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 community, 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

• 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 generally requires an up-front expenditure for either printing supplies or wholesale purchase from a cookbook fundraising company, or local 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 – unless you use an on-demand printing service (see below).

Options In Cookbook Fundraisers

There are basically four 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. Try HeritageCookbook.com, which has been offering their service for several years, or TasteBook, which gives you the choice of adding your own recipes or choosing from a selection of recipes from popular magazines to add to your cookbooks.

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

3) Use cookbook fundraiser software and you print the book yourself.

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.

4) Use an on-demand book printing service.

If your group has access to someone with graphic design experience and software programs, you might want to try an online publishing service like LuLu.com), that prints books on demand. Once you upload your book files to the site you can then link to your book from your group’s website and your supporters can order directly from LuLu.com, or you can order any amount of books to sell at any of your fundraising events.

There is no downside here if you have someone who can format the pages and upload them to the site. You can buy as many books as you like whenever you like, and you can also easily sell single copies through your website.

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.

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