Host a bake sale.

Bake sales are a highly effective way to bring your community together and give back to a great cause. Here are several tips to hosting a successful bake sale for your nonprofit fundraiser.

 

Tips for a Successful Bake Sale:

  • Select a leader. It should be someone who has excellent organizational skills and is able to delegate responsibilities.
  • Volunteers! You will need several people dedicated to organizing donations, handling publicity, setting up tables and/or the booth, selling goods, collecting money, and cleaning up.
  • Organize a donation sign-up. Be sure to be specific regarding what baked goods will be needed. This will help you avoid having too much of a certain item. Every bake sale should offer a good variety!
  • Check your local health codes for guidelines and stipulations. For example, some states have health codes stating that everything must be individually wrapped. It’s also a good practice to have an index card attached to each baked good listing the specific ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
  • Consider timing and location. Try to place your table and/or booth in a high-traffic area.
  • Presentation is everything. Set out nicely decorated and organized table displays.

Don’t forget to be creative. Think beyond baked goods. Serve coffee, bottled water, and lemonade, to name just a few. Hot chocolate on a cold day is also a great way to earn more dollars for your charity. If sales are slow, have hourly specials or group certain goods together for special pricing.

 

Some of the Best-Selling Baked Goodies:

  • native_hope_bake_sale_cookies2.jpgBrownies: These are probably the most popular baked good sold at a bake sale. There are also lots of fun variations to offer, so the options for creativity are endless.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: Believe it or not, not all chocolate chip cookies are created equal. They are definitely a bake sale favorite and easy to sell individually or by the dozen for a discount.
  • Fudge: Fudge is always popular. It's an indulgence that most people don't usually think of making on their own, so they jump at the chance to treat themselves to it.
  • Rice Krispies Treats: Everyone loves a perfect Rice Krispies Treat! These are always a crowd pleaser.
  • Bundt Cakes: Bundt cakes, the original self-decorating cake, are made for bake sales. They can be made with little or no icing, making them easy to wrap up for a sale.
  • Cupcakes: Cupcakes come in all flavors and colors, so you’re sure to please a whole assortment of taste buds.
  • Assorted Cookies: Everyone loves a tasty cookie, and the variety to choose from is limitless.
  • Pies: Not everyone has the talent for baking delicious homemade pies. People love to take home this delightful baked good to heat up for dessert after their family meal.

Add an element of spirited competition to your bake sale by holding a fun contest with prizes for your most innovative bakers. This is a fabulous way to bring out their creative sides and get them even more excited about baking some unique, tasty treats.

Here’s a list of some creative categories to offer prizes for:

  • Prettiest Cake
  • Cutest Cupcake
  • Healthiest Muffin
  • Most Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Most Original Presentation
  • Most Creative Bake Sale Price Tags
  • Fudgiest Brownie
  • Nuttiest Cookie
  • Flakiest Pie Crust
  • Cutest Kid's Cookie
  • Easiest Bake Sale Recipe
  • Most Creative Recipe Card
  • Most Colorful Treat
  • Most Unique Cookie
  • Cheesiest Cheesecake

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Ideas to Promote Your Bake Sale

Obviously, in order to have a successful bake sale, you need to promote it. In this day and age, it’s never been easier to spread the word and let people know their support is going to a good cause. Here are a few promotional ideas you can use to generate buzz about your upcoming fundraiser:

  • Local radio station announcements
  • Social media
  • Flyers and posters
  • Newspaper ads
  • Email

Honestly, there are no limits to how creative you can get when holding a bake sale. Think outside of the box and have fun sharing your passion for your nonprofit with others.

Email to tell us about your plans!