Interested in cookie dough fundraising, but not sure where to begin?  We’ll show you where to start, how to finish, and everything in between.

Step 1 – Choose Your Cookie Dough

There are a variety of fundraising cookie dough options out there, including:

•    • Dry mixes
     • Frozen tubs (scoop-n-bake)
     • Frozen pre-portioned (place-n-bake) 

The benefit to dry mix is that it doesn’t require refrigeration.  However, we find many customers prefer the frozen variety because it’s so easy and mess-free to make.

Also look at profit percentage and minimum orders to be sure you’re getting the best deal.  Look for fundraisers that offer 30% profit and above.  Most fundraising companies have minimum orders for cookie dough.  Be sure it’s something your group can reasonably achieve.

Step 2 – Order Brochures

Once you’ve chosen your cookie dough, it’s time to order brochures.  Some companies send them at no cost, other charge a small fee that is refunded at the end of your fundraiser.

Order enough brochures for each group member, plus a few extra just in case.

In addition to showcasing your cookie dough, brochures also have order forms.  It’s a good idea to make photocopies of the form.  If someone fills theirs up, you can give them a photocopied form for additional orders.

Step 3 – Distribute Brochures

Make this a fun and exciting event.  Don’t just hand them out, have a fundraiser kick-off event to inform group members, but also to motivate them and get them excited about the fundraiser.

At your kick-off, educate group members on how to use the order forms and brochures.  If you aren’t sure about this, call your fundraising company.  They’ll walk you through it step by step.

Also use this opportunity to remind group members about safety precautions, especially if working with children.

Step 4 – Raise Some Funds!

Cookie dough is a pre-sale fundraiser, which means you take orders and collect money in advance.  Cookie dough is then ordered from the fundraising company, and distributed to supporters at a later date.

Traditionally, group members approach friends and family asking them to support your group by purchasing cookie dough.  Parents can also take order forms to work and sell to coworkers.

You can also sell at events or regular meetings.  For example, you can offer cookie dough to parishioners after your regular church service, then distribute dough to supporters at a later service.  Just be sure you are selling only to people you will actually be able contact when their order arrives.

Check out these cookie dough fundraising ideas >>

A two week selling period is recommended.  It’s short enough for group members to stay motivated, and long enough to cover two weekends of prime selling time.

Step 5 – Collect Order Forms and Cash

At the end of your selling period, have group members bring in their completed order forms and cash.  Keep each order form with the money collected from that group member.  Carefully count each amount collected and compare it to its order form.  Be sure everything matches up.

Step 6 – Order Your Cookie Dough

Once you’ve collected order forms and counted money, it’s time to place your bulk cookie dough order.

Some companies ask you to tally up all your cookie dough varieties beforehand.  Others will do this for you, and all you have to do is mail or fax in your order forms.  Ask your company if they offer this service.

You pay for the dough using the money your group has collected.  Fundraising companies sell you the dough for less than what you sell it at, so all the money you have left over is your fundraising profit.

Ask the company if they will send back copies of the order forms for distribution.  If not, be sure to make copies and keep them.

Step 7 – Distribute the Dough

Depending on the time of year and your location, cookie dough can take anywhere from 2 – 3 weeks (10 – 15 business days) for delivery.

Once you receive your dough, distribute orders to group members.  Group members then deliver cookie dough to the people who purchased from them.

Step 8 – Relax & Reward!

Congratulations!  You’ve just completed a successful cookie dough fundraiser!  Now it’s time to relax and reward yourself and your group members for a job well done. 

Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped with your fundraiser.  It’s also a good idea to have a post-fundraiser review.  Discuss what worked, what didn’t and what you learned.  Write these things down and keep them on file for your next cookie dough fundraiser.  That way, your fundraisers will just get better and better!

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Just ask!  Send us your questions or comments and we will answer you personally as soon as possible.

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Ready to Start Your Cookie Dough Fundraiser?

Check out this cookie dough fundraising company >>