Online fundraising has transformed the way groups raise money, making it easier than ever to sell cookie dough beyond local supporters. With an online cookie dough fundraiser, sellers can reach friends and family across the country, accept digital payments, and even offer direct-to-home shipping.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up, promote, and maximize sales in an online cookie dough fundraiser.
2. Benefits of Online Cookie Dough Fundraising
✅ Wider reach – Sell to anyone, anywhere instead of just local buyers.
✅ No cash handling – Payments are processed digitally, reducing the risk of lost funds.
✅ Easier tracking – Digital platforms track orders and sales automatically.
✅ Less work for organizers – Many companies offer direct shipping to supporters.
✅ More sales potential – The convenience of online shopping makes people more likely to buy.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Running an Online Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Step 1: Choose a Fundraising Company That Offers Online Sales
Not all cookie dough fundraising companies provide digital options, so select one that supports:
✔ Online storefronts – Each seller gets a personalized link to share.
✔ Digital payment processing – Accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Venmo.
✔ Direct-to-home shipping – Eliminates storage and distribution issues.
✔ Mobile-friendly purchasing – Ensures buyers can order from their phones.
Example: “ABC Cookie Dough Fundraising provides sellers with personal links and ships orders directly to buyers—no need for bulk delivery!”
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Fundraising Store
Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to:
✔ Register your group or school on the fundraising platform.
✔ Set fundraising goals (e.g., “We need to sell 1,000 tubs to fund new team uniforms.”).
✔ Customize your seller pages with a team photo and mission statement.
Tip: Make your fundraising page engaging! Tell people why you’re raising money and how their support helps.
Step 3: Train Your Sellers on Digital Selling
Not everyone is used to selling online, so teach your team how to promote their links.
✔ Explain the process – How to share their personal link and track orders.
✔ Encourage goal-setting – Have each seller aim for a minimum number of tubs sold.
✔ Host a quick training session – A 10-minute Zoom call or in-person demo can help answer common questions.
Tip: Sellers who understand how to promote their fundraiser online tend to sell 2x more cookie dough!
Step 4: Use Social Media to Drive Sales
Social media is the #1 way to boost online fundraiser sales. Encourage sellers to:
✔ Post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with fundraiser links.
✔ Create Instagram Stories and TikToks featuring their cookie dough sale.
✔ Use hashtags (e.g., #SupportOurSchool #CookieDoughFundraiser).
✔ Post a countdown reminder before the fundraiser ends.
Example Facebook Post:
” Who loves cookies? We’re selling gourmet cookie dough to raise funds for [cause]! Order online and have it shipped straight to your door. Support us here: [insert link] “
Step 5: Leverage Email & Text Marketing
✔ Email supporters with a direct purchase link.
✔ Send text reminders before the fundraiser ends.
✔ Encourage team members to forward the message to their friends and family.
Sample Email:
“Hey [Name],
We’re raising money for [cause] with a cookie dough fundraiser! You can order online, and it ships directly to you. Every purchase supports [organization]. Order here: [insert link]”
Step 6: Run a Digital Seller Contest
Friendly competition increases participation! Try:
✔ “Top Online Seller” Challenge – The person with the most online sales wins a prize.
✔ Raffle Entry for Every Sale – Each tub sold earns a raffle entry for a fun prize.
✔ Social Media Challenge – The most creative cookie dough post wins a bonus reward!
Example: “Sell 10 tubs and get entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card!”
Step 7: Track Sales & Provide Updates
✔ Monitor your fundraising dashboard to track sales.
✔ Send progress updates to keep sellers engaged.
✔ Post milestone announcements on social media to encourage last-minute sales.
Example Update: “We’ve sold 800 tubs—just 200 more to reach our goal! Let’s keep it going! “
Step 8: Send a Final Push Before the Deadline
✔ Post “Last Chance to Order” reminders.
✔ Send a final email & text blast to potential buyers.
✔ Have sellers personally follow up with anyone who showed interest but hasn’t ordered yet.
Example:
” Last call! Our cookie dough fundraiser ends TONIGHT! Order now before it’s too late: [insert link] “
Step 9: Thank Supporters & Keep Them Engaged for Next Time
✔ Send thank-you emails to buyers.
✔ Share results (e.g., “We raised $5,000 thanks to your support!”).
✔ Keep their contact info for next year’s fundraiser.
Tip: Showing appreciation makes people more likely to support future fundraisers.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Online Fundraising
❌ Not promoting the fundraiser enough – Share links multiple times for visibility.
❌ Not making buying easy – Use clickable links, QR codes, and mobile-friendly platforms.
❌ Failing to follow up with potential buyers – A reminder text or email can close more sales.
5. Final Thoughts: Go Digital & Boost Sales!
Running an online cookie dough fundraiser is simple, profitable, and effective when done right. By using social media, email, contests, and digital tools, your group can maximize sales and reach more supporters than ever!
Want more fundraising tips? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cookie Dough Fundraising for expert strategies!