WAHM Forums

Hey ladies:





Just curious, have any of you ever done a candle fundraiser? I have my first fundraiser in which all proceeds will go towards The March of Dimes. Since I make my own candles and not with a big company with a solid fundraising program, I was just curious what things I should be especially aware of or any advice on making this successful.



Thanks ladies!!!

I'm doing a candle fundraiser now. Mostly I'm just letting everyone know that $5 from each jar candle is going to the Breast Cancer 3-Days. Do you have people helping you? How do you plan on doing it? This is my first fundraiser so I'm not too sure on what I'm doing either. smileys/smiley1.gif

Hello Cinnamon:


No, don't having anyone doing the fundraiser with me. It is just me and the Kindercare.


The Director, who does not participate in fundraisers normally, thought it would be an excellent way to support MOD, but wanted something simple.


I so far, created a large baskets layered with colored tissue and filled it up with jar candles of my top-selling scents. I added ribbons and such to jazz up the whole look. Created a large flyer with a bit about my candles.


But so far, that is it. I just don't know if I am missing something... How is yours coming along?

Honestly, it's slow, but I have not really done much to get the candles out there. I do have some ideas but I have not got them going yet. I do have 6 months so I have time. I like the baskets idea.

So far, the basket idea is great. It's easy to put together and as far as a preschool setting in one large building, it is displayed for everyone to see and smell.


But I know this probably would not work in let's say, like with perhaps a School fundraiser. That would require much more than a display. Which was why I was wondering what suggestions other had or experiences as well.smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi,


I have experience with candle fundraisers for school groups. It is very simple.


I'll base this fundraiser going through the PTA in a K-6 school. You would do a presentation for the PTA on your candles, the scents, and what makes them special. Tell them how much they could make per candle sold. Make sure you are very clear on this, this helps with goal setting on the PTA's part.


Have flyer ready. It should contain pictures of your candles. Do about 4 or 5 scents of your best sellers. You can do more, but keep in mind if the size of the school is 200 plus kids it can get complicated. Plus if the fundrasier is successful you'll want to add diffferent scents foranother fundrasier with them.


On the back of the Flyer have the ordering information. If youlike, this can be on a seperate sheet of paper. The PTA will make copies and make sure all the kids get one.Please note on theorder formwhen the fundrasier ends and start. Have the deliver date of the candles to the students on the flyer.


Money: Let the PTA receive all the orders and handle the money. This way they can take care of any bounce checks. All the PTA should do is write a checkfor the final amount owed to you. Tell them you want the check before deliver of candles. This is proper, so don't worry that someone will get offended.


Tip: include the taxes and any shipping in the price of the candle. The PTA only wants one price.


Delivery of candles, are you going to bag each order individually or leave that up to the PTA? This is something you can work out with them.Technically, the PTA should handle this part of the job.


If you have any questions, let me know.

Hi Again,


I forgot to mention advertising. This is always done by the PTA. They will send a flyer out about one week after fundraiser starts and one week before fundraiser is over to the student body. The first flyer may say the fundraiser has started get your orders in, the second flyer will say fundraiser almost over get your orders in. Both flyers will let the parents know how the money for the fundrasier will be spent.


Angel, if you haven't already, maybe you could send a letter/flyer to the parents of the preschoolers. You could include it intheir lunch boxes or back packs. Also, if the preschool does a newsletter maybe they could include an article on the fundraiser.


I Hope this helps.


Irene

Irene:


Thank you for the wonderful information. I would have never thought about the daycare having a newsletter. I will have to contact them. Also, I did not offer a prize or anything at the end of the fundraiser. Should or do I need to do something like this? Maybe a drawing for a free gift from all who participated?


Thank you again Irene...

Hi Angel,


It is up to you to offer a gift or not, but this could eat into your donation to the charity.


I would suggest a note card included with the candle.A little note saying that your donation has helped the MOD, thank youfor your support.


If you would like to give a gift, maybe something for the most candles sold.


Irene

Thank you again.... You have been most helpful!!!smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi Angel -


You can often arrange for incentives/prizes from local businesses in exchange for 'sponsorship' bylines on your materials. It's tax deductible for them and good PR to boot.


I have an article here on my candle fundraising site ... specific to schools, but may be helpful anyway ... if not for this event then for your next one ;-)


Elementary School Fundraiser Ideas (http://www.candle-fundraiser-advisor.com/elementary-school-fundraiser.html)


Also ditto Irene's remark about limiting the scents (might wanna let the PTA choose so that they 'own' it more) ... too many choices actually confuses your shopper.


Have fun!!


AndreaEdited by: agoodsaid

Hi, Angel


I just wanted to jump in here with another suggestion on thank-you notes. If you include one with each candle ordered - make sure to include re-ordering information. It's great advertising for your future sales.


Regards,


Joanne