Common Sense Guide to Fundraising with Chocolates

Common Sense Guide to Fundraising with Chocolates

Chocolate fundraising drives have been a long-time favourite for Australian schools, sports clubs, and community groups. They’re simple to run, profitable, and let’s face it, many people can’t resist a sweet treat.

That said, not everyone will be on board. While many Australians have a sweet tooth, others may question whether selling chocolate is the right choice. At the end of the day, your community should decide what works best for you. With the right approach, you can run a chocolate drive that respects differing views while still hitting your fundraising goals.

Tips for Running a Chocolate Fundraiser Successfully

1. Offer an opt-out option
   Give families the chance to say “no thanks” before distributing chocolates. This avoids awkward situations and ensures all boxes are sold by willing participants.

2. Avoid selling at school
   Instead of asking kids to sell to classmates, encourage parents to take chocolates to their workplace, sporting clubs, or social gatherings.

3. Use it as a teaching moment
   Remind children that chocolates are a “sometimes food” and choose smaller portion sizes where possible.

4. Mix it up
   Alternate chocolate fundraising with an activity-based fundraiser, like a Walkathon, Colour Fun Run, or Trivia Night, so you’re not relying solely on confectionery sales.

Sample Chocolate Drive Letter to Families

Subject: Support Our Chocolate Fundraiser!

Dear Scouting family,

Our scout group is raising funds to send members to the World Jamboree, an opportunity of a lifetime, but also a costly one! To help make this dream possible, we’re running a Chocolate Fundraising Drive starting on 1 September.

Each participating family will receive a box of 30 high-quality chocolate bars, selling for $2 each. We encourage you to share them with friends, family, work colleagues, and neighbours.

Please return all money and any unsold product to Baloo at the scout meeting during the week starting 15 September. Need more boxes? Call Baloo on 6666 0000.

If you’d prefer not to participate, please let us know so we can reallocate your box. You might also consider supporting us with a $20 donation, which is the equivalent of the profit from one box.

The more funds we raise, the more members we can send to experience this incredible event.

Thank you for your support!

Kind regards,
AKELA
Group Leader