If your school is like thousands of others across the U.S., a fundraising product sale is either already underway or scheduled to begin soon.  Schools and youth groups raise nearly $1.7 billion each year by selling popular consumer items (e.g., food products, gifts, candles, gift wrap, magazine subscriptions, novelties, ornaments, etc), according to statistics from the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers (AFRDS).  While there are a number of fundraising options available (such as bake sales, car washes, auctions, straight donations), product sales far outrank* most other fundraising activities as the most effective and efficient means to raise money. 

Here are some interesting facts about product fundraising:

• 8 out of 10 Americans – and 9 out of 10 parents – supported at least one school product fundraiser during the 2005-2006 school year
• 7 out of 10 parents actively sold products to support the school fundraiser during that same time period
• 8 out of 10 Americans were satisfied with the items they purchased
• Schools and school-related groups like parent-teacher organizations comprise about 83% of fundraising sales
• 50% of school fundraising sales are made by elementary school parents, students and volunteers
• Popular items sold include ornaments, novelties, cookie dough, gift wrap, candy and magazines

For more statistics on product fundraising, visit the AFRDS online News Room.  For a step-by-step guide to selecting and running an effective and efficient product fundraising program, download the AFRDS Fundraising Handbook.

*According to recent research conducted by AFRDS; look for details soon.