Popcorn fundraisers involve selling popcorn to raise money for a specific cause, often in conjunction with movie theaters or group events. Organizations use various methods, including direct sales, partnering with snack companies, or working with movie theaters, to raise funds. The profits earned are generally used to support charitable causes, improve facilities, or fund trips.
The term “popcorn fundraiser” can apply to any of a variety of schemes in which popcorn is sold to raise money for a specific cause. Popcorn fundraisers are often hosted in conjunction with movie theaters or group movie nights, so patrons can purchase a snack to support a certain group or effort. Groups may also sell packaged gourmet popcorn door-to-door, often by mail order. Basically, any organized sale of popcorn or popcorn-related products that is structured such that proceeds are channeled toward the activities of a certain group can qualify as a fundraiser.
Popcorn fundraisers are usually organized by organizations that need money for a specific cause. Charity groups may sell snacks to raise money for medical research, food pantries, or local homeless shelters, for example. Scouting troops or sports teams may also organize sales to fund trips or camping, and schools commonly use fundraisers to improve facilities or as a means of raising funds for classroom supplies. In a popcorn fundraiser, money comes into the organization through popcorn sales.
There are many different ways to host a popcorn fundraiser. One of the most direct involves direct selling. A fundraising youth group might set up a popcorn machine on the night of a school play and sell bags to audience members. Larger community groups may also obtain permission from a commercial movie theater to operate concession stands on certain nights or during specific shows as a means of earning money.
In a direct sales popcorn fundraiser, the take-home amount is generally any profit made, less operating expenses. Renting a popcorn machine, purchasing the kernels raw, and supplying bags often requires an upfront cost. If these supplies are donated, you can usually keep all the proceeds.
Business partners, such as movie theaters, are generally unwilling to allow fundraising groups to keep all the profits. Most of the time, only a percentage of the total sales will go to the sponsoring organization. Theaters provide the supplies and often the advertising as well, and members of the fundraising team will often act as vendors. Owners usually have people who are more willing to buy snacks like popcorn when they know a portion of the proceeds will go to charity. This often means that theaters end up making a profit anyway, all the while supporting a good cause.
A popcorn fundraiser doesn’t have to deal with fresh popcorn. Many snack food companies make flavored or prepackaged popcorn that some groups choose to sell as a means of raising money. This often involves partnering with a snack company or working with donated produce.
Not all snack companies are open to the idea of fundraising, but many of the biggest brands are specifically created for this type of effort. Selling popcorn through a major distributor is common for children’s fundraising groups or corporate funding opportunities. Manufacturers in this category typically have ready-to-use fundraising “kits” for groups that include brochures, order forms, and sales tips. In general, they also include established policies for sales minimums, profit margins, and deadlines.
Commercial-based fundraising often works on an economic model similar to movie theater sales. Companies often see higher sales when they allow charitable groups to take over the sales of brand name snacks. Allowing organizations to take home a percentage of total profits also acts as a motivational tool, encouraging salespeople to be aggressive in their strategies for higher rewards.
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