How to Use CafePress as a Fundraising Tool

Create Unique Products to Sell with No Upfront Costs to Your Organization

You're a volunteer asked to think of ideas for fundraising. You think of several that are successful for others. Yard sales, candy sales, car washes, auctions, etc. But yard sales require a lot of time gathering donations and their success relies on the location and weather. Candy sales are very successful at many schools and other organizations. There are risks when you're sending volunteers door-to-door with candy however. If you don't have access to a high traffic area (school, store, office, etc.) where you can resell this candy, it is going to be difficult to have a successful sale. You'll also want to consider upfront costs. Many candy companies require a $250 minimum purchase. This doesn't sound like a lot to many people, but think about small organizations. If you're in an animal rescue, you know that $250 could have easily been spent at the vet instead or could have bought a substantial amount of pet food. Car washes require a lot of volunteers and a good location. Auctions require collecting donations and bringing in a large audience. While many of these ideas can be successful for large groups, it is hard for the small organization to find fundraising activities that won't set them back rather than bring them ahead.

One idea that often comes up in fundraising meetings, is having t-shirts printed. The initial costs often become overwhelming however, or perhaps only one design can be choosen if the group is able to put up money upfront. What if you could have t-shirts in many styles available with no upfront costs? In addition to shirts, CafePress also offers mugs, mousepads, stickers, posters, and calendars. There is no upfront cost to the organization (or individual, should you choose to do this on your own just for fun and some extra cash).