Fundraising Without Chocolate

Fundraising without Chocolate

A question that often pops up is, ‘What can we do that isn’t chocolate fundraising?’ For those looking to steer clear of chocolate, fear not - there are loads of exciting and successful alternatives! Here’s a little inspiration to get you started:

Alternatives to a Chocolate Drive

• Keepsakes with Kids’ Artwork – Tea towels, calendars, plates, and even phone cases featuring children’s artwork make treasured mementos and excellent gifts.
• Family Portrait Photography – A professional photographer visits your venue, families pay a small booking fee (which your group keeps), and they receive a complimentary portrait with the option to purchase more. It’s a win-win!
• Cookbook Fundraising – A community-driven gem! Gather favourite recipes from your group and turn them into a beautifully bound book. A themed approach, like “20-Minute Weeknight Recipes” or “Secret Family Recipes,” adds extra appeal. We have suppliers who make the process seamless.
• Engraved Pavers – A fantastic way to mark a new school building or playground project. Sell engraved bricks featuring the names or drawings of your community members. These can be arranged into a decorative pathway, handball court, or a peaceful reflection space showcasing the school motto.
• Showbags and Themed Packs – Skip the chocolate and build fun-filled showbags with toys, activities, or seasonal treats. Glow products, sticker books, or even themed holiday packs (like DIY gingerbread kits) are great alternatives.
• Eco-Friendly Fundraisers – Herb kits, seed packets, reusable lunch boxes, and drink bottles offer a sustainable option that appeals to families.
• Community Events – Outdoor movie nights, trivia nights, and themed markets not only raise funds but also bring people together.

You can find suppliers here who can help with alternatives to a chocolate fundraiser.

Making a Chocolate Drive More Ethical

For those still running chocolate drives but wanting a more responsible approach, here’s how to keep it ethical:

1. Offer an Opt-Out Option – Send home an opt-out form at least a week before handing out chocolate boxes. Suggest a donation equivalent to the expected profit - many families prefer this! Some schools have made over 10% of their profits simply through opt-out donations.
2. Educate on Healthy Eating – Have the Principal or P&C President reinforce the idea that chocolate is a “sometimes food” and shouldn’t replace nutritious choices.
3. Balance with Active Fundraising – If you do a chocolate drive, pair it with a fun run or use proceeds to purchase sports gear or playground equipment.
4. Mix It Up with Other Food Fundraisers – If food fundraising works well for your group, consider diversifying with doughnuts, Easter and Christmas treats, marshmallows, cookies, or even custom-labelled wine!

Encouraging Positive Participation

Lastly, for those who love to voice their concerns about a chocolate drive - or any fundraiser - turn their enthusiasm into action! Invite them to lead alternative fundraisers. There’s nothing worse than loud opinions that don’t come with helping hands.

At the end of the day, fundraising should be fun, engaging, and aligned with your community’s values. Whether you go chocolate-free or take a balanced approach, there are endless ways to achieve success!