Tips for Successful Fundraising

What's New, Sep/Oct 2001

A successful fundraiser in your school can mean field trips for your Family and Consumer Sciences students, as well as new equipment for your classroom and school. There are many ways to raise this money, from cookbooks to T-shirts to pans to buttons. What's New has compiled a sampling of worthy companies that have a proven track record for generating funds for schools and departments.

Cookbooks

Selling cookbooks, with favorite recipes submitted by students, teachers, parents or other members of the community, make great fundraisers.

Cookbooks by Morris Press (800/ 445-6621, www.morriscookbooks .com) had modest beginnings when Fred Carlson opened a small local print shop in 1933. Since then, the company has printed millions of cookbooks. all a school needs to do is to collect and sort their recipes and then send them to the company. They will typeset these recipes into an attractive recipe format. Schools can choose from a variety of stock covers for the cookbooks and dividers or even create a special custom design.

Fundcraft Publishing (800/853-1364 ext. 203, www.fundcraft.com or www.cookbooks.com) personalized cookbook fundraising program has been popular with groups across the USA. Fundcraft provides "Recipes for Success," which guides you through the cookbook program and explains their "Easy Money" cookbook plan. Their workbook is a step-by-step guide to assist in the creation of a professional cookbook that will sell in quantity.

G&R Publishing (800/383-1679, www.cookbookprinting.com) has specialized in producing beautiful custom cookbooks for 25 years. They offer a low minimum order of 100 books, many free features, good customer service and favorable payment terms. Their standard cookbook package includes step-by-step instructions, professional typesetting, many professionally designed full-color covers and coordinating dividers and a proof that resembles your finished cookbook.

Bakeware, T-Shirts, Buttons and More

In addition to selling cookbooks, there are other popular ways to make money for your program. Schools can raise funds selling Doughmakers Gourmet Bakeware (888/386-8517, www.doughmakers .com). Bakeware products and pizza pans are practical items that sell well to family, friends and neighbors. Schools can earn up to 50% profit on this kind of fundraiser and no money up front is needed. Choose from a wide selection of products that range in price from $6 to $25. This encourages customers with any budget to help support your group.

Hanes2U (800/426-3728, Hanes2u .com) offers products that your school can customize and resell. Schools can transfer images such as class photos or sports team logos onto just about any surface: T-shirts, magnets, mouse pads, coasters and more. Schools can then sell these products for a nice profit.

Davidson Mills (800/638-2852, www.wesellshirts.com) sells T-shirts as a popular way to raise money for programs, projects or departments. In addition to standard short-sleeve T-shirts, Davidson Mills sells long-sleeve Tees, sweatshirts, jerseys and knit golf shirts. The company offers same-day shipping, a wide choice of colors and national brands.

Badge-a-Minit (800/223-4103, www.badgeaminit.com) has been in the fundraising industry for nearly 30 years with their everpopular button-making tools. School logos, photos and slogans can all be put on a button and sold at a profit using Badge-a-Minit button-making kits. Choose from button-making machines, cutting tools, display racks and more to make your next fundraiser a success.

Check out these suppliers to make your fundraising campaign fly high. Students, teachers and parents want to support worthy causes. Fundraiser projects are proven vehicles and the impetus to make good things happen.