Election Day Fundraising

Election Day Fundraising: Make It a Community Celebration!

Election days aren't just about democracy — they’re golden fundraising opportunities for schools, kinders, sporting clubs and community groups lucky enough to have a booth at a polling venue! And while sausage sizzles have become an Aussie tradition (some voters even choose where to cast their ballot based on the sizzle!), there's so much more you can do to boost your profits and your community profile.

Sausage Sizzles: The Election Day Staple

First things first — your sausage sizzle will likely be your biggest money-spinner. Make sure you plan it properly by checking out our full guide on How to Run a Sausage Sizzle on the Fundraising Directory website. You'll find tips on everything from quantities to pricing and making your stall stand out. Don't forget to cater for the early birds with bacon and egg rolls!

Create a Mini-Festival Atmosphere

Why not invite other local groups to join you? Local kinders, churches and sports clubs could all host their own stalls. Not only does this create a wonderful vibe, but it encourages people to hang around and spend more.

Some great stall ideas include:

• Cake stall (read our tips on running a successful Cake Stall)
• Second-hand book stall
• Plant stall
• Homemade jams and preserves
• Lemonade or popcorn stand
• Lolly bags for kids
• Lamington Stall: Bring back an Aussie classic! Lamington stalls were the original election day fundraiser. You can buy bulk packs of lamingtons from your local supermarket and sell them individually for a healthy profit.

Tip: You could ask each group for a small booth fee, but it’s often better to prioritise building a buzzing atmosphere over profit-sharing.

Non-Food Fundraising Ideas

If you're not allowed to sell food (like some kinders), think outside the box:

• Lucky dips
• Show bags
• Face painting
• Craft activities — rock painting, plaster moulds, DIY play-dough sales
• Busking performances by students or local musicians
• Jumping castle (if you have the space)
• Raffles: Easy to run with prizes donated by local businesses. See our Raffle Guide for tips!

Maximise Your Fundraising Profits

• Customer Service: Have runners taking orders and delivering sausages or coffees to people waiting in line to vote.
• Presentation: Bunting, balloons, cheerful signage and team uniforms make a big difference.
• Donation Tins: Not everyone will want to buy something but may happily toss in a few coins.
• Advertising: Use school newsletters, social media, local papers, community noticeboards and websites like democracysausage.org.
• Signage: Be clear about who you are and what you are fundraising for — people love supporting a good cause when they know what it is.

More Fundraising Ideas for Election Day

• Mini-markets: Invite local artists, crafters, and small businesses to set up stalls.
• "Hundred Club" Boards: A quick, easy private lottery that can raise a surprising amount.
• Garage Sale: Clean out those cupboards and turn old treasures into funds.
• Second-hand Book Stall: Always popular and easy to set up.

Final Thoughts

Election day fundraising is about more than just sausages. It’s about creating a fun, welcoming community event that draws people in, encourages them to stay a little longer, spend a little more, and leave feeling good about supporting you.

By planning ahead, getting creative, and using resources from fundraisingdirectory.com.au, you can turn your election day fundraiser into a smashing success!

Happy Fundraising! 🌟