How do we get our money from online fundraising?

Your profit payment is processed within 15 business days of the close of your store.

Online Fundraisers

Name: Online Fundraisers
Brand: Big Fundraising Ideas
Rating: 4.6 (16 reviews)

10 Best Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Use the power of the internet to raise money by selling products online. No person-to-person contact and no school deliveries.

Keep fundraising simple. Sell popcorn, cookie dough, candles, wrapping paper, customizable gifts, and more online!

Have a question?

Goodies & Gifts Online

Snacks, jewelry, & gifts.
25 product categories.
Free seller prize option.

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Gifts & More Online

Home gadgets & snacks.
500+ items from $9 to $45.
Free shipping over $90+.

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Believe Online

Food & home accessories.
800+ items from $8 to $59.
Track sales in real time.

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Cookie Dough Online

12 cookie dough options.
Preportioned or tubs.
Orders ship to buyers.

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Poppin Popcorn Online

18 delicious popcorn flavors.
Large resealable bags.
Free shipping over $99.

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Yankee Candles Online

Best candles in fundraising.
Quality fragrance oils.
Many more options online.

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Crazy Socks Online

12 colorful styles.
Comes in small and large.
Free shipping over $99.

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Stainless Tumblers Online

Over 200 stainless tumblers.
Feature your custom tumbler.
Kitchen-grade stainless.

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Cheese & Sausage Online

23 delicious snacks.
Prices start at $13.
Free shipping over $99.

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Flowers Online

100% grow guarantee.
Make up to 50% profit.
Flat $6.99 shipping fee.

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What Our Customers Say

I don't think I will do a fundraiser any other way again! I really appreciated the ease of the entirely online, hands-off sales process. Neither the students or myself had to handle the money or deliveries-- everything was handled online and shipped directly to customers. For only a 2 week fundraiser with my small class of 10 students, we profited over $650.00!

Jessica Pollak

Sponsor

Owen D. Young Central School

Raised:

$1,572.00

Doing the popcorn fundraiser was the best and most effective way for our small group to raise money for our classroom! It was super easy to register and completely online, products shipped directly to the customer and we had our funds in a timely manner once the fundraiser was closed! Would definitely recommend for busy parents who can’t go door to door!

Tracey Hernandez

Teacher

Hernandez Christian Academy

Raised:

$877.00

It was a fine experience overall.

Andrea Remick

Class Advisor

Lafayette High School

Raised:

$414.00

Since this was our first time it was a bit scary, but after our kids started sharing the links it was a good experience. Even though we physically could not meet with our kids we made announcements, shared the links through the announcements, and sharing the link through Canvas.

Melissa Andriac

Teacher

Passaic County Technical Institute Class of 2023

Raised:

$1,661.00

It sold decently well. Our biggest hurdle was the cost for shipping.

Wesley Courser

NHS Advisor

Mansfield Christian School

Raised:

$1,155.00

This was a good experience. It was hard for some of my parents to create an account because they just don't use computers. I think passing out a form will work better for my population next year.

Vickey Dillard

Principal

Canup Early Childhood Center

Raised:

$4,345.00

It was super easy to do this sale, since everyone could simply send out information on how to access the catalog to their friends and family via email, text, post, etc.

Celia Denton

Sponsor

Atlanta Adventist Academy Class of 2021

Raised:

$950.00

Easy!

Tina Smith

Teacher

Stockton Middle School

Raised:

$1,403.00

Seamless, easy , stress free experience from start to end.

Mohit Sehgal

Head Coach

Bama Saints

Raised:

$900.00

Very prompt and responsive.

Shirley Azbell

Teacher

Lambert High School

Raised:

$1,858.50

The big fundraising ideas team was very responsive.

Scott Stafiej

Sponsor

Ichabod Crane High School

Raised:

$380.00

Online fundraising is a great way to fundraise in the technical driven era.

LaTanya Brown

Sponsor

Mark Twain Elementary

Raised:

$414.00

Always excellent. Your customer service is very good. You're always trying to find new ways to offer funding options for us. Well done.

Doug Krauze

Ministry Leader

St. Stephen the First Martyr

Raised:

$352.00

The candles were amazing.

Bucksport High School

Council Advisor

Bucksport High School

Raised:

$618.00

Product shipped quickly and replacement for out-of-stock was given with extra product, but disappointing for some.

Wesley Courser

NHS Advisor

Mansfield Christian School

Raised:

$1,155.00

How Does An Online Fundraiser Work?

Instead of asking for donations, online fundraising works by selling products online. U.S. Consumers spent over $1 trillion online for the first time in 2022. Everyone is looking for innovative online fundraising ideas to make raising money easier.

Touchless or online fundraisers will expand your market. You don't have to take catalog orders in person. Instead, you can ask your group to direct friends and family to your online store in peer-to-peer fundraising. After they place their order, we ship them their product, and you receive a profit.

Sellers can use our email generator, social media tool, and text feature to reach more people. The benefits of online fundraising include the following:

No Face-to-Face Selling. Generate sales by inviting people to your online store.
Larger Market. Virtual fundraising enables you to expand your reach nationwide.
Real-time Sales Updates. You know which group members are selling and how much anytime.
No Paperwork. Virtual fundraising does not require dealing with order forms or collecting money.
Faster Shipping. Merchandise ships directly to customers as orders are processed, so there is no waiting for someone to deliver their order.
No Group Deliveries. Since you don't receive any shipments, there is nothing to deliver.
100% Product Guarantee. We work directly with your buyers to take care of any product issues.
Great Customer Service. Our goal is a fast and easy sale.
No Startup Cost. We won't charge you to set up your store. And there are no order minimums either. Sign up for your online fundraiser today for free. We have some of the most unique online fundraising ideas.

Questions About Online Fundraisers

Questions

How do online fundraisers work?

Answer

Group members promote your online store to people using email, social media, and text. You make up to 50% profit off every purchase.

Questions

What are your most profitable online fundraising ideas?

Answer

Our biggest sellers are popcorn and cookie dough. Flowers are a unique fundraising idea. Or you can offer a large selection of products. Variety sells because people have more options.

Questions

How do we set up an online fundraiser?

Answer

Select a product and submit the ‘Start a fundraiser’ form to get started. After returning your signed agreement, we’ll send you your online store ‘prep’ instructions and access information about a week before your start date.

Questions

What are some good online fundraising ideas for schools?

Answer

When selling products, be sure to get participants to register. This way, they can share their unique store link with friends and family. Reminding them to keep sharing the link throughout the sale is also important.

Questions

Does it cost any money to set up an online fundraiser?

Answer

There is no cost for us to set up your store.

Questions

How do we track our online sales?

Answer

You can access your online sales dashboard to check your progress anytime.

Questions

Can people donate money?

Answer

Yes. People have the option to donate money as well.

Questions

How long do virtual fundraisers last?

Answer

We recommend keeping your online store open for two weeks.

Questions

How do we get our money for an online fundraiser?

Answer

Your profit payment is typically processed within 15 business days after your store's closure. This ensures a prompt transfer of funds to support your cause.

Questions

Are there any online shipping fees?

Answer

Only the buyer pays a fee to ship them their product. Some of our programs offer customers free shipping once a specific dollar amount is ordered.

Questions

What are some good virtual fundraisers?

Answer

Consider virtual auctions, online donation campaigns, virtual fun runs, and live-streamed talent shows.

Questions

How can I fundraise online for free?

Answer

Utilize social media platforms, create a compelling crowdfunding campaign, engage with supporters through emails, and explore partnerships with businesses.

Questions

How do I host a fundraiser online?

Answer

Choose a reliable fundraising platform, set a clear goal, create engaging content, promote through social media, and provide convenient online donation options.

Questions

How do you sell fundraising items online?

Answer

Create an online store, showcase items with appealing visuals and descriptions, offer secure payment methods, and promote through social media and email marketing.

Questions

How do I set up an online fundraising auction?

Answer

Select an auction platform, gather enticing items or experiences, set starting bids and bidding increments, promote the auction widely, and provide clear instructions for participation.

Questions

How successful is online fundraising?

Answer

Online fundraising can be highly successful when executed well, reaching a wider audience, allowing for easy donations, and enabling creative engagement strategies. Success varies based on the cause and efforts put in.

Online Fundraising Suggestions & Tips

Schedule a virtual kickoff meeting with your group members. There are plenty of free collaborative software tools available. Learn more
Set a seller goal and help your sellers understand what it will take to help the group succeed.
Ongoing communication with your sellers throughout your online fundraiser is vital to your success.
Smaller groups can meet online to discuss sales progress.
Create a sense of urgency by reminding your group regularly how long the online fundraising will be. Stores typically stay open for two weeks.
Give people more reasons to buy by having your virtual events around a special occasion or holiday.
Encourage sellers to buy for themselves, their friends, and their family.
Boost sales of your virtual events by incentivizing your group to sell. Check out our free cash or prize program.

More Ideas for Online Fundraisers

Setting Online Fundraising Goals

Hopefully, you’ve determined how much money your group needs. Now, you must communicate the online fundraising goals and what it will take to achieve them. Before your sale, run your numbers. For example, if you sell $15 items and reach 40% profit, you’ll make $6 per item. Divide that number by the total amount needed. So, a $3,000 need will require selling 500 items.

Finally, divide the number of items by your group size. If you have 50 sellers, each member must sell ten items.

Another way to determine your profit is to use our ‘Calculate Your Profit’ tool. Enter your group size and seller goal. The calculator will then determine how much you’ll make. You'll find this feature on each online product page.

So why is setting an online fundraising goal important? Because it gives your sellers a guide and lets them know what you expect. Every project has a start and an endpoint. Knowing how far they have to go will give them feedback and encouragement.

Tracking Virtual Fundraisers

In virtual fundraising events, accountability is essential. Group members are much more likely to sell if they know you monitor their progress. We allow you to log into your portal to see which participants are making sales and how much. This instantaneous feedback allows you to check in with your sellers.

You can take corrective measures before it’s too late, which is one advantage of online selling over in-person brochure sales. You don’t know how well everyone does with a catalog sale until they turn in their order forms.

Tracking sales allows you to encourage and praise their efforts.

Set Up Your Kickoff Meeting Online

Emailing participants their sales information may be enough, but this may not be as effective because it’s less personal and engaging. Many schools use online portals to communicate with their parents, which can help you announce and promote your school fundraiser.

Try to have a kickoff meeting. Coming together as a group can help get your fundraiser off to a stronger start. You should also meet with your group periodically, even if it’s a Zoom call.

What is the most important thing you can tell your group? Register so they can share their online store link with friends and family. The greater your group registration percentage, the more money you’ll raise. It’s that simple.

How do you do a virtual kickoff?

If you’re a smaller group, consider meeting on a platform like Zoom to kick off your sale. You can better communicate your purpose, and your group will feel more unity.

Learn how to host a video meeting.

A communication app like Facebook Live may also be a helpful tool. Here are the best education communication apps for schools.

Online Fundraiser Products vs. Donations

When people think about online fundraising ideas for schools, one thing that comes to mind is ‘donations.’ Many fundraising platforms allow individuals and groups to set up and promote a page. Then, the company collects a percentage of the profits.

But when buying a product online, people receive a tangible item in exchange. There is no cost to set up and run your store. When fundraising online, the company initially collects all the money and then distributes the profit money afterward. A donation option is also available.