Fundraising can make or break your goals. Whether you need to raise money for a school fundraiser, a nonprofit, or a community group, picking the right things to sell for fundraising makes all the difference.
Traditional fundraisers like wrapping paper and candy bars don’t excite buyers anymore. They also have low-profit margins.
This guide lists 95 proven fundraising products people want.
Selling products for fundraising works best with a professional website. We’ve rounded up the best website builders to help your organization raise more money and reach more supporters online.
Best Website Builders to Boost Your Fundraising Sales Online
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Why Product Selection Matters in Fundraising
The things you sell for fundraising can make or break your success. Pick the right fundraising products, and you’ll bring in significant funds. Choose the wrong ones, and your fundraising efforts will struggle.
Groups that carefully select what they sell often raise 40-60% more than those who pick random fundraising products from a catalog.
Profit Margins Matter
Some items make more money than others. Chocolate bars might seem easy to sell, but they usually bring in only 20-25% profit. Compare that to custom t-shirts with a 40-50% profit margin or digital products that can hit 90% profit.
The math is simple:
- Sell $1,000 in t-shirts at 50% profit = $500 earned.
- Sell $1,000 in chocolate at 25% profit = only $250 earned.
Sell What People Want
A successful fundraiser depends on market demand. People buy products that solve problems or have emotional value.
A handmade cutting board with a school mascot is both useful and sentimental. A mass-produced candy bar? Not so much.
If you need inspiration, check out our list of trending products to sell online.
Match the Product to Your Cause
Your fundraising campaign should reflect your values. A school fundraiser can sell tote bags, water bottles, or t-shirts with the school logo. But an eco-friendly group selling plastic wrapping paper? That sends the wrong message.
Timing is Everything
Holiday season items won’t sell in February. Summer products peak in spring. Plan your fundraising product sale around seasonal demand to get more sales.
Keep it Simple
Many fundraising events fail because they are too complicated. Even if a product has a high profit margin, it won’t work if it’s too hard to sell. The best fundraising ideas balance profit, simplicity, and effort.
Choose fantastic fundraising products that fit your organization’s budget, team size, and timeline. With the right strategy, your fundraising event will go from a stressful task to a powerful way to make money online.
Food and Beverage Fundraising Items
Baked Goods and Desserts
- Gourmet cookies: Custom-packaged gourmet cookies make a fantastic fundraising product. Groups report 60-70% profit when they bake and package their own. One high school band raised $3,500 in one weekend selling cookies.
- Specialty brownies and bars: “Touchdown Brownies” for sports teams or “Scholar’s Snacks” for schools, add a fun theme. Pre-cut and individually wrapped, these treats sell for $3-5 each with low ingredient costs.
- Cupcake decorating kits: Sell kits with plain cupcakes, frosting bags, sprinkles, and toppers for $15-20. Parents love these kits because they create family memories while supporting a fundraising event.
- Homemade bread loaves: Fresh bread is a big fundraising idea. Sourdough, herb, and whole grain loaves sell for $8-12 each. Partner with a local bakery to make more and keep quality high.
- Seasonal pies: Pies are a top holiday season seller. Thanksgiving pie sales have funded entire school programs. Pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies sell fast. Take pre-orders to minimize waste and maximize sales.
- Cake jars and desserts in a jar: These mason jar desserts stack cake, frosting, and toppings in a clear container. Instagram-worthy and easy to sell, they go for $8-10 each. Social media sharing brings in more sales.
- Gluten-free and allergen-friendly options: Offer gluten-free or nut-free treats to reach more buyers. Many pet owners and parents prefer healthier options too. Clear labels show you care.
- International dessert samplers: Sell global treats like baklava, churros, and mochi. Each box includes a short story about the dessert’s culture. These unique fundraiser products sell for $15-25 and bring in significant funds.
Savory Food Items
- Gourmet popcorn varieties: A popcorn fundraiser is a fun way to raise funds. Expect 65-75% profit per sale. Offer exciting flavors like spicy buffalo, caramel sea salt, or white chocolate pretzel. Use school spirit by packaging in team colors or seasonal wrapping paper to boost sales.
- Specialty nuts and trail mixes: Create custom blends inspired by school mascots or community landmarks. Selling price: $8-12 per pack. Buying in bulk keeps upfront costs low.
- Artisanal cheese selections: Partner with local businesses or cheese shops to sell high-quality cheese boxes. These make great novelty gifts and holiday season items. The selling price is $25-40.
- Beef jerky and meat snacks: A fantastic fundraising product with 50% profit margins. Sell for $7-10 per pack. Unlike a bake sale, it lasts longer and appeals to protein lovers.
- Soup and dip mixes: Sell soup mixes for school fundraisers. Cost to make: under $2. The selling price is $6-8. Lightweight, so shipping costs stay low.
- Spice blends and rubs: Sell signature spice sets like “Backyard BBQ” or “Italian Kitchen”. Cheap to make ($1 per jar), but sell for $5-8. Customers return for more!
- Pasta and sauce combinations: Work with local restaurants to sell pasta kits. Selling price: $12-15. Profits: 40-50% per sale. Great for busy families.
- Locally sourced food baskets: Sell gift baskets with honey, jams, and snacks from local bakery shops. Selling price: $35-75. Great for holiday season sales.
Beverages and Drink Mixes
- Coffee bean subscriptions: A coffee bean subscription is a profitable fundraising product with recurring revenue. Partner with local roasters to create a branded blend. Each subscription earns $5-8 per month.
- Specialty tea collections: Sell specialty tea collections with themed packaging. Seasonal options like “Winter Warmth” or “Summer Refreshment” boost sales. These sets sell for $12-18, with costs under $5, leaving room for a strong profit margin.
- Hot chocolate bombs: A hot chocolate bomb fundraiser is a fun way to raise funds, especially in the holiday season. They sell for $5-7 each, with material costs around $1. Their novelty makes them perfect for social media accounts.
- Smoothie kits: Sell smoothie kits with pre-portioned fruit and recipe cards. These kits go for $8-12, bringing in 45-55% profit margins. Partner with local fitness centers to promote health benefits and increase sales.
- Infused water bottles: Sell water bottles with built-in fruit infusers and a custom logo. Supporters love their reusable designs, making them a great way to spread awareness. Selling price: $15-20. Cost: $8-10.
- Lemonade stand kits: Turn a childhood favorite into a big fundraising idea. Each kit includes a gourmet lemonade mix, branded cups, straws, and signage. Sell for $18-25 and keep 50-60% profit. Great for school events and summer fundraisers.
- Specialty soda packages: Work with local restaurants or local soda makers to sell unique craft sodas. Custom flavors and limited edition releases create urgency. Sell for $15-20 per four-pack.
- Mocktail and cocktail mixers: Sell stylish bottles with mocktail recipes. These sets go for $10-15, with costs around $3-5. A fantastic fundraiser for upscale events.
Seasonal and Holiday Fundraising Items
Fall and Winter Items
- Scented candles and wax melts: Create custom scents named after local landmarks or school traditions. These small details make people feel connected to your cause. Sell them for $15-20, with a strong 45-55% profit margin.
- Custom wreaths and door decorations: Decorate homes while raising money. Offer both pre-made wreaths and custom orders to reach more buyers. Materials cost $8-12, but finished products sell for $25-40.
- Holiday ornaments and keepsakes: Add school logos, team mascots, or local landmarks for a personal touch. Sell for $12-18, with production costs of $3-5. A great idea for a school fundraiser.
- Gift wrapping services: Set up a gift-wrapping station at a shopping mall or local store. Volunteers wrap gifts in exchange for donations. A single weekend can bring in $500-$1,500 with minimal supplies.
- Winter care packages: Bundle hand warmers, lip balm, and hot cocoa into a seasonal gift set. Sell for $15-25, with costs under $8. A fun fundraising product that solves real winter problems.
- Holiday cookie tins: Make homemade cookies look like gourmet gifts. Sell decorated tins filled with cookies for $20-30. Take pre-orders to save money and prevent volunteer burnout.
- Seasonal plant arrangements: People love poinsettias, amaryllis, and evergreen centerpieces for the holidays. These sell for $15-40, while supplier costs stay between $5-15. Partner with local nurseries for wholesale pricing.
- Custom stockings and tree skirts: Make it personal. Handcrafted stockings and tree skirts bring in $25-45 per item, with material costs around $5-10. Limited edition designs create urgency.
Spring and Summer Items
- Flower bulbs and seed packets: Selling flower bulbs and seed packets is a simple way to raise money in spring. Add custom packaging with children’s artwork or your logo. Sell single packets for $3-5 or bundles for $15-25.
- Garden starter kits: Include seeds, soil, small pots, and instructions in a themed pack. Try a “salsa garden” with tomatoes and peppers or a “butterfly garden” with flowers that attract pollinators. Sell for $18-25 with assembly costs under $10.
- Hanging flower baskets: A perfect choice for busy homeowners. Buy wholesale for $8-12, then sell for $20-30. Take pre-orders to reduce waste and keep profit margins high.
- Customized beach towels: Sell custom beach towels with team logos or fun designs. Bulk ordering lowers costs to $8-12 while selling prices range from $25-35.
- Sunscreen and summer care packages: Bundle up the essentials: sunscreen, bug spray, aloe vera, and lip balm in a branded tote. These useful kits sell for $20-30 with assembly costs of $10-15.
- Picnic and outdoor dining kits: Make outdoor meals easier with branded blankets, reusable utensils, and food containers in a handy tote. Sell for $35-50 with costs of $15-25.
- Popsicle and ice cream kits: Bring summer fun to any home. These kits include molds, premium mixes, toppings, and recipe cards. A perfect fundraising product for families. Sell for $18-25 with costs under $10.
- Lawn games and outdoor activities: Sell cornhole sets with custom designs, giant Jenga blocks, or ring toss games. Durable and long-lasting, they sell for $45-75 with costs of $20-35.
Personalized and Custom Products
Apparel and Accessories
- Custom t-shirts with organization branding: Bulk printing keeps costs at $5-8 per shirt, while the selling price ranges from $15-25. That’s 50-70% profit. Offer limited-edition designs such as championship shirts or special event tees to help raise funds faster.
- Personalized hoodies and sweatshirts: They cost $12-20 to make and sell for $30-45. Seasonal styles, school logos, or fundraising event designs add emotional appeal. People love them in colder months.
- Custom socks with fun designs: A fun way to start raising money, custom socks are affordable and easy to sell. They cost $3-5 per pair and sell for $10-15, offering strong profit margins.
- Tote bags with meaningful messages: Production costs are $3-6 per bag, while the selling price ranges from $12-18. Adding an inspiring message or school spirit logo makes them even more appealing.
- Hats and caps with embroidered logos: They cost $8-12 to produce and sell for $20-25. Embroidered logos, school mascots, or catchy slogans make them an easy sell.
- Customized jewelry pieces: Simple bracelets, necklaces, or engraved charms cost $3-8 but sell for $12-25. These keepsakes connect supporters to your cause and bring in more sales.
- Scarves and winter accessories: Scarves, gloves, and beanies in school colors mix warmth with school spirit. Costing $6-10 to make, they sell for $15-25, making them great for holiday season fundraising events.
- Athletic wear for sports teams: Performance fabric with team branding costs $10-15 to make but sells for $25-40. High-quality materials and fun designs make them worth the price.
Home and Lifestyle Items
- Personalized photo products: Calendars with student artwork, team photos, or local landmarks are a great fundraiser. Production costs $5-$8, and they sell for $15-$20.
- Custom cutting boards and kitchen items: Engraved cutting boards with names or logos are unique gifts. Production costs $10-$15, and they sell for $25-$40. Their quality craftsmanship makes them stand out from traditional fundraising products.
- Monogrammed towels and linens: Personalized towels and linens are practical and stylish. They cost $8-$15 to make and sell for $20-$35.
- Engraved glassware and mugs: Custom mugs and glassware turn drinks into memorable experiences. Production costs $4-$8, and they sell for $12-$20. These are great gifts for supporters.
- Customized phone accessories: Custom PopSockets, cases, and chargers cost $3-$8 to produce and sell for $10-$20. They’re trendy, useful, and easy to sell for fundraising events.
- Personalized stationery and notepads: Production costs $3-$6, and they sell for $10-$18. A low-cost product that raises funds while appealing to students and professionals.
- Custom wall art and prints: Wall art featuring team logos, quotes, or local landmarks make a fantastic fundraiser. Costs $5-$15, and sells for $20-$45. Perfect for home decor lovers.
- Personalized pet accessories: Custom collars, leashes, and bowls appeal to pet owners. Costs $4-$10, and sells for $12-$25. A fun way to raise money while reaching an often-overlooked market.
Digital and Virtual Fundraising Products
Digital Content and Services
- E-cookbooks with community recipes: E-cookbooks make a great fundraiser with no shipping costs. Collect recipes from community members and sell them as a digital book. Pricing at $10-$15 brings in almost pure profit.
- Digital art and printables: No production costs and a selling price of $5-$10 make these great fundraising ideas. Buyers love eco-friendly, digital fundraising products.
- Digital Downloads: Sell seasonal decorations, planners, and inspirational quotes as instant downloads. They sell for $5-$10. Supporters love eco-friendly, affordable products that they can use right away.
- Online classes and workshops: Use community expertise to raise funds without venue costs. Cooking demos, fitness classes, or craft workshops sell for $15-$30.
- Virtual events and experiences: Host online concerts, comedy shows, or expert talks. Tickets sell for $10-$25 with minimal upfront costs.
- Custom mobile apps or games: A school fundraiser app with schedules and donation links can bring recurring revenue. Each download earns $2-$5, with extra in-app sales boosting funds raised.
- Digital gift cards and certificates: Partner with local businesses to sell digital gift cards. A great way to raise funds with zero inventory costs. The convenience factor increases sales from supporters.
- Subscription boxes with digital components: A big fundraising idea—mix physical products with exclusive online content. Boxes sell for $20-$40 per month, with a 30-40% profit margin.
- Online auctions of digital products: Auction off custom art, social media services, or website designs. With no shipping costs, this brings in 100% profit. Bidding wars drive up the selling price.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Fundraising Items
Reusable Products
- Metal straws and utensil sets: Branded metal straws and utensil sets cost $3-$5 to make and sell for $10-$15. Their daily use supports eco-friendly fundraising efforts.
- Beeswax wraps and food covers: A smart swap for plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps cost $2-$4 to make and sell for $12-$18. Offer DIY workshops to raise more money and teach sustainability.
- Reusable shopping bags with cause messaging: Eco-friendly and useful. Quality tote bags with fun designs cost $2-$4 and sell for $8-$15. Every use spreads awareness for your fundraising campaign.
- Bamboo toothbrushes and personal care items: Simple and sustainable. Bamboo toothbrushes cost $1-$3 to make and sell for $5-$10. Offer them as a subscription for ongoing fundraising sales.
- Silicone food storage solutions: A fun way to reduce plastic waste. Reusable bags cost $3-$8 and sell for $10-$20. They’re easy to store, last long, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Cloth napkins and unpaper towels: Cut down on waste. Cloth napkins cost $1-$3 and sell for $5-$12. They promote sustainable living while bringing in a high-profit margin.
- Reusable water bottles with organization branding: Production costs $5-$10, and selling price is $15-$25. A great way to start raising money while spreading awareness.
- Eco-friendly lunch containers: Ditch plastic bags. Bento boxes or stainless steel containers cost $8-$12 and sell for $20-$30. Parents love them as a high-quality, waste-free lunch solution.
Plant-Based and Environmental Items
- Native plant seedlings: Buy for $1-$3 from local growers and sell for $5-$10. Add educational guides to show plant benefits and boost fundraising value.
- Butterfly and bee garden kits: These kits turn small spaces into wildlife havens. Seeds, containers, and instructions cost $3-$6 and sell for $15-$25.
- Composting starter sets: Kits include bins, guides, and starter materials for $8-$12 and sell for $25-$35. Partner with eco-groups to increase sales.
- Bird feeders and houses: Support wildlife with handcrafted birdhouses or feeders. Materials cost $5-$10 and sell for $20-$35. Seasonal themes like “Winter Bird Sanctuary” make them excellent fundraising products.
- Recycled material crafts: Turn reclaimed materials into unique crafts. Costs $2-$8 to make, and sells for $10-$25. A great fundraiser that blends creativity and sustainability.
- Upcycled fashion accessories: Bags, jewelry, and accessories from old materials create a trendy and sustainable fundraiser. Costs $3-$8 to make, and sells for $15-$30. The one-of-a-kind designs attract eco-conscious buyers.
- Sustainable cleaning product kits: DIY cleaning products with natural ingredients. Costs $5-$10 to assemble and sells for $20-$30. A high-demand product that helps families save money and reduce chemicals.
Service-Based Fundraising Ideas
Community Services
- Car wash vouchers or events: Sell pre-paid vouchers for $10-$15 to guarantee sales. Supplies cost $1-$2 per car, making it a high-profit fundraiser. Sell branded car stickers for additional profits.
- Lawn care and gardening services: Charge $25-$50 per yard for mowing, weeding, or planting. Little to no upfront costs. Schedule jobs in the same area to save time and maximize earnings.
- Pet sitting and dog walking: Pet owners spend billions on care. Charge $15-$25 per walk or visit. No supplies are needed, just reliable volunteers.
- House cleaning packages: Offer three-hour cleaning sessions for $75-$125. Supplies cost under $10, making it a high-profit fundraiser. Best around holidays when people need extra help.
- Babysitting certificates: Parents need trusted childcare. Sell 3-4 hour babysitting vouchers for $30-$50. Zero supply costs just screened volunteers.
- Snow removal or leaf raking: Charge $25-$50 per home for seasonal yard work. Minimal equipment is needed. Work in teams to finish more jobs faster.
- Tech support and device setup: Help community members with phones, computers, and smart devices. Charge $30-$50 per hour. A low-cost way to raise funds while offering a valuable service.
- Meal preparation and delivery: Sell home-cooked meals for $40-$75 per week. Profit per order is $15-$30. Subscription models help with steady fundraising revenue. A great idea for busy families.
Skills and Talents
- Art commissions and custom portraits: Artists donate time, and prices range from $50-$200 with materials costing $5-$20. Limited availability makes these a great fundraiser.
- Music lessons or performances: Lessons cost $25-$50, while small performances range from $150-$300. Both you and the community benefit from live music or one-on-one instruction.
- Photography sessions: Photos capture memories. Mini sessions cost $75-$150 and need only time and basic gear. Seasonal themes like fall portraits or graduation photos boost demand.
- Cooking classes or meal preparation: Group classes sell for $25-$40 per person, while private lessons go for $75-$150. Ingredient costs stay low ($5-$15), keeping profit margins high.
- Handyman services: Home repairs never stop. Charge $40-$75 per hour for basic handyman services. Offer pre-set service packages to simplify marketing and boost funds raised.
- Resume writing and career coaching: Help others succeed. Resume coaching costs $50-$100 per session. No inventory, just expertise. Partner with colleges during graduation season for consistent clients.
- Language lessons or translation services: Languages open doors. Teach for $25-$40 per hour or translate at $0.10-$0.20 per word. Both you and the community benefit, and it’s a pure-profit fundraiser.
Setting Up Your Online Fundraising Store
Creating a strong website turns one-time sales into a steady income. An online fundraiser makes it easy for supporters to buy anytime, anywhere. A slow or confusing site can mean lost sales.
Your web store must be mobile-friendly, as most buyers use smartphones. Secure payments build trust, and simple navigation keeps people from leaving before they buy. Clear pictures, short descriptions, and an easy checkout process boost sales.
A secure web hosting provider is essential for a successful online fundraiser. Small groups can start with Square or Shopify, but larger organizations benefit from custom web hosting with donation tracking.
Use the best web hosting service to keep your fundraising web store fast, secure, and able to handle high traffic—preventing lost sales and maximizing fundraising efforts.
Show your fundraising progress on your site. People love seeing goals met. This urgency pushes more supporters to click and contribute. Keep it simple, fast, and focused on raising money.
Explore our guide on how to create a WordPress e-commerce website for tips and insights.
How to Implement Your Fundraising Campaign
Planning Your Product Fundraiser
Successful fundraising starts with clear goals. Instead of saying, “Raise as much as possible,” set a target like, “Raise $5,000 for new playground equipment.” This focus creates urgency. Breaking big goals into smaller steps keeps momentum going.
Knowing your audience makes selling fundraising products easier. A school fundraiser in a health-conscious area might do well with reusable water bottles, while a sports team may sell more branded t-shirts. Ask supporters what they’d buy before choosing.
Profit margins matter. A product fundraising item priced at $20 with $15 in costs needs more sales than one priced at $15 with $5 in costs. Don’t forget shipping, packaging, and payment fees.
A good story boosts sales. Don’t just sell candles—say you’re “lighting the way for music education.” Strong storytelling makes buyers feel connected. For better fundraising event ideas, tie your cause to the product.
Maximizing Sales and Profits
Effective pricing strategies balance profit maximization with market reality.
- Smart Pricing for More Sales: Offer cool things to sell for fundraisers at different price points. A “good-better-best” approach gives buyers options. Bundle products to boost the selling price and increase overall sales.
- Create Urgency to Sell Faster: Limited-time deals drive quick sales. Try early-bird pricing, countdown timers, or limited stock alerts like “Only 50 left!”. These tactics turn browsers into buyers fast.
- Use Social Media for More Reach: Promote things to sell for school fundraisers online. Post eye-catching photos, share success stories, and update funds raised. Instagram loves visuals, Facebook prefers details.
- Partner with Local Businesses: Team up with coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores. They can sell your fundraising products or donate a share of sales. A win-win for everyone.
- Motivate Sellers with Rewards: Offer prizes, leaderboards, or fun experiences for top sellers. Recognition works better than cash.
- Track and Improve: Watch which products sell best online. Adjust pricing, marketing, and product choices to get the most out of your fundraiser.
Read how to start an e-commerce business for the ultimate guide on running an online business.
Conclusion
Picking the right fundraising products makes all the difference.
The 95 ideas in this guide cover food, digital items, and services—all proven to raise money. Successful fundraisers mix seasonal appeal with unique products supporters won’t find elsewhere. Choose items that fit your organization’s mission.
Timing, storytelling, and great presentation turn simple products into big fundraising ideas.
Boost your fundraising success by pairing your product sales with a sleek, modern website. Explore our curated list of the best website builders to make your campaign more effective and maximize both your profits and online reach.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Pick Your Fundraising Strategy: Whether it’s digital products, tote bags, or t-shirts, choose things to sell for fundraising that fit your audience.
- Set Up an Online Fundraiser: Create a web store for easy sales. A secure nonprofit hosting provider keeps your site fast and safe.
- Build a Nonprofit Website: Creating a nonprofit website helps you collect donations, sell fundraising products, and spread awareness.
- Use Social Media Marketing: Share updates, post success stories, and create urgency with limited-time offers.
- Track Progress and Adjust: Monitor what sells best, tweak pricing, and improve promotions to increase fundraising goals.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- How to Make Money Online Hassle-Free Today
- How to Sell Online: A Complete Guide
- Nonprofit Marketing Guide: Attract More Donors
- Can Nonprofits Sell Products?
- Building a Non-Profit Website Step-by-Step
- Non-Profit Website Examples to Get You Inspired
- E-commerce for Small Business
- How To Keep Your E-commerce Site Secure
- Challenges of E-commerce and How to Overcome Them
- E-commerce Digital Marketing: Boosting Sales and Growth
- Digital Marketing for Beginners
- Digital Marketing Tools to Simplify Your Business
- How to Market on Social Media
- What Is Social Media Management
- How to Use Instagram for Business
- Facebook Advertising Strategies
