Pictureplate Fundraising – Turn Kids’ Art into Lasting Treasures

If you’ve ever pulled a crumpled masterpiece out of a school bag and thought, this belongs in a gallery, then you’ll love a Pictureplate fundraiser.

These clever fundraisers turn children’s artwork into personalised melamine plates (and sometimes bowls, mugs, or calendars) that families can treasure for years. It’s part art project, part memory-making, and part easy-peasy fundraiser, all rolled into one.

How Pictureplate Fundraising Works

The basic idea is simple:

1. Kids create their designs – usually in the classroom or at home, using special templates provided by the supplier.

2. Templates are sent to the supplier – they scan or press the artwork onto durable melamine plates (or other keepsakes).

3. Plates are returned to you – families receive their unique piece of functional art, and your school or club receives a healthy profit.

It’s creative, personal, and here’s the best bit, the emotional value means parents rarely stop at buying just one. Grandparents, aunties, uncles… they all want a piece of that fridge-door-worthy art.

Why Pictureplate Fundraisers Work So Well

• Keepsake appeal It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s a lifelong memento. Kids often still have their plates decades later.

• Easy to run Minimal setup and no tricky logistics. Once artwork is collected, the supplier does most of the work.

• High participation Families love personalised products, which means a higher buy-in rate than generic fundraisers.

• Flexible timing Works just as well for Mother’s Day, Christmas, or as an end-of-year keepsake project.

Profit Potential

Profits vary depending on your supplier and selling price, but here’s an example:

• Sell each plate for $28

• Pay the supplier $18 per plate

• That’s $10 profit per item and if 200 plates are sold, that’s $2,000 raised without sausage sizzles or raffle ticket chasing.

Some groups bundle the plates with matching mugs or bowls for extra sales.

Tips for a Smooth Pictureplate Fundraiser

• Plan ahead Allow enough time for art creation, shipping to the supplier, and delivery back before your event or deadline.

• Get creative with themes Try “self-portraits”, “favourite animals”, or “our school garden” to inspire the artwork.

• Involve the whole family Send extra templates home so siblings can join in (and boost sales).

• Market it well Use newsletters, social media, and sample plates from previous years to create excitement.

• Think bulk orders Offer families a discount when they buy multiple plates (e.g., for grandparents).

When to Run a Pictureplate Fundraiser

Pictureplate fundraisers work beautifully when you tie them to special occasions or milestones:

• Mother’s Day or Father’s Day Create artwork specifically for gifting.

• Christmas Festive themes work a treat for holiday keepsakes.

• Graduations or Year 6 Farewells A lasting memento of their final year.

• Kindergarten or childcare keepsakes Capture that adorable early-years art before it’s all stick figures and Minecraft scenes.

The Fundraising Whisperer’s Hot Tip

Don’t just sell plates – sell the story.
When you promote your Pictureplate fundraiser, show parents exactly what they’re getting. It's not just a plate, but a slice of their child’s history they can keep forever. Post photos of last year’s plates, share stories from parents who still have theirs decades later, and get teachers involved in making it a class project.

The more emotional connection you create, the higher your sales will be.

A Pictureplate fundraiser isn’t just a way to make money, it’s a way to capture a moment in time. Long after the profits are spent, those plates will still be around, making breakfast cereal and lunchtime sandwiches just that little bit more special.