School fundraisers have developed a negative connotation in many circles, particularly among parents. The same old unwanted magazines, over-priced peanut clusters and undersized-sized candy bars show up every year, peddled to the same relatives, with over-burdened parents attempting to keep lists and money straight. A new twist, that of reward and punishment for children based on their sales, attempts to guilt-trip single-parent and lower-income families into spending the grocery money for unwanted items so their child will not be singled out. It's no longer safe for elementary schoolers to go door-to-door and sell to strangers, so the same relatives must buy several times a year. Certainly no one is happy with this.
There is a need for small business organizers in the school fundraising arena. A fundraising business will earn based on a small percentage of sales. First, all fund-raising must have an on-line component so that distant relatives and a wide spectrum of the community can participate with ease and at their convenience. An organizer who provides a simple webpage for each school's fundraising effort that is relatively easy to maintain can help lower the cost for non-profit groups. A little pre-planning with High School teachers can have needed fund-raising activities written into the curriculum and recruit enthusiastic high school students in the effort.
A Yahoo small business website can be put together quickly and cheaply. PayPal avoids the need to process credit cards. High School Business, graphics and Art classes can help develop the website and gain valuable skills, all the while making your job easier.
A great high school fund raiser is "Team Spirit Air fresheners" from GoodScents Fundraising provided by Goodwill Industries. Printed with the team logo, these even sell to high school kids, along with alumni and local fans. These are an inexpensive item which can be sold not only on-line but at sporting events, in the concession stand and on consignment in local stores and garner repeat sales.
http://www.goodscentsfundraising.com/
Rather than candy, Bar B Que sauce is a top seller and gives more perceived value for the price. At around $6 a bottle, sold on-line and through family sales, this provides an item families actually use and is great for elementary school fundraisers. Kids will enjoy helping Grandma enter her order on-line.
http://popsbbq.com/
Another popular item is the Tupperware fundraiser, with a special catalog, 40% profit and free shipping. This also lends itself well to on-line sales. Tupperware is a well-respected name and has excellent kitchen items that are perennial favorites.
http://fundraising.gokitchens.com/
A large-item seller is Town-opoly: local sales of advertising on the board pays for the games and printing. The sale at $25 is pure profit. Local businesses love it as they have advertising every time the game is played and will pay premium prices for their favorite street'. This is best for long-term projects or supporting an on-going activity.
http://www.townopoly.net/
Finally, set up a donation site at GoodSearch from the fundraising website and make community members aware that searches from their yahoo-powered site generates a penny per search donated to the school fundraiser. This allows parents and relatives with very little extra cash the opportunity to participate without spending a dime.
http://www.goodsearch.com
Finally, equip each child with a supply of business cards they can hand out to relatives and neighbors. Deliver some to local businesses and services and sit back and watch the funds roll in without major effort and door-to-door sales. The possibilities are endless and can generate cash for both the small businessman and the school fundraiser.