The Ultimate Guide to the Cookie Dough Fundraiser

The cookie dough fundraiser is one of the most popular fundraising ideas for schools, churches, and various nonprofits.

But are cookie fundraisers the best way for your organization to raise money? Learn more about the effectiveness of cookie dough fundraisers, plus a popular alternative. In this guide, you'll find:

• How cookie dough fundraisers work
• Types of cookie dough fundraisers
• Profit margins for cookie dough fundraisers
• Tips for a successful cookie dough fundraiser
• Is a cookie dough fundraiser right for my group?

How cookie dough fundraisers work

Cookie dough fundraisers are a classic sales-based fundraising strategy: sell goods and receive a portion of the revenue. 

1. Take orders

Organizations take cookie dough or cookie orders from fundraiser participants and collect money upfront. Depending on the provider or supplier, they’ll have a specific product catalog from which customers can order.

2. Purchase and distribute inventory

Once all the orders are in, the organization will purchase and distribute the cookie dough or cookies themselves, either through pick-up or delivery.

3. Count your dough

The organization keeps a percentage of the sales (typically 30 to 50% if you're working with a cookie fundraising company). Or, simply tally the profits after you've accounted for product costs and operational expenses.

Types of cookie dough fundraisers

Aside from ready-to-eat boxes of cookies, you can sell many types of cookie-related products for a cookie fundraiser. Some popular ideas include:

Frozen cookie dough tubs or buckets

This might be what you first imagine when someone mentions cookie dough fundraising. Frozen cookie dough fundraisers are beloved by many, and this product is easy to store for whenever you want to whip up a batch of cookies.

Frozen pre-portioned cookies

You might find it easier to fundraise with frozen pre-cut cookies. This option requires minimal preparation and is even more convenient because customers will know exactly how many cookies they can make.

Cookie mix

Cookie mix fundraisers are ideal for groups that can't accommodate frozen goods. However, your buyers must purchase other ingredients, such as eggs or milk. 

Cookie dough coupons

This option eliminates a lot of the hassle that comes with selling physical products. Instead, customers can purchase coupons to be redeemed online, and the cookie dough provider will ship their order directly to them.

Profit margins for cookie dough fundraisers

How much can you profit from selling cookie dough or pre-made cookies? The success of your cookie fundraiser will rely heavily on volunteer power and marketing momentum. The more people you have selling, the better.

Costs and profits will also vary depending on which provider you decide to use, but the general numbers you need to keep in mind are:

• Cookie dough cost per tub/box
• Profit margin per tub/box
• Shipping costs, from the provider and/or to the customer

Tips for a successful cookie dough fundraiser

Keep these quick tips in mind to boost your cookie or cookie dough fundraiser sales.

Crunch the numbers first

What is your fundraising goal? Is it feasible to work with a cookie fundraising company (which will likely take a cut of your earnings)? Or would it be more ideal to acquire your own products or even run a bake sale instead?

Offer popular flavors

Appeal to a broad audience by including fan-favorite varieties and seasonal offerings.

Emphasize your cause

In your sales pitches, mention what you're specifically fundraising for, such as new uniforms, gym renovations, or a field trip.

Is a cookie dough fundraiser right for my group?

With a solid understanding of how cookie fundraisers work, it’s essential to consider the advantages (and disadvantages) of organizing one.

Pros

• Cookies are well-loved: Many people enjoy cookies. Pre-made cookie dough is great for those with a sweet tooth who aren’t necessarily the best bakers.
  
  
• Precedence: There are many examples of successful cookie dough fundraisers and many cookie dough companies well-equipped to handle your orders. 

Cons

• Storage: Cookie dough must be kept in a freezer to maintain freshness. If you’re a large organization with access to freezers, this may not be an issue, but smaller groups might not have the proper storage space. 
  
  
• Competitors: Because cookie dough fundraisers are so popular, other groups may be doing their own, which would decrease your sales.
  
  
• Requires extra time and effort: Executing a cookie dough fundraiser isn't an easy task. For instance, you’ll need multiple volunteers to sell and distribute. Smaller organizations might not have the numbers to make a substantial profit. Remember, you’re only earning a small portion from sales. 
  
  
• Health concerns: While cookies are widely loved, they aren’t the healthiest snack. Like candy fundraisers, cookie fundraisers could deter those who regulate their sugar intake or are dieting.

Cookie fundraisers are generally still effective. After all, this fundraising method has been around for years! However, you might consider alternative fundraisers, such as RaiseRight, that can supplement (or even replace) your cookie dough sales.

An alternative to the cookie dough fundraiser

How does RaiseRight work, and why is it a better alternative to cookie dough fundraisers?

There's no pressure to sell products; simply buy gift cards, shop online, dine at local restaurants, or book travel and earn a percentage back with every purchase! It's that simple. 

With hundreds of brands to choose from, there's something for everyone on the RaiseRight platform. And if you still want to center your fundraising around cookies or cookie dough, you can do that with RaiseRight. Discover gift cards and online earnings for brands like:

• Crumbl (earn 7% with eGift or physical gift cards)
  
• Cookies by Design (earn 5% when you shop online through RaiseRight) 
• David's Cookies (earn 3% when you shop online through RaiseRight) 
• Cheryl's Cookies (earn 12% with eGift or physical gift cards, and an extra 3% when you shop online through RaiseRight) 
• Mrs. Fields (earn 10% when you shop online through RaiseRight)
• Harry & David (earn 12% with eGift or physical gift cards, and an extra 1% when you shop online through RaiseRight) 

With RaiseRight, you can earn on almost everything you buy. Our top families bring in $1,000+ yearly, just by using RaiseRight as they shop or dine! 

If you're curious about how much your household can earn in one year, try our free earning potential calculator today: