5 Best School Fundraising Catalog Companies [for 2024]

With countless school fundraising catalog companies out there, it might seem like a daunting task to pick the perfect one for your next fundraising campaign. Not to worry; we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this blog, we compare six of the best school fundraising companies, discussing what they offer and how they stand out.

What to Look For in a School Fundraising Catalog Company

There is a vast range of fundraising catalog companies out there to choose from. So, how do you know which is the best fit for your school? Many schools do this by looking for testimonials and industry accreditation, such as the Better Business Bureau or the Association of Fundraising Distributors and Suppliers (AFRDS).

So, before you make the final decision about your fundraising catalog company, take a moment to compare at least a few options and consider the following tips to make your journey smooth sailing.

• Best products for your audience. First, consider the product or products that resonate with your audience. Next, ensure that you are sourcing high-quality items. Brand names, organics and rare or artisan items may bring in more orders. Some catalog companies offer free samples or examples at reduced prices so that you can try out the wares.
• High profit margins. Many fundraising catalog companies will display your profit margins upfront. While this is not the only thing to consider, be sure you know how much it will be in advance to avoid any surprises later.
• Great customer service. On-time delivery and customer service can make or break a school fundraiser. Be sure that you can reach your preferred school fundraising company by phone, IM, or chat when needed.
• Free or low shipping costs. Look for low minimum shipping requirements and catalog companies that offer free shipping once your group reaches reasonable order requirements. If you will need to pay to ship orders, be sure to figure this into your comparison.
• Easy delivery to your supporters. Some companies can offer delivery to multiple addresses or orders sorted by each seller.

The Best Overall School Fundraising Catalog: Fundraising.com

Who they are

Fundraising.com has been a dominant player in the school fundraising catalog company landscape for years and offers the best products for school fundraising initiatives. Whether you are interested in brochure programs or cash and carry products, Fundraising.com can help your group raise money.

What they offer

This company makes fundraising fun and easy with a vast range of products, from food items to custom merchandise. They work with several name brands that everyone knows, like Nestle, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, Legos, and many more.

Range of products

They’ve got everything from chocolate and candy fundraiser catalogs to popcorn fundraising. Fundraising.com offers the following catalog product sales:

Quality of service

Fundraising.com is known for its exceptional customer service (or, as they call it, “bend over backwards” customer service), with dedicated representatives assisting you throughout your fundraising journey. Their phone number is on the website if you need assistance fast.

Profit margin for schools

Schools can expect high-profit margins, making this an excellent choice for school fundraising campaigns. Most of Fundraising.com’s campaigns have about a 50% profit margin, and some are even higher.

Types of Programs Offered by School Fundraising Catalog Companies

By partnering with a school fundraising catalog company, your PTO can access a range of sales programs tailored to your needs. Keep in mind that there are two basic types of programs for product sales:

• Order-Taker or Brochure Programs– With these programs, sellers take money for product sales up-front and deliver products later. Sales have no risk or up-front cost to the organization since items are ordered based on pre-sales, and no inventory is needed. This type of school fundraising was previously called brochure fundraising but is now often managed on online platforms like DoJiggy.
• Cash and Carry Programs – Students sell products directly with this type of school fundraiser. They are given a certain number of items and asked to sell them or return the inventory. This system works well for low-cost things like candy bars or lollipops, but remember that you’ll likely need money up-front to cover inventory costs.

The Best Custom Apparel Fundraising Company for Schools: Custom Ink

Who they are

Custom Ink is a Virginia-based company specializing in on-demand custom printing of items, especially clothing. The company’s platform allows users to design their own apparel and accessories, with a wide variety of options to make each product unique.

What they offer

In terms of school fundraising, Custom Ink offers a platform where schools can set up their own fundraising campaigns by creating and selling custom merchandise. Schools can create a design, select a product, and set up a sales page through the Custom Ink platform. Supporters of the school can then purchase these items directly from the website. This eliminates the need for the school to handle inventory or shipping, as Custom Ink takes care of these logistics.

Range of products

Custom Ink offers a wide variety of customizable products for schools to choose from. Schools can choose the products that best fit their needs and community interests. This includes:

• T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Shorts, and Trousers
• Hats
• Bags
• Water bottles
• Activewear
• Office Supplies
• Jackets and Vests
• Footwear
• Uniforms
• Accessories including sunglasses, keychains, and umbrellas

Quality of service

Custom Ink has a reputation for providing high-quality printed items, along with an intuitive design platform that makes it easy for schools to create their own unique designs. They also offer customer service to assist with any questions or issues that arise during the campaign process.

Profit margin for schools

Custom Ink’s fundraising model allows schools to determine their own selling prices for the merchandise. The difference between the cost of the item (set by Custom Ink) and the sale price (set by the school) is the profit, which goes directly to the school’s fundraising goal. This model allows for potentially high profit margins, depending on the prices set by the school.

The Best School Fundraising Catalog for Cookie Dough: Big Fundraising Ideas

Who they are

Big Fundraising Ideas is a leading fundraising company that specializes in offering a wide range of products, including candy and cookie dough, through their school fundraising catalogs.

What they offer

They offer the Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough fundraiser, which is considered one of the finest gourmet cookie dough products on the market. They also have several other cookie dough options to choose from. School groups can sell the cookie dough online or in person with no start-up costs.

Range of products

Their catalog features a vast selection of flavors. You can sell eight premium selections like:

• Hershey’s
• Oatmeal Raisin with Quaker Oats
• M&M’s

They also offer pre-portioned and scoop and bake cookie dough flavors. Four popular $20 tub flavors include Hershey’s Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle, and Peanut Butter.

Quality of service

Their products have no trans fat or artificial oils and are Kosher certified, ensuring that schools can offer high-quality, ready-to-bake products to their customers.

Profit margin for schools

Specific profit margins vary, but schools can expect a substantial profit from their sales. The Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough fundraiser has a profit margin of 40%, making this an excellent choice for a cookie dough fundraiser.

The Best School Fundraising Catalog for Popcorn Fundraising: ABC Fundraising

Who they are

ABC Fundraising is a seasoned fundraising company that has supported over 50,000 schools, youth sports teams, churches, and nonprofits with its unique and profitable fundraising products since 1993.

What they offer

ABC offers school popcorn fundraisers, providing the finest quality popcorn brand. Organizations typically sell popcorn to friends, family, and community members to raise money for their cause.

Range of products

Their catalog offers a variety of 15 gourmet popcorn flavors, all of which are GMO-free and contain zero MSG. Popular options include:

• Cheesy cheddar
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Caramel
• Kettle corn

Quality of service

ABC Fundraising is known for its commitment to quality, providing only the best popcorn to customers with over 60 years of experience in the fundraising industry.

Profit margin for schools

Schools can make up to a 70% profit from their popcorn fundraising sales, making it a top pick for schools looking for a profitable popcorn fundraising opportunity​.

They also provide tools and support to help groups run successful fundraising campaigns with these products.

Another Popular School Fundraising Catalog Option: Just Fundraising

Who they are

JustFundraising is a fundraising platform that provides a variety of fundraising products and programs for schools, sports teams, and other organizations. They’ve been in the business for over 20 years and have helped raise over $80 million for various causes.

What they offer

JustFundraising offers a wide range of fundraising products and programs. This includes traditional product sales, like selling candy or popcorn, as well as innovative and unique fundraising ideas. They handle the process from start to finish, providing the products and helping with sales and distribution.

Range of products

JustFundraising offers a wide array of products for fundraising, which include:

• Food items like cookie dough and gourmet snacks
• Gift items
• Custom products like school-branded apparel
• Scratch cards where supporters can scratch off a spot to reveal a donation amount

Quality of service

JustFundraising is known for providing a high level of service and support to its clients. They help with the setup and management of fundraising campaigns, provide promotional materials, and offer guidance on how to make the campaign a success. Their fundraising experts provide personalized service to help each organization reach its fundraising goals.

Profit margin for schools

The profit margin for schools using JustFundraising depends on the specific product or program chosen. Some programs offer up to a 90% profit margin, while others offer a lower, but still substantial, profit. This allows schools to choose the product or program that best fits their fundraising goals and community.

More Fundraising Ideas for Schools

If catalog sales aren’t for your PTO or group this time around, or you want to combine catalog sales with another event, consider these popular school fundraisers:

• School Walk-a-thons and School Fun Runs: These events encourage fitness and community participation and provide a great fundraising opportunity. Participants can collect pledges from friends and family based on the distance they walk or run, and the money raised supports the school.

• Fundraising Raffles: Schools can sell raffle tickets for the chance to win a prize, which can be anything from donated items to unique experiences. The anticipation of winning helps drive ticket sales and excitement.

• Online Auctions: By taking the auction process online, schools can reach a wider audience and make it more convenient for people to participate. Items for bid can range from student artwork to donated goods or services from local businesses. Online auctions can run for several days, giving participants ample time to place bids.

To boost your fundraising goals, check out our blog on What School Fundraisers Make the Most Money.

Last Thoughts on Selecting a Fundraising Catalog Company

The world of school fundraising catalog companies is brimming with exciting possibilities. These companies empower schools to embark on fundraising adventures that go beyond the ordinary. So, whether you’re looking for delectable chocolate treats, high-profit margins, or opportunities to make a difference, these school fundraising catalog companies are here to help with your group’s fundraising efforts. Be sure to check out our friends at Fundraising.com. Get ready to unleash the power of fundraising and create a lasting impact in your school and community!

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that DoJiggy has an affiliate relationship with some of the companies listed above. Clicks that result in a purchase may produce a commission for us, at no cost to you.

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