When you're trying to raise money for a cause you care about, picking the right thing to sell can make a huge difference. Some products are just easier to sell, they grab people’s attention, they make sense for the moment, and they bring in more money with less stress.
Think about it: the best product fundraisers don’t just bring in cash. They also make people feel good about supporting your mission. Whether you’re raising funds for a school trip, a local shelter, or a bigger community project, the product you choose should work with your supporters, not against them.
When you're picking a product to sell, it’s not just about what’s fun or easy to get. It’s about finding something people actually want to buy, and that helps your team hit your fundraising goal. After working with dozens of nonprofits and schools, here’s what I’ve learned about what makes a product fundraiser really work.
Profit margins that power your cause
You want to make sure you're getting a good return. Some products may be fun to sell but barely cover costs. Others, like discount cards or digital items, can offer way higher profits per sale. Always check how much of each sale goes to your cause, it adds up fast.
Why a “win-win” matters to your donors
People are more likely to support your campaign if it feels like a win for them, too. Maybe it’s a sweet treat they enjoy, a handy item they’ll actually use, or a deal that saves them money. If you can find a product that helps your donors feel good about buying, you’re halfway there.
Aligning fundraising products with your community
Think about who you're selling to. Is it a group of parents at a school? Folks in a church community? Your product should fit their interests. We’ve seen cookie dough crush it with youth sports teams, while custom t-shirts work great for clubs and causes with loyal supporters.
Top product categories for any fundraising campaign
If you're not sure where to start, these product categories have consistently worked well for different types of fundraisers. We’ve seen them succeed across schools, nonprofits, church groups, you name it. Picking from one of these gives you a solid head start.
Food and snacks from local businesses or grocery stores
Everyone loves a good snack, especially when it supports a cause. Cookie dough, gourmet popcorn, chocolate bars, and pizza kits are always crowd-pleasers. You can often partner with local grocery stores or food vendors to get better prices and even cross-promotion. These items sell fast because people already want them, you’re just giving them a feel-good reason to buy.
Custom t-shirts and branded merchandise
Selling custom t-shirts or hoodies can double as both fundraising and marketing. Every time someone wears your gear, it spreads your message. You can also add items like tote bags, water bottles, and phone grips. These are especially great for school fundraisers and awareness campaigns where your supporters want to show off their connection to the cause.
Discount cards and coupon books
People love saving money. Discount cards or coupon books are easy to sell because they offer real value. You can work with local businesses to create a custom set of offers, which makes it feel even more personal and useful. Plus, they’re small, lightweight, and have great profit margins.
Home and seasonal items like wrapping paper
Things like candles, wrapping paper, or holiday ornaments are solid bets during the right season. People already buy these, you're just giving them a better reason. These work especially well in fall and winter when folks are already thinking about gifts and decorating.
Creative and eco-friendly products
If your audience cares about sustainability or unique finds, try recycled goods, handmade crafts, or plant kits. These kinds of products make your campaign feel fresh and mission-driven. They’re great conversation starters and work best for communities that value creativity and purpose.
How to boost product sales through social media and events
Getting people excited about your fundraiser isn’t just about what you’re selling, it’s about how you’re getting the word out. The good news? Social media and small events can go a long way, even if your team’s not full of marketing pros. Here’s how we’ve seen teams make the most of these tools.
Using social media to showcase your fundraising products
Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok are perfect for showing off what you’re selling. Post clear, friendly photos of your product, and don’t be afraid to keep it casual. A quick video of kids trying the cookie dough or supporters modeling their new t-shirts makes your campaign feel real and relatable. You can even go live to answer questions or just chat about your cause, it’s all about building a connection.
Hosting a hybrid or online fundraiser
If you're used to bake sales and school events, that’s great, keep those going. But adding an online fundraiser lets you reach even more people. You can take orders, collect donations, and track progress without needing to print a thing. Tools like Harness make it easy to combine digital and in-person efforts so your team can work smarter, not harder. Think of it like having a second, invisible team helping out behind the scenes.
How to choose the right product for your type of fundraising
Every fundraising campaign is different. The “best” thing to sell really depends on who you're raising money for, when you're doing it, and how your team works. I’ve seen groups get stuck trying to copy what someone else did, only to realize it didn’t fit their audience. So here’s how to match your product to your situation.
Think about your audience
Are you selling to parents at a school? Neighbors in your community? Church members? Pick something they’d actually want to buy. For example, t-shirts do great at school events, while discount cards work better in a wider neighborhood setting.
Time it right
Holiday items like wrapping paper or candles work best in the fall. Cold drinks or plant kits? Great for spring or summer. The time of year can help you pick something people are already looking for, and that makes selling way easier.
Know your sales force
Who’s doing the selling? If you have a team of kids or volunteers, go for items that are simple to explain and easy to carry around. If your fundraiser is mostly online, digital products or shipped merchandise might be the way to go.
Start with what excites your team
This sounds simple, but if your team’s excited about the product, they’ll sell it better. People can feel that energy. So pick something that gets your group talking, smiling, and ready to share it.
Pricing, profit margin, and logistics made simple
This is the part a lot of folks forget about, but it’s where you can really make or lose money. You might pick a great product, but if the numbers don’t work or the delivery is a mess, the whole thing can get frustrating fast. Here’s what we always tell teams to look at before they start.
Cost vs. revenue
Always ask: “How much are we spending, and how much do we get to keep?” Some products might seem cheap up front but have low profit margins. Others, like discount cards or digital items, might cost more to set up but give you a much bigger cut from each sale.
Shipping and storage
Are you going to store 200 boxes of popcorn in someone’s garage? Will people need to pick up their items somewhere? Think about how the product gets from your team to your buyers. If it’s too complicated, people might drop out or miss their orders. That’s where online or direct-ship options can save a ton of hassle.
Example: t-shirts vs. cookie dough vs. discount cards
Let’s say you’re selling custom t-shirts, you pay about $8 per shirt and sell them for $20. That’s a solid profit, and people love wearing them. Cookie dough usually costs more to buy and ship, but it sells quickly. Discount cards might take more time to set up with local businesses, but they can bring in high profits without physical inventory. The key is balancing what you can handle with what your community wants to buy.
Bonus fundraising ideas for schools and youth groups
Schools and youth groups have special energy, and a few fun product ideas that work really well with that vibe. These aren’t just things to sell, they’re items that get kids excited and families involved. We’ve seen them work again and again in school gyms, front lawns, and even virtual classrooms.
School-specific items
Branded lanyards, notebooks, and stuffed animals are easy wins. They’re lightweight, useful, and help build school spirit. Parents love buying something their kids will actually use, and students feel proud showing off their school’s name or mascot.
Creative campaign ideas
Think beyond just selling stuff. Photo booths, face masks with fun designs, and digital art sales are great for involving students directly. Kids can help create the products or help with selling, which makes the fundraiser more personal, and often more successful.
Run it alongside an event
If your school is hosting a play, a science night, or even a sports game, that’s a perfect time to sell. Set up a small table or link to your online shop in the event email. People are already there to support your cause, so it’s the best time to offer them something extra.
Let’s get to work
The right product can turn a stressful fundraiser into something smooth, fun, and successful. It’s not about picking the flashiest item, it’s about choosing what fits your team, your timeline, and your community. When that happens, fundraising stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like something your whole group can be proud of.
And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Harness, we help teams like yours turn good ideas into great results. From tools that handle the busywork to strategies that drive more giving, we’re here to support every step.