Raising Funds Through a Bake Sale

  • ROUND UP THE TROOPS: The first thing you need to do to organize a successful bake sale is to recruit volunteers. If you do not have enough individuals on hand, you can contact local churches or organizations and inquire as to whether they would be willing to contribute any goods or services.
  • ASSIGNMENTS AND SIGN UPS: Once you have some volunteers ready to work, begin delegating. Some of the duties that you can assign are baking goods, site preparation, money handling, site cleanup, making flyers, and legal matters. Once you have delegated duties to your volunteers, create a sign up for all your baking and making people. This will ensure variety and creativity for your bake sale.
  • LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION: Choosing a good location is key to your bake sale success. Depending on your cause and the time of year will greatly influence where you will see the most profit. Popular places to hold a bake sale include grocery store fronts, outside a voting location, school functions, garage sales, rummage sales, parades or local gatherings, and church functions.
  • GOODS PREPARATION: As your bake sale day approaches double check with your volunteers on what is expected when they present their goods for sale. Make sure everyone is on the same page regarding what you want for packaging, labels, costs, presentation etc. This will require planning on your part as to how you want to present your bake sale to the public.
  • SITE PREPARATION: Once you choose your location and the day is upon you, you will need to prepare the site. Set up your tables and signage. Make your flyers and signs bright and clear. Try to prepare them in advance so that your bake sale looks professional and planned. If you are pricing all of your products as groups, make sure your pricing guides are easy to see and are accessible for multiple people standing at your tables. Also make sure to bring any utensils you may need for cutting or serving as well as napkins, plates, or bowls, depending on the goods you are selling.
  • SUCCESS: Successful bake sales mean money for your fundraising cause. In order for success to reach your cause you need to make sure you are keeping track of the dollars and cents exchanging hands. Keep your eyes open and make sure your volunteers do the same. Keep accurate records and make sure your visitors are aware of what cause they are supporting. Not only will your bake sale bring money in immediately, they will make people aware of what you are working towards - and that by itself is success!

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