Raising Band Funds in a Recession

If your high school marching band was anything like mine, you probably experienced some times of low funds. The band is not always at the top of the priority list on a high school budget?it gets lost below football, basketball, baseball, and textbooks. But that does not make it less important (well maybe a little less important than textbooks); anyone involved can attest to the significant effect band has had in their life.

Hard times in the economy affect everyone. Doing a fundraiser during a recession is not a popular idea, but without a successful marching band fundraiser, how will you pay for new uniforms, or new music, or even new instruments? When it is time to look at fundraising options for your brand, consider the following ideas.

Candy Sales: Every year that I was in a band we sold candy to raise money for various things. The benefit is that you know exactly how much you are responsible for, and you can sell it to fellow classmates. Some of the band parents even sold it at football games.

Cookie Dough: You may think that EVERYONE sells cookie dough and you would be right but that is the beauty. Everyone knows what they are getting, and with the $10 cookie dough, it is a reasonable price.

Candles: No need to find freezer space with candles makes the delivery day much easier. Also, the candle fundraiser has no minimum order.

Coffee: The best thing about selling coffee is that it is one low price of $10, and you make 40% of every order. Like candles, there is no need to find room to store it while it is being passed out.

Don’t let the recession keep your marching band from having a great season. Choose a band fundraising program that will both benefit your band and those who are buying.

Patriotic scratch card

Patriotic Scratch Card fundraisers are perfect for scouts, veterans, or any other group with the USA as a focused theme. Scratch card fundraisers are high profit and low risk. It’s an easy and fast way to raise money while promoting American pride.

What You Should Know

Here is an example of the coupon page you give to the people as a “Thank You” for participating. You can create a custom coupon handout with your town’s unique businesses.

As you can see from the profit chart below the lowest profit percentage you will make from using scratch cards for fundraisers is 85%. There are, however, price breaks that can increase your profit percentage. The more cards you purchase the higher your profit potential for each card. The profits and profit percentages shown are based on successfully having all 50 dots scratched off on your scratch card:

Profit and Cost

 

  • In-hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cards Bought Cost Per Card Each Card Raises Your Profit $ Your Profit %
100 $5.00 $100.00 $9,500 95%
25 $7.00 $100.00 $2,325 93%
10 $10.00 $100.00 $900 90%
1 min. $15.00 $100.00 $85 85%
Wrestling scratch card

Wrestling fundraising is quite often reflective of its sport and more of an individual project. But scratch card fundraising is a terrific way for either teams or individual wrestlers to meet their financial needs.  Each scratch card raises $100 and can be imprinted with up to three lines of custom text to customize your card.

What You Should Know

Here is an example of the coupon page you give to the people as a “Thank You” for participating. You can create a custom coupon handout with your town’s unique businesses.

As you can see from the profit chart below the lowest profit percentage you will make from using scratch cards for fundraisers is 70%. There are, however, price breaks that can increase your profit percentage. The more cards you purchase the higher your profit potential for each card. The profits and profit percentages shown are based on successfully having all 50 dots scratched off on your scratch card.

Profit and Cost

 

  • In-hand products
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cards Bought Cost Per Card Each Card Raises Your Profit $ Your Profit %
100 $5.00 $100.00 $9,500 95%
25 $7.00 $100.00 $2,325 93%
10 $10.00 $100.00 $900 90%
1 min. $15.00 $100.00 $85 85%
Journey of Faith Candle Fundraiser

Our Journey of Faith candle fundraiser is the perfect church fundraising idea for spiritual or faith-based groups looking to raise money with a high quality product. One of our most popular candle fundraisers, Journey of Faith, is easy to sell.  Each candle in the line has a different decorative label that highlighting a Bible verse. Church fundraisers report excellent results within their congregations and throughout their community. With the spiritual theme and appealing price point, the Journey of Faith candle fundraiser is a perfect fundraising idea for church youth groups and  faith-based schools.  You will receive free Journey of Faith candle fundraiser brochures to presell, so there is no upfront payment required.

What You Should Know

Candle fundraising is different than other fundraising programs. Easy Fundraising Ideas gives you a 50% profit on every 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.

  • 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
$10 Simple Snacks Fundraiser

Our new Simple Snacks Fundraiser offers 14 of today’s most popular munchies.  This amazing yet simple selection of premium quality snacks includes nuts, trail mix, popcorn, gummy bears, and sour gummy worms.  Combining the highest-selling snack items with a low price point creates a fundraiser that is sure to help you reach your fundraising goals. Our  Simple Snacks fundraiser has no upfront cost.  Let us know how many participants you have, and we’ll send 1 order-taker for each of them at no charge.

What You Should Know

Our Simple Snacks fundraiser offers 50% profit on every item. You sell each snack bag for $20 so that is $10 profit on every item! This is an easy fundraising idea for all types of groups, whether you have 5 sellers or 500.

If you sell less than 150 bags of snacks, there is a $65 shipping fee. Orders of 150 or more bags of snacks will qualify you for FREE shipping.

Profit and Cost

  • No upfront cost
  • Free brochures for your participants
  • Free shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Items Bought % Profit Free Shipping
150 plus 50% YES
1 to 149 50% No
Better Baking Fundraiser

Our Better Baking fundraiser is a great option for all types of groups. We offer 9 of the most popular baking mixes that appeal to everyone.  Our premium baking mixes are easy to use and taste great!  Everything you need to bake cookies, pretzels, cinnamon rolls, funnel cakes, and bread. Easy fundraising starts with a Better Baking fundraiser.  You will not be handling a frozen product.  The $15 price makes it a fun and easy fundraising idea.  Like our Candle Fundraisers, our Better Baking Fundraiser has a 50% profit for your group.

What You Should Know

Like our other popular $15 programs Easy Fundraising Ideas gives you a 50% profit on each and every item you sell. The only additional charge you might incur would be a $65 shipping fee if your group sells less than 150 items.

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
Smencil School Fundraisers Image

“What’s a Smencil School Fundraiser?” It’s a cute name and a great school fundraising product. Smencils are scented pencils made from recycled newspapers. They are the perfect fundraising product for schools. Shipped in cases containing 10 buckets, each bucket contains 50 Smencils. Each scented pencil sells for $1. Kids love them making Smecils easy to sell.  Smencil school fundraiser pencils come in two varieties. Regular black lead as well as assorted fun colors. Best of all, shipping is free!

What You Should Know

Profits on Smencil school fundraiser pencils are extremely easy to calculate since you are buying them by the case. Smencils have a 40% profit margin. The retail price is $1 per Smencil. You will make a $200 profit for each case you sell.

 

Profit and Cost

  • In-Hand Products
  • Free Shipping
  • Start in under a minute
Cases Bought Cost Per Case Profit %
1 min $300.00 40%
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:

Battle of the Bands Fundraiser

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 »

If this is the first time you are in charge of fundraising then you should learn the ABC’s of fundraising ideas. So consider this article ABC Fundraising Ideas 101:
A. The first thing to do before even beginning the process is to determine if your group members are motivated to do a fundraiser in the first place.

Read more »

Band fundraising is all about raising money for a purpose in a hassle-free manner. For example, if you love kids and are fond of music too, then you can go in for band fundraising to generate money for worthy causes that involve children. Fundraising ideas can be successful only if you go about it in Read More »

Read more »

Choir fundraising and choral group fundraising does not mean you need to find a music-themed fundraiser. If your choir group, choral group or singing group needs money for travel, sheet music, equipment, uniforms or teaching expenses, there are plenty of choir fundraising ideas available to you. Choirs Need High Profits Most choirs would like to Read More »

Read more »

candle fundraiser success

So you have decided to sell candles for your fundraiser? Although candles are a popular and highly profitable product as well as easy to sell, it is important to develop a plan for your candle fundraiser in order to experience maximum success.

Read more »

Marching bands vary greatly from school to school. Some bands are of modest size, whereas others are absolutely huge. Either way, if your band runs into financial issues and the school is not in a position to help you to the extent you need, you’ll have to do something to help yourselves.

Read more »

The school band has had a special role in a child’s school experience. Extracurricular activities are where kids learn a lot about their social skills, confidence, and self-esteem, and the band also gives them a chance to have fun and play music in the process. The band is important to the players and to the Read More »

Read more »

If you are right in the middle of planning the band’s fundraiser at your school, you’re probably here because you’re to the point where you are trying to figure out which band fundraiser you should be doing. How on earth do you choose the band fundraiser that is right for your group? There really isn’t Read More »

Read more »

Choosing the right marching band fundraisers can be difficult. There is the size of the band to think about, how much you can expect them to stay organized, and how well you think they’ll cope with things like taking orders and collecting money. You also want to consider your target market, your supporters, and what sorts of Read More »

Read more »

Marching band is one of those things that has been around forever. And for as long as it has been there, so has the annual marching band fundraiser. These two things really go hand in hand, and that’s why it makes perfect sense to many longstanding marching bands to do a more classic, traditional marching band 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