Fundraising is the backbone of many school programs, community organizations, and more. When resources fall short, creative and practical fundraising methods can make all the difference. While bed sheet fundraising has become popular for being practical and profitable, it’s not always the perfect fit.
Some communities may need a fresh approach, a different product, or something that simply stands out.
If you’re looking to explore new opportunities, this guide will walk you through 5 excellent alternatives. Each option is built to generate strong returns, foster supporter involvement, and make fundraising less stressful. Read on!
1. Coffee and Tea Fundraising
Selling coffee and tea is one of the most reliable ways to raise funds for any organization. Unlike novelty items, these are products that people use daily. Whether it’s a busy parent starting their day with a fresh cup or a teacher having tea in the morning, there’s a huge demand.
What makes coffee and tea fundraising stand out is the repeat-purchase potential. These beverages run out quickly, meaning supporters are likely to return for more in the future.
Coffee and tea also come with minimal storage requirements. The products are shelf-stable, light to carry, and easy to ship. That makes distribution simple for volunteers, even in large quantities.
2. Custom Apparel Fundraisers
T-shirts, hoodies, and caps printed with school colors or team logos sell fast. Custom apparel fundraising is more than just a way to raise money; it’s a way to build identity and unity among your supporters.
This type of fundraiser performs best when tied to events like tournaments, school spirit weeks, reunions, or special causes. The more the design connects with a shared purpose, the more likely people will want to wear it.
3. Restaurant Profit-Sharing Nights
One of the best alternatives of bed sheet fundraising is by partnering with a local restaurant for a profit-sharing event. Ro do so, your organization chooses a date, spreads the word, and the restaurant donates a percentage of sales made during that time to your cause.
This method works especially well with busy families who are looking for an excuse to skip cooking dinner. Everyone gets a meal, and your organization gets money at the end of the night.
4. Online Crowdfunding Campaigns
Digital fundraising has become popular in recent years. Crowdfunding campaigns through online platforms make it possible to reach people outside your immediate circle.
What makes crowdfunding powerful is the ability to tell a story. Instead of selling products, you’re inviting people to give because they believe in what you’re doing. This works well for organizations with clear goals, like funding a school trip, purchasing uniforms, or helping a team attend a competition.
5. Healthy Snack Box Fundraisers
People today have become more health-aware. That shift in consumer behavior opens a new opportunity for fundraising: healthy snack boxes. These boxes typically include a mix of healthy snacks that appeal to a wide audience.
This is an ideal choice for schools or youth programs that want to avoid selling candy or baked goods. Healthy snack box fundraisers can be run online or in-person. Many vendors now provide pre-packaged boxes that are easy to distribute.