Fire up Your Fundraising with Candles

Judging by the aisle at the grocery store that offers items to make your home smell better, air fresheners are in great demand. No one likes their home to smell like stale cooking, dirty diapers, or cat litter. Why not cash in one some of that desire for a fresh smelling home by offering a candle fundraiser in your community?

The key to a successful fundraiser is to offer something, whether it's a product or service, that is in demand. Many people like to have scented candles in their homes to keep unpleasant smells at bay, or just to enjoy a fresh or delectable scent. There are also scents that are considered aromatherapy, that offer relaxation or stress relief, or that can energize the senses. These are all factors to consider and touch upon when executing candle fundraisers.

 

Another way to succeed with candle fundraisers is to offer candles for sale before big holidays. Candles that offer the smells of fall, such as apples, cinnamon, and pumpkin, are popular before Thanksgiving. As it gets closer to Christmas, evergreen scented candles are a great way to bring the holiday spirit into the home, even before the actual tree is put up. And think about those people who put up artificial tress. Candles that smell like a real, fresh tree can add to their holiday and make it more enjoyable.

Offering candles for sale before holidays also allows people to buy them as gifts for family and friends. Candles can make great gifts, especially around the December holidays. There are many types available, such as soy candles, or those made from beeswax. And you can find just about any kind of scent, from fruits, to flowers and plants, to scents that mimic baked pies or clean linen. With so much variety, it is very easy for people to find something that will appeal to everyone on their gift list.

Putting together a candle fundraiser doesn't have to be difficult, either. There are several fundraising companies that make the process easy, and will offer help and support, in addition to the products. These companies will usually allow you to either buy the candles up front and sell them, or they will provide your group with brochures and scent cards (so your customers can get an idea of what the candles will smell like). You will collect orders and turn them in to the company, who will then ship the candles directly to your customers. Most companies will work with your group to find the option that works best for your community, and your group's budget.

You don't necessarily have to go door to door to sell candles, either. If your group opts to buy candles up front, you could sell them at a fair or craft show. It usually doesn't cost much to reserve a table at events like this, and you can offset the cost by working it into the price of the candles. You can also offer accessories like candle holders, and even put them together to be sold as sets.

About the Author:Connie Foreman is a freelance writer who makes regular contributions to various websites including Fundraiser Insight which offers information about raising money for groups like school fundraisers and church fundraising and much more at fundraiserinsight.org.