A well-planned timeline is essential for a successful cookie dough fundraiser. Without the right strategy, sales can stall, sellers may lose motivation, and deadlines can be missed.
In this guide, we’ll break down the perfect cookie dough fundraiser timeline to keep your team organized, maximize sales, and hit your fundraising goal.
2. Overview: Ideal Fundraising Timeline
The best cookie dough fundraisers last 3 to 4 weeks, with a few weeks of prep beforehand.
Recommended Timeline:
✔ 2-4 Weeks Before Launch: Plan and prepare.
✔ Week 1: Kickoff & seller training.
✔ Week 2-3: Active selling & promotional push.
✔ Final Week: Urgency & last-chance reminders.
✔ After the Fundraiser: Order submission, distribution, and thank-yous.
3. Pre-Fundraiser Planning (2-4 Weeks Before Launch)
Key Tasks:
✔ Choose a cookie dough supplier and confirm details.
✔ Set a fundraising goal (e.g., “Sell 1,000 tubs to raise $5,000.”).
✔ Recruit volunteers, team leaders, and sellers.
✔ Set up order forms, online stores, and payment processing.
✔ Create a marketing plan (social media, email, flyers).
✔ Print flyers, order forms, and promotional materials.
Pro Tip: A well-organized kickoff boosts seller motivation from day one!
4. Week 1: Kickoff & Seller Training
Goal: Get sellers excited and ready to sell!
Key Tasks:
✔ Host a kickoff meeting (in-person or Zoom).
✔ Explain why you’re fundraising and what the money will support.
✔ Provide sales scripts & social media templates to sellers.
✔ Assign individual sales goals (e.g., “Sell at least 10 tubs.”).
✔ Start promoting the fundraiser on social media & email.
Kickoff Post Example:
” Our cookie dough fundraiser is LIVE! Help us reach our goal and support [cause]! Order here: [insert link]”
5. Week 2-3: Active Selling & Promotion
Goal: Keep sales momentum strong!
Key Tasks:
✔ Post daily social media updates with sales links.
✔ Run a “Seller of the Week” contest to recognize top sellers.
✔ Send mid-campaign reminders via email & text.
✔ Set up a midway sales push (flash sales, challenges).
✔ Host a “Cookie Dough Sample Day” at school or community events.
Midway Motivation Post Example:
“We’re halfway through, and we’ve sold 500 tubs! Let’s push to reach our goal! Order today: [insert link]”
6. Final Week: Urgency & Last-Chance Reminders
⏳ Goal: Close strong with a final sales push!
Key Tasks:
✔ Post daily countdown reminders (3 days left, 2 days left, etc.).
✔ Send personal texts & DMs to potential buyers.
✔ Encourage sellers to follow up with friends & family.
✔ Offer last-minute buyer incentives (buy 3, get a free entry into a raffle).
✔ Share final day urgency posts.
Last Call Post Example:
” FINAL HOURS! Our cookie dough fundraiser ends tonight! Get your orders in before it’s too late! [insert link]”
7. Post-Fundraiser: Order Submission & Distribution
Goal: Wrap up the fundraiser smoothly and thank supporters.
Key Tasks:
✔ Submit orders to the supplier & confirm delivery date.
✔ Organize distribution day (volunteers, storage, pickup).
✔ Send thank-you emails & social media shoutouts to buyers.
✔ Announce final results (e.g., “We raised $7,500—thank you!”).
✔ Collect feedback for next year’s fundraiser.
Thank You Post Example:
“THANK YOU! With your support, we sold 1,200 tubs and raised $6,000! We appreciate every single order! “
8. Final Thoughts: Stay Organized & Maximize Sales!
A well-structured timeline ensures a stress-free, profitable cookie dough fundraiser. By following this step-by-step plan, your team will stay on track and maximize participation, sales, and profits.
Need more fundraising tips? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cookie Dough Fundraising for expert strategies!