A Candle Fundraiser is one of the most profitable and easy-to-run fundraising options for schools, churches, PTAs, sports teams, and community organizations. Fundraising is the backbone of every non-profit, helping to power important missions and initiatives, and candles make the perfect product to drive sales and engagement.
Why? Because candles are timeless, universally loved, and make perfect gifts for any occasion. From creating cozy atmospheres at home to thoughtful presents for friends and family, candles bring warmth, relaxation, and beautiful scents that people love.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your candle fundraiser’s success, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know—from how a candle fundraiser works and why it’s effective to 25 expert tips that will help you sell more candles and raise more money for your cause.
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A candle fundraiser is a simple yet effective way to raise money by selling high-quality, fragrant candles and other home fragrance products. These fundraisers are a favorite among schools, churches, sports teams, and community groups because they are easy to organize and offer high profit margins.
Many well-known candle brands support fundraising efforts by providing a variety of products, including:
With minimal upfront costs and a product that practically sells itself, a candle fundraiser is a fantastic way to generate funds while offering buyers something they truly enjoy.
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One of the most recognizable candle brands in the world started in Massachusetts, and since its founding, it has become a global leader in scented candles and home fragrance products.
With their signature glass jars and diverse scent collection, these candles have found their way into millions of homes worldwide. Their popularity has made candle fundraisers a staple for schools and nonprofits, offering a product that people know, trust, and love to buy.
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Non-profit organizations, schools, and sports teams often struggle to secure funding for important programs, materials, or infrastructure. A candle fundraiser provides an effective, high-demand, and profitable solution.
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With so many advantages, it’s no surprise that candle fundraisers continue to be a top choice for fundraising success.
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Candle fundraisers work year-round, but they perform best during the holiday season.
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Pair your candle fundraiser with other fundraising events like:
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These events boost participation and create an interactive shopping experience, increasing sales.
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One of the best things about a candle fundraiser is that anyone can do it.
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Now that you understand why candle fundraisers work, let’s dive into 25 expert strategies to help you sell more candles, increase participation, and maximize profits.
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When planning your candle fundraiser, you have two primary options:
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This classic approach involves selling candles through a catalog:
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Schools, churches, and teams that have dedicated volunteers for managing orders and distribution.
Greater community engagement and higher fundraising potential.
Requires extra time for order collection and distribution.
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An online fundraiser is a convenient, contact-free option:
Groups looking for a low-maintenance, hassle-free fundraising solution.
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No handling of products and wider reach via social media and email marketing.
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Lower personal engagement compared to in-person selling.
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To maximize your sales and fundraising success, follow these expert strategies:
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Work with a supplier known for high-quality products and reliable service.
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Define how much you need to raise and how the funds will be used.
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Start early to ensure a well-organized, stress-free fundraiser.
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Assemble a team dedicated to sales, marketing, and distribution.
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Candle fundraisers work year-round, but holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day) boost sales.
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Use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to create buzz with images, videos, and live sales pitches.
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Send updates, promotions, and reminders via email.
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Ensure professional visuals and engaging product descriptions.
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Train your sellers on how to communicate value effectively.
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Organize live streams, giveaways, or Q&A sessions to keep supporters engaged.
Cater to different preferences by offering classic, seasonal, and unique scents.
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Price candles affordably while ensuring a strong profit margin.
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Promote candles as great gifts for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
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Encourage bulk purchases with “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” or similar offers.
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Motivate participants with realistic yet challenging sales targets.
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Recognize top sellers with prizes like gift cards, special recognition, or bonus candles.
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Partner with businesses to display candles in stores or sponsor your campaign.
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Sell at church gatherings, school events, or farmers’ markets for extra visibility.
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Respond to questions promptly and handle orders efficiently.
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Great photos and videos help boost engagement and sales.
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Limited-time sales create a sense of urgency that drives purchases.
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Track orders, payments, and delivery schedules to avoid mistakes.
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A simple thank-you message or email builds relationships and encourages repeat support.
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After the fundraiser, review sales data and gather feedback to improve future campaigns.
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Publicly recognize top sellers and share how the funds will be used.
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Candle fundraisers offer a unique way to raise money while engaging supporters with a product they love. Whether you choose an online or traditional candle fundraiser, the key to success is strong marketing, enthusiastic participation, and strategic planning.
At Midland Fundraising, we provide high-quality, best-selling candles with exceptional profit margins to help your school, church, or nonprofit reach its fundraising goals.
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