School Band Fundraisers

Summary: In this article, we'll consider three band fundraisers that take some effort, are perfect for medium-sized groups, and produce excellent results

Talk about your hard workers! Band groups are awesome when it comes to putting forth the effort it takes for fundraising success. The key is making sure they have the right fundraiser that will leverage all that energy. In this article, we'll consider three band fundraisers that: Take some effort Are perfect for medium-sized groups Produce excellent results Citrus Fruit One band fundraiser that fits the easy fundraiser formula is selling cases of citrus fruit shipped direct from the Florida groves. Here, the band members use an order-taker brochure to explain the offering to prospective supporters. You really need to go door-to-door or sell from a merchant table to achieve the kind of numbers where you'll raise substantial funds. This is perfect for a band group with enough members to canvass entire neighborhoods by working in pairs. Customers can choose from Navel Oranges, Tangelos, Tangerines, Red Grapefruits, and mixed cartons. Order sizes range from ten pounds all the way up to forty pounds. A common size is 2/5 of a bushel or 20 pounds. Generally, you can expect to pay roughly $8 for this size and make a profit of $4 each. These are rough prices because citrus fruit can vary in price based on weather patterns and availability. Citrus fruit is a wintertime offering with availability best between mid-November through mid-April. There are discounts for large orders and bonuses for ordering a whole truckload. Christmas Wreaths Another band fundraiser that's a good fit is selling Christmas wreaths via an order-taker brochure. It's another late fall fundraiser that takes advantage of a holiday "must have" decoration. Since they're made fresh, you can get an early jump on the retail stores and conduct your fundraiser as an order taker before Thanksgiving. There are a number of offerings in addition to the traditional door wreath. Suppliers also offer door swags, mantelpieces, centerpieces, candle wreath packs, and fresh cut holly. Prices range from $17 up to $50. Profits are approximately 40% of the selling price on most items, so it makes a great band fundraiser because the total revenue is high. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how quickly your band profits can add up with an aggressive marketing campaign. You need to set some high goals for each band member, such as ten sales each before Thanksgiving. Delivery is easy, with each wreath sealed in a plastic bag to preserve freshness. Get your orders in early and allow two weeks minimum for delivery. Coffee Fundraiser A third band fundraiser that produces great results is a coffee sale. Like the other two fundraisers we've already discussed, a large selection of pre-bagged coffee products are sold via an order-taker brochure. Your supporters can select from twenty or more flavors. Most suppliers have small "dollar bags" or the better selling half-pound package. Usually, the cost for a half pound of quality coffee is $3, and the retail price is $5 or $6. You can offer a choice of whole bean, or ground varieties. The idea here is to tap into the market for something that almost every household buys regularly, then expand upon it with multiple flavors. Their names conjure up images of a cup of coffee wafting delicious aromas throughout the kitchen - flavors like Hazelnut, Toasted Almond, Hawaiian Coconut, Butterscotch, or Morning Glory. Again, success is best achieved by presenting your offering to large numbers of prospective supporters. Set up a table at any event that draws a large crowd. Offer samples from tiny paper cups. Get the word out to as many people as you can. Your band group works hard. Make sure you pick a band fundraiser that works just as hard by being impossible to resist.