What it is
A product fundraiser is a campaign in which supporters buy something, and a portion of the purchase goes to your cause. The item can be physical, like a snack or a gift-wrap item, or a printed card that offers savings at local businesses.
Three formats come up most often. Catalog and brochure fundraisers show a range of products and take orders from supporters. Food and snack fundraisers sell items such as cookie dough, candy or baked goods. Discount card fundraisers sell a card or booklet that offers deals from participating businesses.
Product fundraisers appeal because the idea is easy to explain: someone gets something they can use, and your group benefits. They are often chosen by schools, teams, clubs, congregations and community groups that want a simple sell-something approach.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, a group picks a product or company, sets a sales period, and asks members to share the offer with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Orders are collected on paper forms or online, and products are delivered in bulk or shipped.
Groups have commonly set participation goals, meaning they hope a certain share of members take part. Kickoff meetings, small incentives and clear deadlines have been popular ways to encourage involvement.
Approaches differ in how much work they involve. Some require handling inventory, sorting orders and arranging pickup. Others ship directly to buyers. Each carries different trade-offs in effort, cost sharing, timing and how comfortable members are with asking for sales.
How the right fundraising consultant may help
The right fundraising consultant may help you step back and think through the choice before committing. They may ask about your group's size, timeline, volunteer capacity and what your community tends to enjoy buying, so the format suits you rather than just being the one that is most familiar.
If you are choosing a fundraising company, a consultant may help you compare options in a general way. Useful questions include: How are profits shared? Are there minimums or fees? Who handles delivery and returns? What happens with unsold or damaged items? What does support look like during the campaign? A consultant may also help you read the fine print.
A first conversation is usually about your goals and constraints, not a fixed plan. You might ask a consultant how they would approach participation, how they would keep the workload manageable, and what to check about food safety, permits, and any state or local rules. No consultant can promise results, but a thoughtful one may help you plan with clearer expectations.
The bigger picture
Fundraising can carry real stress for organizers, who may worry about meeting a goal, and for families, who may feel pressure to buy or sell. Choosing an approach that fits your group's energy and your community's comfort may help keep the experience positive and respectful of everyone's budgets.
Taking time to plan, share the workload and communicate openly may bring more peace of mind. If the effort touches on your own wellbeing, resources such as Providers.plus can help you find supportive professionals. No approach to fundraising is wrong; the best fit is the one your group can carry out comfortably.
Keep in mind
- Check current state and local rules before you begin, including any food-handling, sales, or solicitation requirements, since they vary by location and change over time.
- Charitable solicitation registration requirements vary by state, so confirm what applies to your group.
- Whether a purchase or gift is tax-deductible depends on the recipient's tax-exempt status and current IRS rules, so confirm with a tax professional rather than assuming.
- Fundraising results are never guaranteed, and Fundraiser.biz is an independent directory, not a professional advisor, so use this page for education and compare options carefully.
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Frequently asked questions
What are product fundraisers?
Product fundraisers are fundraising ideas in which a group sells items, such as catalog goods, snacks or discount cards, and keeps a portion of the sales. Supporters receive something in return for their purchase. They are popular because the concept is simple to explain.
What are the main types of product fundraisers?
The most common types are catalog and brochure fundraisers, food and snack fundraisers, and discount card fundraisers. Each differs in how products are chosen, delivered and sold. Your group's size, timeline and volunteer capacity can help guide which fits best.
How do I choose a fundraising company for a product fundraiser?
Start by comparing how profits are shared, what fees or minimums apply, and who manages delivery, returns and support. Ask for terms in writing and read them carefully. A fundraising consultant may help you compare options, though no company or consultant can guarantee results.
How can a group reach a participation goal?
Groups have traditionally used clear goals, a kickoff event, simple instructions, short deadlines and friendly encouragement. Making participation comfortable and optional-feeling for families may also help. A consultant may suggest ways to plan for participation, but outcomes vary.
Do I need a permit for a food or snack fundraiser?
It may be required, depending on your state, county or city and the type of food. Rules often cover food handling, sales and sometimes solicitation. Check current state and local requirements with the appropriate offices before planning.
Are purchases from a product fundraiser tax-deductible?
It depends on the recipient's tax-exempt status, what the buyer receives in return, and current IRS rules. Do not assume a purchase is or isn't deductible. Confirm with a tax professional.
Educational resource. Fundraiser.biz shares general information and connects people with independent fundraising consultants. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.