Make Money, Leave A Legacy – Have A Cookbook Fundraiser!

A cookbook fundraiser can be an interesting, profitable way to raise money for your group; and the added benefit is that you get to create a product that promotes pride and cooperation, while leaving a lasting legacy!

Why A Cookbook Fundraiser

Cookbook fundraisers are beneficial in many ways:

• Cookbook fundraisers become a "community" group project that brings everyone together
• Cookbook fundraisers bring many influences together, and can help promote cultural diversity
• Cookbooks require no special storage conditions (as food products do) and do not expire, so stock can be kept and sold at many events
• Additional cookbooks can be printed as supplies dwindle
• Cookbooks serve as a historical record of your group, its membership, and its diversity and community
• Cookbook fundraisers net significant profits (with per-book profits starting around $5.00)
• Group members and volunteers can participate without having to spend money (making this a fundraiser for all income levels!)

So what's the downside? There is quite a bit of organizational work to be done, but overall it is comparable to that of many fundraisers. Also, a cookbook fundraiser requires an up-front expenditure for either printing supplies or wholesale purchase from a cookbook fundraiser company or printer, and that cost can be difficult for cash-poor groups to manage. The other disadvantage is that there is no guarantee the cookbook will sell at the desired quantity, so there is the potential for loss or low profits.

Options In Cookbook Fundraisers

There are basically three ways to have a cookbook fundraiser:

1) Collect and organize recipes and hire a printer to make the books.

Requirements for hiring a printer will depend on the printer your group chooses.

2) Use an online cookbook fundraiser company.

Online cookbook fundraiser companies offer support, online resources, programs and downloads. Basically, your group collects the recipes, turns them over to the company, and they do the rest. Some provide software that you use to enter recipes and then the company will organize and print the cookbook. Additionally, some companies offer both services (you do the typing and entry or they will), but also offer a discount if your group does the entry work.

Some online cookbook fundraiser companies also offer support by managing email reminders to the participants on your email list.

The downside to the online cookbook fundraiser is that there is usually a minimum order.

3) Use cookbook fundraiser software (offline).

Providers of cookbook fundraiser software offer a program similar to that used by the online companies with entry fields that automatically format recipes; but you do not have to be online to use it (similarly, some online programs can be downloaded for use offline and then the data can be uploaded later). After the information is entered and proofed, your group handles the printing and binding.

The downside to a software cookbook fundraiser is that your group is responsible for all the work, and the cost of printing, ink, papers, and binders may be higher than ordering through a dedicated cookbook fundraiser company. The upside, though, is that there is never a minimum order because you control the process.

A cookbook fundraiser is a fun community project that, with good organization and a strong sales-effort, can turn in some very good profits while providing a keepsake for group supporters. It's a great way to create a lasting impression of your fundraising organization.

This article was created by our FundraisingIP.com Editorial Team. For further help with your fundraiser read more fundraising articles, or view our list of fundraising companies.

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