What Our Customers Say
Top School Fundraising Products — Up to 90% Profit, No Upfront Cost
The best school fundraising products combine a brand families already trust, a price point that removes hesitation, and a profit margin that makes the campaign worth running. Big Fundraising Ideas has helped school fundraising groups raise millions since 1999 —through cookie dough fundraisers, candy bars, online fundraising stores, custom tumblers, and many more options, all with no upfront cost.
Groups across the USA raise over $1.5 billion in annual product sales. Pick your product, set your goal, and start selling — you pay after you collect your money, not before. Use the complete product table in the How It Works section below to compare every fundraiser side by side.
Best School Fundraising Products by School Level
Not every fundraising product works at every school level. Cookie dough dominates at elementary schools because parents recognize the brands. Beef sticks outsell candy at high school sporting events because athletes want protein, not sugar. Matching your product to your school level is the fastest way to increase both participation and profit per seller.
- Elementary School Fundraiser: Cookie dough, lollipop fundraisers, and Smencils are the top sellers. Otis Spunkmeyer, Cinnabon, and Yummy Lix names close sales before the pitch starts. Fall brochures deliver the highest gross revenue when launched at a PTA night with the prize program front and center.
- Middle School Fundraiser: Candy bars and beef sticks move fastest because middle schoolers sell to peers in the hallway and at lunch. Run a brochure fundraiser alongside to reach family members who prefer browsing a catalog — you capture both impulse buyers and deliberate ones.
- High School Fundraiser: Custom tumblers branded with your mascot and colors earn up to 90% profit because your school sets the price on its own product. Beef sticks sell at games and practices without a single order form. Online stores with Yankee Candles, crazy socks, and custom apparel — t-shirts and hoodies — reach out-of-state family and friends without your team touching a single shipment.
Popular School Fundraising Products for Every Season
Timing your fundraiser to the buying season is one of the most underused profit levers in school fundraising. A fall brochure launched in September taps into holiday gift-buying momentum that does not exist in March. Big Fundraising Ideas has a seasonal fundraiser for every point in the school year.
The best-selling school fundraising food items right now are cookie dough, candy bars, and beef sticks for in-hand campaigns. Fall and spring brochures lead in total gross revenue. Easy online fundraising stores are the fastest-growing format — they reach family members anywhere in the country without adding a single logistical step for your team. Whether you need a quick, easy in-hand product for a field day or a full two-week brochure campaign before the holidays, there is a fundraising program built for your situation.
How School Fundraising Product Sales Work
There are three types of school fundraisers available through Big Fundraising Ideas: brochure programs, online stores, and in-hand direct-sale products. Each type suits a different logistical situation. The complete product table below covers every available fundraiser: what it is, what it earns, and which school level it fits best.
Complete School Fundraising Product Comparison — All Programs at a Glance
Three Types of School Fundraisers: Brochure, Online, or In-Hand
Brochure Fundraising
We send enough brochures for every participant at no upfront cost. Each seller receives an order form, a money-collection envelope, and a prize flyer. After two weeks of taking orders, submit your forms for processing. Merchandise arrives pre-packed by seller. Fall and spring brochures, cookie dough, frozen-food fundraisers, and specialty fundraisers all run this way.
Online Fundraisers
Zero paper. Zero money handling. Zero distribution. Your group shares a custom online store link by text, email, and social media. Programs include Cookie Dough Online, Popcorn Online, Yankee Candles Online, crazy socks, custom apparel, tumblers online, and more. Orders ship directly to buyers anywhere in the country — you never touch the product.
Selling a Product
Put the actual product in your sellers' hands and collect money on the spot—no order forms. No waiting. Available direct sale fundraisers include beef sticks, candy bars, lollipops, popcorn, Smencils, custom tumblers, discount cards, and scratch cards. Payment is due within 15 days of order receipt.
Why Schools Choose Big Fundraising Ideas
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. A full refund is available for every product for any buyer who is not satisfied. Your community's trust is protected on every order, making your sellers more confident and your buyers more willing.
- Over 100 School Fundraising Products. Cookie dough, candy bars, online stores, custom tumblers, brochures, and more. One fundraising company with every product type your school could need, at every school level.
- Raise Money for Free. You pay after you collect your money. Brochure and online programs require zero upfront payment. In-hand products allow 15 days to sell through before your invoice is due.
- Low Minimums and Free Shipping. We keep your net profit high. Check the free shipping details on each product page before you commit — most programs qualify.
- Exclusive Calculate Your Profit Tool. Use our fundraising tracker tool before you start. Plug in your group size and selling window to see exactly what your school can earn — no guessing, no surprises.
- 5-Star Customer Service. Our team is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Every question answered, every step supported from product selection through distribution day.
- Exclusive Prize Programs. The Super Party, Super Splash Party, Magic Show, and Reptile Adventures student incentive programs are available only through Big Fundraising Ideas. Schools that activate a prize program see 30% to 50% higher participation than campaigns that run without one.
School Fundraising Questions
You pay after you collect your money. When selling from a brochure, promotional supplies are provided upfront at no cost. When selling a product in hand, payment is due within 15 days of receipt.
Yes. The advantages of online fundraisers are that they require no collection of order forms or money. Products are shipped directly to customers' homes.
Select a brochure to show, a product to sell, or an online fundraiser to promote, and your group can start raising money with no upfront cost.
We don't recommend putting stainless tumblers in the dishwasher. Plastic tumblers are usually top-rack dishwasher safe.
Yes, the most popular gluten-free products are popcorn and lollipops.
Schools make 40% profit on brochure sales, and with in-hand product sales, it depends on how much you order. You can earn up to 90%. Online fundraiser profit is determined by the total number of products your group sells.
Cookie dough brochures and fall catalogs generate the highest gross dollar totals because higher per-item prices and broad family appeal drive strong average orders per seller. For the highest profit margin per unit, personalized products — scratch cards and discount cards — return up to 75% and 90%, respectively, because your school controls the price of a branded item. The most profitable fundraiser depends on group size: larger schools earn more from brochures, and smaller groups move faster with in-hand products.
Cookie dough, lollipops, and Smencils consistently top the list. Cookie dough earns up to 40% profit on a $22 item that parents buy without hesitation. Lollipops at $1 each — including Halloween-themed editions — work for young sellers who feel intimidated by larger asks. Smencils sell themselves at open houses and book fairs where school supplies are already on every parent's mind.
There are three types of school fundraisers: brochure programs, where students take orders from a printed catalog; online store programs, where supporters shop and receive orders shipped directly to their homes; and in-hand direct-sale programs, where sellers exchange a physical product for cash on the spot. Brochures work best for structured two-week campaigns. Online programs eliminate all logistics. In-hand products are fastest at events.
People's Choice beef sticks are individually packaged, high-protein snacks that align with federal school nutrition standards — appropriate even for schools with strict wellness policies that restrict candy. Smencils are completely non-food. Popcorn and lollipops are gluten-free. Contact our team before selecting a product if your school has specific dietary or wellness requirements.
Custom tumblers branded with your mascot and colors earn up to 50% profit and sell especially well at fall sports events. Beef sticks sell fast at games and practices without order forms. Custom apparel — t-shirts and hoodies — lets high school students promote the fundraiser on social media with something they actually want to wear. Fall brochures with holiday gift items perform well when launched before the holiday season into parent networks already in a buying mindset.
Brochure programs have no minimum — students collect orders before anything is purchased. For in-hand direct-sale products like candy bars, beef sticks, and popcorn, minimums are typically one case. Tahoe, the most popular custom tumbler, requires a minimum of 40 units. Contact our team to confirm minimums for the specific product before you commit.
A fundraising website is an online storefront where supporters browse products, pay securely, and receive orders shipped to their homes. Big Fundraising Ideas operates as a full-service school fundraising company, offering fundraising options for traditional brochure programs, online campaigns, and in-hand direct-sale products. Your group gets a custom online store link to share with family and friends nationwide — no login required for buyers, no logistics for your team.
Scratch cards also return up to 90% as a donation-based program with no merchandise cost. Discount cards offer up to 75% profit. For volume-based products, popcorn earns up to 60% and candy bars earn up to 55% — both higher than the standard 40% brochure margin, with margins increasing further as order volume rises.
School Fundraiser Selling Tips That Move More Product
- Use the NOW Method. Every seller opens with their name, their organization, and why they are raising money. Three sentences. That structure removes the awkward opener and builds trust before a single product is shown.
- Approach every potential customer with a smile. A confident, friendly opener changes the outcome before a word is spoken. Remind sellers to thank every buyer for their time, whether or not they purchase.
- Come prepared every time. Brochure, order form, collection envelope, pen. An unprepared seller loses sales to inconvenience — the buyer says, "Come back later", and later never comes.
- Only approach people you know. Sellers should stick to neighbors, family members, and family friends. Warm relationships convert at dramatically higher rates, and the ask feels natural rather than transactional.
- Get the payment instruction right from day one. Checks made payable to your organization, not individual students. State this on day one — correcting it after the fact creates confusion and delays your deposit.
- Put out-of-town families to work. Share your online store link with grandparents and relatives who cannot buy in person. They are often the most generous supporters — they want to help and need the link.
- Track progress publicly and announce it midway. A midpoint update comparing current sales to the goal creates urgency for sellers who have not engaged yet. Progress boards and classroom leaderboards consistently lift final-week sales.
- Make it fun and stay positive. Your energy as the coordinator sets the tone for your sellers. Communicate genuine excitement about the prize program and the goal — that enthusiasm compounds across the entire school.
So you know you want a school fundraiser, but you're not sure where to start. That's where we come in! With our school fundraising ideas, some schools generate five figures in profits! It starts with you, the sponsor.
You may be a parent, volunteer, or school administrator. No matter your role, we're here to make product selection more straightforward than ever.
Begin by selecting the type of fundraiser you'd like to host: a brochure or a product-in-hand. Make this selection by determining when and where you plan to sell. For instance, you would want to do something other than a brochure fundraiser at an event like a field day. With so many distractions, parents couldn't envision themselves using the product.
High school fundraising ideas include field days, suitable for a beef jerky or candy bar fundraiser. They can have a quick snack and then go back to playing or supervising. One of the most effective middle school fundraising ideas is a brochure fundraiser, ideally introduced at a PTA meeting or parents' night, where you can showcase your ultimate gift collection offerings.
Parents will be eager to assist in raising funds for their child, as they may already be thinking about it. They'll make the coffee and bring it to future meetings or early mornings!
Select a product that suits the season and the cause for effective elementary school fundraising ideas. For instance, no matter how much you love gift wrap, you won't sell it right before Easter.
Instead, try a lollipop fundraiser during a book fair. Kids likely brought money to school, and now they can enjoy a lollipop while they read their new book. You can also get family and close friends to buy flowers on a warm day, but not if it's snowed outside.
If you're fundraising for school supplies, consider selling Smencils at an open house. You can discuss classroom supplies while someone holds one.
Brochure fundraisers require payment up front. With in-hand items, you must carry an inventory of unpaid merchandise. These can be essential factors to consider for both you and your students.
Most fundraisers yield a profit of at least 40%. So, you can see winning results no matter which option you choose. If you've planned your fundraiser well, you can leverage excitement around your cause.
Once you've honed in on the correct school fundraiser type, it's time to set goals! Goals help kids get more excited about what they're working on. They also help teachers and parents keep them accountable. Keep the school informed on the progress and emphasize the prizes.
Partner with Us for Successful School Fundraising
Choose Big Fundraising Ideas for your next school fundraiser and experience the difference a well-planned, creative fundraising campaign can make. Together, we can help your school reach its fundraising goals and support the valuable programs that make your school community thrive.
Fall Fundraiser Ideas
Big Fundraising Ideas offers a variety of fall fundraising ideas, including brochures like Heartland Goodies & Gifts, 'Tis the Season, and Magical Holidays. These brochures cover products such as baked cookies, novelty gifts, wrapping paper, jewelry, kitchenware, and more. The 'Tis the Season brochure offers over 500 products, including holiday and novelty gifts.
We design our fundraisers to be easy to organize, with no upfront costs, and with orders packed according to the seller. Schools can raise significant funds by selling these attractive and varied products.
Spring Fundraising Ideas
For spring, Big Fundraising Ideas offers an extensive range of products through its online store, featuring over 500 items, including a great selection of products priced at $12 or less, making them accessible and appealing to a broad audience.
The spring fundraisers focus on offering a diverse product range, ensuring there's something for everyone. One unique aspect of Big Fundraising Ideas' Spring offerings is that the seller packs orders. This customization adds a personal touch to each order and simplifies the distribution process for the organizers.
Big Fundraising Ideas offers exclusive prize programs to incentivize participation and boost sales. These programs motivate sellers, especially students, and can significantly enhance the fundraising results.
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
The Cookie Dough Fundraiser by Big Fundraising Ideas features popular brands like Otis Spunkmeyer. It's known for its easy-to-sell, delicious flavors, with no trans fat or artificial oils, and all products are Kosher certified. This fundraiser is popular not just for its delicious product but also for its straightforward organization.
There are no upfront costs, and the orders are conveniently packaged according to the seller, simplifying the distribution process. With a focus on quality and taste, this fundraiser is a favorite among schools and organizations.
One of the main attractions of this fundraiser is its generous profit margin. Big Fundraising Ideas offers a 40% profit on cookie dough sales. For instance, selling a box of 36 Otis Spunkmeyer cookies at $22 can earn your school up to $880 for 100 units sold.
Candy Fundraisers
Big Fundraising Ideas offers a variety of delicious candies suitable for school fundraising. Options include candy-coated pretzel rods, chocolate-covered fortune cookies, neon gummy worms, creamy-filled licorice cables, and chocolate-covered almonds.
These candy products are competitively priced at $1-3 and are easy to sell, making them a perfect choice for every school fundraiser. With profit margins ranging from 40% to 58% and a low selling price, these candies are both profitable and appealing to a broad audience.
Specialty Fundraiser
The Specialty Fundraiser category at Big Fundraising Ideas features unique, diverse products that cater to a wide range of interests. From the Snacking Sensations brochure, which offers tasty cookie dough bite flavors, to the Cheese & Sausage brochure, which includes various meat and cheese products, there's something for everyone.
These specialty items provide an excellent opportunity to offer something different and appealing for your fundraising campaign.
Tumbler Fundraiser
The Tumbler Fundraiser features a range of high-quality drinkware options. Brochures like Cork Bottom Tumbler and Polar Bottle allow customization with your school mascot and group name. With over 200 stainless tumbler designs available, including MLB, NCAA, and NHL themes, this fundraiser is perfect for showcasing school spirit while raising funds.
Frozen Food Fundraiser
The Frozen Food Fundraiser by Big Fundraising Ideas offers a range of gourmet frozen foods, making it an excellent choice for busy families and individuals. This fundraiser provides a convenient and delicious way to support schools and organizations. The selection includes a variety of easy-to-prepare meals and treats, perfect for any time of the year.
Designed to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, our frozen food ensures broad appeal and effectiveness in fundraising efforts. This fundraiser is ideal for a practical yet profitable fundraising solution.
Online Fundraiser
The Big Fundraising Ideas Online Fundraiser is a modern, digital approach to fundraising. It includes various products not found in traditional brochures, and participants can register online to promote the fundraiser. A product's appeal is promoted through social media, text, and email. This method expands the fundraiser's reach and adds convenience for sellers and buyers.
Food Fundraiser
The Food Fundraiser category includes a comprehensive selection of non-frozen food items in the Tasteful Temptations brochure. This selection is among the most extensive in fundraising, encompassing a variety of food items that cater to different tastes and preferences. This fundraiser is perfect for groups that offer their supporters a variety of food choices.
Personalized Fundraising
Big Fundraising Ideas offers personalized fundraising items, such as custom tumblers and discount cards, allowing schools to promote their organization uniquely. Products can be customized with the group's name, colors, and mascot, offering up to 90% profit. There are no upfront costs, and we provide free shipping. This type of fundraising is ideal for boosting school spirit and pride.
Seasonal Fundraisers
Seasonal fundraisers at Big Fundraising Ideas cover a wide range of products perfect for different times of the year. From fall and holiday merchandise like gift wraps and novelty items to spring and summer essentials, these fundraisers offer a wide range of high-quality products, helping schools maximize their sales and profits.
Beef Jerky Fundraisers
Beef jerky fundraisers are a unique and healthier alternative to traditional snack fundraisers. They offer protein-rich snacks convenient for on-the-go students and meet federal nutrition guidelines. These individually packaged snacks are easy to sell and popular for their healthier content.
Candy Bar Fundraiser
The Candy Bar Fundraiser by Big Fundraising Ideas is a classic and popular choice for schools and organizations. It involves selling well-known and beloved candy bar brands, making it an easy sell to a diverse audience. This fundraiser is particularly appealing for its simplicity and effectiveness.
It offers a straightforward way to raise funds while providing a product that is almost universally enjoyed. The appeal of candy bars, combined with their affordable price point, makes this fundraiser a reliable way to achieve fundraising goals.
Lollipop Fundraiser
Lollipop fundraisers are a fun and colorful way to raise funds. They offer a variety of flavors and are perfect for schools and youth groups. This fundraiser is simple to organize and is especially popular among younger students.
Popcorn Fundraiser
Popcorn fundraisers include a range of flavors, from classic buttered to gourmet varieties. This fundraiser is perfect for school events and appeals to a broad audience. It's a great way to offer a tasty and beloved snack while raising funds.
Poppin Popcorn, featured in Big Fundraising Ideas' Popcorn Fundraiser category, offers a gourmet popcorn experience. Their selection includes popular flavors like Buttery Caramel, Cheesy Cheddar, Chicago Style, and Kettle Corn.
Known for its delicious taste and high-quality ingredients, Poppin Popcorn is an appealing choice for fundraisers catering to diverse tastes. The variety and beloved nature of these popcorn flavors make them popular for fundraising, combining enjoyment with practical fundraising efforts.
Smencils Fundraiser
Smencils fundraisers sell scented pencils made from recycled materials, combining sustainability with fun. This unique fundraising idea is trendy in elementary schools and is a great, eco-friendly option.
Discount Card Fundraiser
The discount card fundraiser involves selling custom cards featuring discounts from local businesses. It's a win-win for both the school and the community, offering savings to buyers and profits for the school.
Scratch Card Fundraiser
Scratch card fundraisers are a fun and interactive way to raise funds. Supporters scratch off dots to reveal their donation amounts, making it an engaging way to collect donations while offering a simple, efficient fundraising solution.