Parents and teachers already have a lot on their plates, so the easier a fundraiser can be, the better. It's also key to choose a fundraiser that kids will be excited about participating in. Thankfully, there are multiple school fundraising companies that schools or parent-teacher organizations can partner with to help make the process a little less stressful and more fun for everyone.
Whether you're looking for a general fundraiser for the school or looking to fund a special area like the high school band, middle school softball team, or elementary school library, these are some top-notch programs to try.
11 Popular School Fundraising Companies to Partner With
Like Uber made traveling out-of-town a breeze, these popular companies have made fundraising as easy as pie. With appealing products, tried-and-true systems, and good returns on the products sold, they're great options to look into.
1. Entertainment Book
Entertainment Book fundraisers let you make money while saving money at the same time. Rather than selling products, your kids will market coupon books that include discount offers for travel, dining, service, and entertainment options.
Coupon books include access to the Entertainment Book mobile app, which offers on-demand access to coupons throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app uses geolocation to serve local coupons to users, making it a great value-added feature.
2. Funding Factory
Funding Factory provides schools with a way to raise money without selling anything at all. Students, teachers, and parents simply collect empty printer ink or toner cartridges and used cell phones. When you send in all of the collected products, your school gets money in exchange for every qualified item that they receive.
3. Efundraising
Efundraising provides schools with a way to raise money by selling magazine subscriptions and other items in an online store. Kids or volunteers set up an online store, use email and social media to spread the word about their efforts, and your school gets to keep 40% of the profits of all items sold.
4. Deanan Gourmet Popcorn
Deanan Gourmet Popcorn offers a school fundraising program that involves selling packages of gourmet popcorn. Schools can order popcorn by the case to sell and earn a 50% profit margin. This program allows students to take orders for delivery, as well as to sell individual serving packages during school activities or events.
5. ABC Fundraising
ABC Fundraising is a staple in the school fundraising scene. They offer a variety of products, but their most profitable fundraising option is the Scratch 'n Help cards. Each participant gets a scratch booklet. Each booklet contains scratch cards and coupons. Someone scratches off an amount on the scratch card, donates that amount, and then gets coupons in exchange for their donation.
6. SilverGraphics
SilverGraphics is a company that specializes in art-based fundraising. Each school has its students create artwork for the fundraiser. SilverGraphics then turns and creates a 'store' featuring student artwork that parents, grandparents, or others can buy from (either a paper catalog or from an online store). The company says schools can earn up to a 40% profit on every sale, and they're perfectly primed to sell to elementary school families — because who can resist the allure of their kiddos' art projects?
7. World's Finest Chocolate
As World's Finest Chocolate's website puts it so nicely, "It's easy. People like chocolate. People buy chocolate." Since 1939, they've been making delicious premium chocolates to "help fund our communities."
Specifically, they offer $1 and $2 chocolate bar packages. You order the cases of chocolate bars upfront and then will make up to 50% profit on every bar that's sold. To get started, contact a local rep or order cases of the chocolates online.
In addition to larger fundraisers, some schools mix it up with smaller fundraisers throughout the year. Pledge-based fundraising events like read-a-thons or easy options coin wars or penny drives can help contribute some of the funds your school needs too.
8. Charleston Wrap
Charleston Wrap is the perfect fall fundraiser. Known for selling quality gift wrap and home items, their fundraisers allow schools to sell unique items rather than the traditional cookie dough or candy bars. A big perk is that they're known for having great incentive programs for students who are selling.
9. Ozark Lollipops
Ozark Lollipops is a traditional school fundraiser that's great if your school has a school store or you have an event where you can sell small goods. The school buys the lollipops upfront and you can mark them up however you see fit for a nice profit margin. A lot of schools like this over other fundraisers because you don't have to deliver the product yourselves.
10. Flower Power Fundraising
Flower Power Fundraising is great for those schools that want to do something different. Focusing mostly on flower bulbs with both spring and fall seasons available, this online and brochure fundraiser offers an eco-friendly option in the consumption-heavy space. By selling Flower Power's bulbs, you can earn up to a 50% profit.
11. Florida Indian River Groves
Florida Indian River Groves is a leading fruit sale fundraising company that's been doling out delicious citruses for over 30 years. You can host fundraisers two different times a year: August to May or August to December.
With this fruit fundraiser, you don't have to buy any product upfront. Instead, you collect sales and send your final total to them, and they'll ship you your fresh fruit. And, you can use their profit calculator to anticipate how much money you'll make off the fundraiser from the start.
Tips on Selecting a School Fundraising Partner
If you're in charge of looking through the various school fundraising companies out there and picking the perfect one for your school's next fundraiser (or selecting options to present to your school or organization) there are some important factors you want to consider:
- Competition: Before you choose a product to sell, what are other community groups in the area selling? Is the Boy Scout troop that all of the 2nd graders go to selling wreaths? Is the town women's club doing a tulip fundraiser? Steer clear of offering things that everyone else is.
- Timing: Plan your fundraiser so it doesn't conflict with other community group's fundraisers. So, you'll need to look for companies that offer things at the time you're running your campaign.
- Terms of service: Obviously, knowing the terms of service is crucial. Consider what conditions your school can handle (such as ordering upfront vs. placing an order after sales are made).
- Profit margin: It's also important to look at what profit margin you can expect to earn and what the minimum order requirements are. It's generally best to choose an option that doesn't require an out-of-pocket investment at the jump and that doesn't have large minimum purchase requirements.
- Incentives: Part of the fun of a school fundraiser is the incentives a company offers. You'll want to find out what incentives are available, so you'll know what you can offer the kids to encourage their participation.
- Local options: You may also want to consider if there are any local options. For example, local restaurants may be willing to set aside a night to donate a portion of the proceeds to your school. Or, an independent representative with a home party or direct sales company in your area may be willing to put together a unique fundraiser for your school.
Successful Fundraising Made Simple
No matter what type of program you choose or what fundraising company you choose to work with, running a successful school fundraiser takes time, effort, and commitment from dedicated volunteers and jazzed-up students. By choosing a solid company with great products and a simple fundraising program to partner with, it can be easier and more fun for everyone, from parents to students. Stay away from the stress, streamline the process, and embrace the fun in fundraising this year.
