

Getting started

The most important tool in fundraising is to choose the right fundraiser. While you and your group look over all of your options there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding which fundraiser will bring the most success. First, make sure that your fundraiser not only complements the experience of the seller, Read More »

Read more »

Fundraising should be fun, right? Well, why is it that people would rather have teeth pulled than participate in another fundraiser? What the world needs are more silly fundraisers to make fundraising fun again. So how do you hold silly fundraisers? The best silly fundraiser we can think of is an amateur comedy night at Read More »

Read more »

Fire Extinguisher Fundraising

One of the crucial issues for several families in the United States is home safety. While many think about different ways to tackle something, others try to apply it to fundraising. Can you consider a fire extinguisher fundraising? The answer for this is a ‘yes’ as well as a ‘no.’ If fire extinguisher fundraising sounds Read More »

Read more »

fried turkey fundraiser

Are you bored with the same fundraising ideas? We have a unique idea for you – a fried turkey fundraiser. Don’t worry if you have not considered this before.  Here are some crucial things you need to bear in mind, as well as various ways in which this fundraiser can be offered. First,  select the Read More »

Read more »

What Our Customers Say:

Flower Bulb Fundraising

We received everything as promised! Thank you so much for your excellent customer service! ...

Author: Troop 6619 BSA

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

I wanted to follow up and say how easy and efficient this fundraiser was. We definitely will be using this in the future. Tha...

Author: Carolina Crusaders

Earth Candle Fundraiser

You guys must be naturally kind. I enjoyed working with you and look forward to many other fundraisers with your organizatio...

Author: Bermuda Institute

Flower Bulb Fundraising

I look forward to doing this fundraiser again next year. It was a big hit. You have been so great to work with. I won't be ...

Author: SFHS Girls Soccer Team

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

I just wanted to report that the cookie dough fundraiser has been a HUGE success! Everything was perfect and I am so pleased!...

Author: Class of 2020 Hickman, KY

Earth Candle Fundraiser

Good Gosh!!! This was the easiest fundraiser EVER!!! Thank you so much! Saved to Serve, Amy ...

Author: Cornerstone Baptist Church

Earth Candle Fundraiser

I appreciate all of your assistance, as this was my first fundraiser. You really helped make the experience smooth. I look f...

Author: Brooke Bailey Dance Academy

Earth Candle Fundraiser

We LOVE the candles!! And I think last year they were here like 2 days after we submitted the order. Crazy fast!...

Author: Meadowview Elementary

Coffee Fundraiser, and Tea Too!

The sale went over with a bang and people are asking for more. Thank you, Evelyn Mealy ...

Author: Port Allegany Music Boosters

Magic Melts Wickless Candle Fundraiser

Everything arrived a-ok...many thanks for another great fundraiser....we will do this again in the Spring.... Angela...

Author: Dora High School

Snackin in the USA Fundraiser

I just wanted to say thanks for getting the items shipped out so quickly. The kids enjoyed this fundraiser. Everything was ea...

Author: Ashleigh Berggren

Journey of Faith Candle Fundraiser

Thank you for all your help with the fundraiser. I was very pleased from start to finish. We paid on Thursday and the candle...

Author: Overflow Student Ministry

Heritage Fundraising Candles

I would like to thank you for answering all my questions. We love the candles, and I will be doing more fundraising through ...

Author: Jones NHS

Yummy Lix Round Lollipops

Just wanted to say thank you for going above and beyond to make sure I had my order in time. I really appreciate it and I loo...

Author: Montrose Little League

Magic Melts Wickless Candle Fundraiser

I loved this fundraiser. It was easy and convenient. They gave me no problems when I needed to change the end date of my fund...

Author: SHOC Club

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

The cookie dough was delivered today and everything was perfect. Thanks again for doing this fundraiser with my class. Sam Bu...

Author: Hammond Central School

Premium Cookie Dough Fundraiser

I got our shipment and I am very appreciative and thankful for how easy this was for our team to generate funds. Your service...

Author: Sac County Bandit Baseball

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

We would like to thank you and your company so much for making our fundraiser a success. Thank you, Lakeesha Garrett...

Author: Lakewood Varsity Mighty Mites

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

Thank you so much. The fundraiser was wonderful! I received my delivery and everything was correct. Looking forward to doi...

Author: Uniquedivas

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

Thank You! I was a little nervous, having never lead a fundraiser, it was so easy with your company! I hope to use you agai...

Author: Northeast R-IV High School

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

My order was correct and I want to thank you again for helping us get a kick-start raising money for uniforms. I am very plea...

Author: Royal Heat

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

Thank you so much, You have helped me a lot and I will for sure come back when we do another fundraising event. Jessica ...

Author: 11U I.E Rough Riders Baseball Team

Earth Candle Fundraiser

Thank you for everything. That is great that I will receive the candles soon. It has been great working with you I will make...

Author: No Mind Gets Left Behind

Earth Candle Fundraiser

The order arrived yesterday and it was perfect. Everything we ordered was there. The candles were beautiful and very fragrant...

Author: VFW Auxiliary Post 6740

Earth Candle Fundraiser

I wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help with our fundraiser! The candles arrived crazy fast. Michelle ...

Author: Grantsburg Royalty

Earth Candle Fundraiser

This is my first fundraiser as a teacher and an adviser for National Honors Society. I am very pleased with the whole process...

Author: Grundy County High School

Journey of Faith Candle Fundraiser

Thank you so much for your help. My cousin was very happy. I recommended your company to 2 other people. Very satisfied and...

Author: Team Lissy

All Sport Scratch Cards

Everything looks great, we are a water polo club with some kids who cannot afford to pay for their dues so we think this is a...

Author: ASA Aquatics

Custom Discount Fundraising Cards

Perfect!! Thank you for everything...quick and painless as always. You have a great weekend too. Nancy L. Ro ...

Author: Woodbridge Band Boosters

Gourmet Cookie Dough Tub Fundraiser

Thanks for your help. This truly was easy fundraising!! Have a great day! Becky ...

Author: East Laurens Primary

Yummy Lix Round Lollipops

Thank you so much for the quick shipping. We sold out in only two days! The students had a blast and I would do it again. D...

Author: Neosho Middle School

Popcorn Fundraisers make Profits Pop!

The popcorn was great, delivered timely and the order was correct. Our fundraising consultant was very helpful. Will definit...

Author: One Foot Project

Journey of Faith Candle Fundraiser

This program got me out of a lot of financial binds! I tried other types of fundraisers. Nothing came close to being this suc...

Author: ReNew SciTech Academy

Trail mix fundraiser

I received the trail mix on Saturday. The whole process was so smooth from beginning to end. Thanks so much for all of your...

Author: Murray High School Swim Team

Flower Bulb Fundraising

We got the bulbs, sorted them, and distributed them yesterday. The shipment was perfect and everyone is thrilled. ...

Author: SFHS Girls Soccer Team

Earth Candle Fundraiser

Thank you again for all your help with the candle fundraiser! The candles smell amazing. We were so impressed how prompt your...

Author: Kappa Epsilon

Heritage Fundraising Candles

Everyone is very happy with the candles! Fantastic fragrances. Very nice product!!!!...

Author: Armstrong Homeschooling