Best fundraiser for kids?

[L Sass]

I coach a team of 55 little girls in a season spanning Jan-Oct. We have a lot of expenses and I've always done an Easter/Spring candy sale through a local chocolate company. Above $3,000 we pull in 1/3. The company boxes each of those 55 girls orders individulally, and delivers them to the school where we practice so it's easy for the parents to pick up.

Still, I'm wondering what other kinds of fundraisers you may have experience with that have been productive for your group? So many companies that do fundraising offer items that are Christmas holiday based. Would appreciate any thoughts.

 

[hermanator33]

Fundraising Idea

try www.smartraise.com
No paperwork, no money up front. This company was started by a student of mine, and I can assure you that it is safe.

 

[L Sass]

try www.smartraise.com
No paperwork, no money up front. This company was started by a student of mine, and I can assure you that it is safe.

I did try this about a year and a half ago - before holdiay shopping time - as it looked like a great idea. But it didn't happen for us. I think we only saw about 55 cents off of it. Go figure - because in theory it sounds great! Thanks for the input.

 

[peytonsmommy]

I always like the book or magazine sales because they are something I would buy anyways.

 

[banslug]

Lorrie-next school year, we're doing a Fitness Walk-a-thon. The kids take donations or pledges for the number of laps they make around a specific area, field, court, etc. The other elementary school in our district does this every year and they make over $5,000 each year (one of the schools made $10,000!!!). No selling.

My school's Spring Fundraiser that's coming up.....as the PTA President, I decided it's time to stop selling stuff, at least for the Spring. So I'm coordinating a Clothing Drive. Parents, students, families, the community, EVERYBODY is encouraged to donate used but wearable clothing, shoes and stuffed animals. They put it in plastic bags and drop it off at our designated area. The company picks it all up at one time and they pay us $ .13 per pound.

Gayle

 

[L Sass]

So I'm coordinating a Clothing Drive. Parents, students, families, the community, EVERYBODY is encouraged to donate used but wearable clothing, shoes and stuffed animals. They put it in plastic bags and drop it off at our designated area. The company picks it all up at one time and they pay us $ .13 per pound.

Gayle

Hi gf. What company is that please? THis is SUCH a great idea!

 

[banslug]

Hey Lorrie! We're loving this idea and going to promote it with 2 HUGE reasons: 1)NO SELLING and 2)SPRING CLEANING!

This is what's listed on the paperwork I have:

A&E Clothing Corporation
100 Wesley White Dr
Carteret NJ 07008
732-396-0357 phone
732-396-9277 fax

Here's their website:
http://www.clothingdrive.net/

Gayle

 

[elliemom]

Lorrie-next school year, we're doing a Fitness Walk-a-thon. The kids take donations or pledges for the number of laps they make around a specific area, field, court, etc. The other elementary school in our district does this every year and they make over $5,000 each year (one of the schools made $10,000!!!). No selling.

My school's Spring Fundraiser that's coming up.....as the PTA President, I decided it's time to stop selling stuff, at least for the Spring. So I'm coordinating a Clothing Drive. Parents, students, families, the community, EVERYBODY is encouraged to donate used but wearable clothing, shoes and stuffed animals. They put it in plastic bags and drop it off at our designated area. The company picks it all up at one time and they pay us $ .13 per pound.

Gayle

We do a "race for education" every fall. Students send out forms to friends, relatives etc. They ask for a flat donation or per lap rate. This year we raised 45,000 Yes that's 3 zeros. It's much easier for people to write a flat donation of 10 or 20 dollars. But do the math. 30 kids in 2 nd grade send them to 5 people each. Each person sends a minimumof 10.00. Now multiply that by the 600 students!!!! And the kids get to run around all day, have relay races, we rent bouncy things , have companies donate water bottles etc. it's a lot of fun and makes a lot of money.
BUT- you need a dedicated group of people because the paperwork can be alot

ellie

 

[ms71069]

My daughter's dance group did a fundraiser through Yankee Candles. It was very well received and had a high profit margin..can't remember offhand what it was but I want to say close to 30-40% of total sales.

 

[jonahnah]

My daughter's dance group did a fundraiser through Yankee Candles. It was very well received and had a high profit margin..can't remember offhand what it was but I want to say close to 30-40% of total sales.

I just checked their website and it's a 40% profit margin. Thanks for the idea, it looks really good. I love their concept of 'scratch & sniff' catalogs so you can smell before you buy!

 

[trying2bfit]

A great fundraiser a lot of MOPS groups do is a photo fundraiser. You receive all of the ten dollar sitting fee sells plus a bonus based on how many show to take the photos. The parents receive a free 10x13 in exchange for the sitting fee (donation-you call it sitting fee). The photos are adorable, and it will take about four days of your time. This fundraiser is very profitable. The reason I know is because I work for them as a photographer on and off. They are a great company. It is called Creative Touch/Antiquities. You can link their site through mops.com. Mops is partenered with them to raise funds. Many organizations including schools do this, and many people rebook year after year. They have their own site, but I cannot recall the web address. Anyway, just an option.