When it comes to boosting profits in your cookie dough fundraiser, local businesses can be your secret weapon. While family and friends are a great starting point, businesses offer opportunities for larger bulk orders, sponsorships, and recurring partnerships that can take your fundraising efforts to the next level.
This guide will show you how to approach local businesses, craft a winning sales pitch, and offer bulk ordering options that benefit both your fundraiser and the business. Whether you’re organizing a school, sports team, or community fundraiser, partnering with local businesses can significantly increase your profits and build long-term community relationships.
2. Why Local Businesses Are Perfect for Fundraisers
✅ They can place large orders – One business order can equal dozens of individual sales.
✅ They want to support the community – Many businesses are eager to give back, especially to local schools or youth programs.
✅ It boosts their reputation – Businesses love positive exposure from supporting a good cause.
✅ They get great incentives – Cookie dough can be used for employee gifts, client appreciation, or breakroom treats.
Pro Tip: A single business can contribute more to your fundraiser than dozens of individual supporters—making them a valuable sales target.
3. Types of Businesses Most Likely to Support Your Fundraiser
Not all businesses are created equal when it comes to fundraising support. Here’s a list of businesses that are most likely to support your cookie dough fundraiser:
Corporate Offices
- Buy cookie dough in bulk for employee appreciation days or team-building events.
- Use cookie dough as gifts for clients or partners.
Local Retail Stores
- Purchase dough to sell in-store (if applicable) or offer as part of a loyalty program.
- Sponsor your fundraiser in exchange for advertising on social media or event banners.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bakeries
- Use cookie dough in their menu offerings (with supplier permission).
- Buy dough for promotional events or seasonal giveaways.
️ Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Offer cookie dough as part of holiday promotions or gift packages (yes, even gyms enjoy indulgent treats in moderation!).
Hotels and Hospitality Businesses
- Provide cookie dough as a welcome gift for guests or at special events.
Service-Based Businesses (Real Estate, Law Firms, Medical Practices)
- Use cookie dough as a thoughtful gift for clients.
- Sponsor your fundraiser for brand visibility and community goodwill.
4. How to Approach Local Businesses for Fundraiser Support
✅ Step 1: Do Your Research
Before approaching a business, learn about their community involvement and charitable giving practices:
- Have they supported fundraisers before?
- Do they have a reputation for supporting local causes?
- Who is the decision-maker? (Manager, marketing director, owner)
✅ Step 2: Craft Your Pitch
Your pitch should be short, compelling, and focus on how the business will benefit from supporting your fundraiser.
What to Include in Your Sales Pitch:
✔ Who you are and why you’re fundraising (“We’re raising funds for [cause]—to support [specific need, e.g., new equipment, school trips, etc.].”)
✔ Why their support matters (“Your contribution would directly help [group name] achieve our goal.”)
✔ The benefits for the business (“We’ll recognize your business on our social media, website, and during our events.”)
✔ Clear call-to-action (“Would you be interested in supporting us by purchasing cookie dough or becoming a sponsor?”)
Sample Email Template for Approaching Local Businesses:
Subject: Support [Your Organization] and Sweeten Your Business Reputation!
Hi [Business Owner’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], and I’m organizing a fundraiser for [Your Organization]. We’re selling cookie dough to raise funds for [briefly explain your cause, e.g., new school uniforms, travel expenses, community project].
We would love for [Business Name] to be part of this fundraiser. Supporting us could offer you:
- Positive exposure on our social media channels and event materials.
- A way to give back to the community and support local initiatives.
- Delicious cookie dough perfect for employee treats or client gifts!
Would you be open to discussing ways [Business Name] can support our efforts? I’d be happy to stop by at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
5. Bulk Order Options: How to Sell Larger Quantities
Bulk sales allow businesses to buy large quantities of cookie dough, significantly boosting your profits with fewer individual transactions. Here’s how to make bulk sales appealing:
✅ Offer Discounted Bulk Pricing
Encourage businesses to buy in bulk by offering discounts for larger orders. For example:
- Buy 10 tubs, get 1 free
- 15% off for orders over 50 tubs
✅ Promote Business Benefits
✔ Employee Rewards – Businesses can give cookie dough to employees as a thank-you gift.
✔ Client Appreciation – Perfect for real estate agents, salons, or law firms.
✔ Holiday Gifting – Businesses can use cookie dough as festive gifts during the holiday season.
✔ In-Store Promotions – Retail stores could offer cookie dough samples during special events.
✅ Create a Bulk Order Form
Design an easy-to-use form specifically for businesses, highlighting bulk discount pricing and delivery options.
6. Offer Sponsorship Opportunities for Additional Support
Sometimes, businesses might prefer to sponsor your fundraiser rather than purchase cookie dough directly. Sponsorships can be just as valuable as large orders.
✅ Sponsorship Tiers Example:
- Bronze Sponsor ($100): Mention on social media.
- Silver Sponsor ($250): Logo on flyers and social media shoutouts.
- Gold Sponsor ($500+): Logo on event banners and website feature.
Highlight Benefits for Sponsors:
✔ Positive brand exposure in the community.
✔ Increased goodwill by supporting a local cause.
✔ Recognition at events, on social media, and in email campaigns.
7. How to Close the Sale and Secure Business Support
✅ Follow These Steps to Secure Business Support:
- Schedule a meeting or phone call after sending your initial pitch.
- Come prepared with printed materials (flyers, sponsorship packages, order forms).
- Be flexible – Offer both bulk orders and sponsorship options.
- Follow up with a polite email or call within a week.
- Confirm the details – Ensure you have the correct order information and payment.
Closing Script Example:
“I’d love to help your business support [cause]. Would you be willing to place an order or consider sponsoring our fundraiser? Any contribution, big or small, would make a huge impact.”
8. How to Thank Businesses and Build Long-Term Relationships
Maintaining a relationship with business supporters can lead to repeat donations and future partnerships.
✅ Ways to Thank Businesses After the Fundraiser:
✔ Send a personalized thank-you letter or email.
✔ Highlight their support on social media and at events.
✔ Offer a small gift of appreciation (such as a free tub of cookie dough!).
✔ Provide a report on how their contribution made an impact.
Example Thank-You Social Media Post:
“A huge THANK YOU to [Business Name] for supporting our cookie dough fundraiser! Your generous contribution helped us raise [$X] for [cause]. We couldn’t have done it without you! #ThankYouSupporters #CookieDoughFundraiser”
9. Final Thoughts: Boost Fundraiser Profits by Partnering with Local Businesses
Selling cookie dough to local businesses can dramatically increase your fundraiser’s success. With a solid plan, clear communication, and a focus on building long-term relationships, you’ll not only increase profits but also strengthen your community ties.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Research and target businesses that are most likely to support your fundraiser.
✔ Craft a compelling pitch that highlights mutual benefits.
✔ Offer bulk ordering options and sponsorship opportunities.
✔ Follow up, close the sale, and thank businesses for their support.
✔ Build long-term relationships for future fundraising success.
Next Step: Start reaching out to local businesses today and watch your cookie dough sales soar!
Want more expert strategies? Read our [Ultimate Guide to Cookie Dough Fundraising] for step-by-step planning and selling tips!