Maximizing Fundraising Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Fundraising Program for Your Organization

Step 1: Understand Your Group’s Needs

Before picking a program, take a step back and evaluate your group’s specific goals, team size, and resources.
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• What’s your fundraising goal? Set a clear financial target. Whether you’re aiming for $1,000 or $50,000, your goal will shape which fundraising program is the best fit.
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• What is the size of your team?

  • Small team? Look for simple, streamlined programs.
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  • Large group? You can take on more complex fundraisers with bigger profit potential.
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• What resources are available? Consider time, energy, and community support. A group with limited volunteer availability may want a product fundraiser with digital tools or a low-lift pledge-a-thon.
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Pro Tip: Always start with your audience. Think about what your supporters will actually want to buy, share, or participate in—it’s the key to a high-performing fundraiser.
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2. Step 2: Explore Your Fundraising Program Options

At Midland Fundraising, we offer a variety of high-profit fundraising programs designed to match your group’s goals, size, and schedule. Whether you’re looking for a traditional catalog fundraiser or a no-sell donation drive, we’ve got options that work.
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Catalog Fundraisers:

A timeless favorite! Our seasonal catalogs feature crowd-pleasers like gourmet cookie dough, holiday gifts, home goods, and more.
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• Why It Works: Catalog fundraisers are easy to launch, require no upfront costs, and appeal to supporters of all ages.
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• Standout Feature: Supporters can shop either online or via printed catalogs—making participation seamless.
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Pro Tip: Highlight seasonal items (like holiday gifts in November/December) to boost sales.
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Hybrid Fundraisers:

Combine the power of traditional fundraising with the ease of online sales. Supporters can shop anytime through your custom website—perfect for reaching friends and family near and far.
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• Why It Works: Great for busy families and long-distance supporters. No need to collect cash or paper forms.
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• Best Practices: Share your fundraiser link on social media, through texts, and in emails for maximum reach.
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• Did You Know? Hybrid fundraisers see up to 30% higher participation than traditional-only campaigns!
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Pledge-a-Thon Fundraisers:

Whether it’s a walk-a-thon, read-a-thon, or donation drive, pledge-based fundraisers encourage participants to raise money based on actions—like laps walked or books read.
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• Why It Works: Combines fundraising, fitness, and fun! Especially popular with schools and sports teams.
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• Pro Tip: Offer prizes or shoutouts for top fundraisers to keep motivation high.
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Direct Sale Fundraisers:

Need something quick and easy? Direct sale fundraisers offer instant products—like candy bars, snack packs, and popcorn—that supporters can buy on the spot.
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• Why It Works: No upfront costs, fast cash flow, and simple to run.
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• Example Use Case: Youth sports teams often sell candy at games to cover gear and travel costs.
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Step 3: Midland’s Top Fundraisers (Tried, True & Loved!)

Here are a few of our most successful fundraising programs:
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1. Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Always a hit! Our cookie dough is easy to sell, high-quality, and high-profit (up to 50%).
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• Best For: Schools, churches, sports teams
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• Popular Flavors: Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, white chocolate macadamia
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2. Holiday Gift Fundraiser

Perfect for fall and winter fundraising, our gift catalogs feature holiday must-haves that make shopping fun and impactful.
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• Why It Works: Supporters get their holiday shopping done while supporting your cause.

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3. Tote Fundraiser

Looking for something a little different? Our reusable totes are eco-friendly, practical, and stylish.
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• Why It Works: Totes appeal to a wide audience and promote sustainability, making them a great conversation starter and fundraising tool.

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Step 4: How to Maximize Each Fundraising Program

No matter which program you choose, these tips will help you boost participation and profits:
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Catalog Fundraisers:

• Set personal sales goals for each participant
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• Use social media to spotlight best-sellers and share testimonials
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• Host a kickoff event to distribute catalogs and build excitement
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Hybrid Fundraisers:

• Provide step-by-step instructions for sharing your custom online store
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• Offer a prize to the top traffic driver or online seller
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• Highlight it as a safe, contact-free way to support your cause
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Pledge-a-Thons:

• Add energy with live streams or progress updates during the event
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• Use a real-time leaderboard to motivate participants
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• Encourage team competitions to drive engagement and fundraising totals
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Direct Sale Fundraisers:

• Sell at high-traffic locations like school events, games, or fairs
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• Pair with a larger event (e.g., sell popcorn at a movie night)
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• Promote limited-time offers to spark urgency
  

Step 5: Real Success Stories from Midland Fundraisers

Smith Elementary School

Goal: $10,000 for new playground equipment
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Program: Hybrid cookie dough fundraiser
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Result: They raised $12,500 in six weeks with a strong online push and community support!
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Local Sports Team

Goal: Uniforms and travel expenses
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Program: Pledge-a-thon (laps completed)
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Result: Raised $8,000—and built incredible team spirit in the process!
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Step 6: Why Choose Midland Fundraising?

We’re not just another fundraising company—we’re your partner in success.
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• No upfront costs
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• Top-selling products people love
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• Flexible programs for all group sizes
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• Digital tools and full support from start to finish
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With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful campaigns, Midland Fundraising makes it easy—and profitable—to reach your goals.

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Step 7: Let’s Start Your Fundraising Journey

Ready to kick off your next high-profit fundraiser? Whether you’re running a pledge-a-thon, selling cookie dough, or going hybrid—we’ve got the tools, products, and support to help you succeed.
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Contact Midland Fundraising today and let’s build a fundraiser that works for you!