How to host a Bake Sale Fundraiser

Bake Sale Fundraiser

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time:  3-4 weeks

Duration: 1 day or 1 event

Serves: Small groups to entire schools

Startup cost: Minimal

Profit potential: Varies

What you need:

Advertising materials - flyer, signs, emails, sign-up sheet , etc.

Several volunteers to donate baked goods (or school provides goods)

Tables

Money box (tax-deductible receipts if necessary)

Location: Auditorium, lunch room, event or other location

Thank you notes

How to do it:

Note:  There are a number of ways to host a bake sale.  The following method describes a basic school hosted sale in a district that allows this type of fundraiser. You should follow all local, regional and state regulations regarding food types offered and food preparation laws.

1.Get a commitment from parents, volunteers, teachers and administrators to bake different items and deliver them to the location on time.

2. Advertise the sale using email, flyers and newsletters and signs.

3. On the day of the sale, decorate several different tables with different themes, cupcakes, pies, tarts, cookies, candy etc. Assign 1-3 volunteers per table. Ask people who are dropping off baked goods for the sale to arrive 1 hour to 30 minutes early. Arrange the goods on the correct tables and mark them clearly.  Do not overcharge as customers know product was donated and may even have donated themselves. Make sure to thank everyone who donated items!

Notes:

Combining a bake sale with another event can create a buying frenzy.  Consider hosting a bake sale at a school sponsored movie night, a big game, school carnival or another school event.  Any opportunity you have to offer food to a captive audience is an chance at a successful bake sale!

Bake sales can be adapted in numerous ways including some of the following:  Have a day where students can purchase items before they leave school as a treat for parents.  Have the school provide a baked product that everyone can purchase on one day for lunch such as a cookie day.  Offer parents the opportunity to purchase donuts in the morning and share them with their children when arriving at school.  These are just a few of the many ideas that can be adapted to better suit your school.

PROS: One of the easiest fundraisers to host.  Parents enjoy preparing and providing baked goods. Schools can utilize their kitchens as well.  This fundraiser requires little to no monetary investment and time required to plan and host is limited.

CONS: Many schools, districts and states have regulations against providing junk foods to children and cooking in home kitchens may be a violation of health and safety laws regarding safe food preparation.