Product Fundraisers: The Smart Choice
With the need for school fundraisers at an all time high, there are many websites and blogs popping up out there for “new” and “creative” fundraising ideas. But, do these innovative ideas actually raise any money? Sure, you might run across one or two success stories where schools have had an online fundraiser and raised a million dollars, but take heed, this is not the norm.
Any time you hold a fundraiser where the risk outweighs the profit, you are in trouble. Yes, the idea to hold a concert fundraiser is creative, but if you have to sell 400 tickets to the event just to break even, then it is not effective.
It’s so important to stick with what works when it comes to fundraising. That’s why 8 out of 10 parent-teacher organizations at elementary schools say product fundraisers are their most profitable. They do not take a lot of time and volunteers, and they generate a large profit. Every year schools earn nearly $2 billion dollars in product sales.
Schools that can limit the number of fundraisers they hold each year to one or two main fundraisers, like product sales, will earn more money.
Here’s a few reasons why product fundraisers are proven to work.
- Quality fundraising companies offer high quality products at affordable prices.
- People are receiving product for their donations which increases participation.
- The community at large can participate and buy products.
- Out-of-state friends and relatives can buy products because most fundraising companies offer web sales.
- It’s easy. Product fundraisers do not require a lot of volunteer time and effort.
- Kids love getting prizes and incentives. Again, if you choose a reputable fundraising company, there will be top-quality prizes offered at attainable prize levels.
Now, don’t hear me say that event fundraisers do not work, because they do. Holding a school-wide carnival or another big event is a great way to generate a large profit. However, it takes months of planning, hundreds of hours of volunteer time, and a lot of effort to make it a success. For minimum effort with large profit, product fundraisers are the way to go!
