The Ultimate Fundraising Guide for Australian Schools & Clubs

Every great fundraiser starts with a clear reason and a realistic number. Name exactly what you're raising for, new sports gear, a school camp, a community project, and put a dollar figure on it. A specific, believable goal ("$2,000 for new netball uniforms") gives supporters something concrete to get behind, and lets you show progress as it climbs. Decide your timeline too: most product fundraisers run best over two to four weeks, long enough to spread the word, short enough to keep the urgency.

The best fundraiser is one your community will actually take part in. Cash-and-effort events, sausage sizzles, raffles, fun runs, raise money but eat volunteer hours. Product fundraisers let supporters buy something they want while a share goes to your cause, with far less admin. CommuniTea is a dried fruit fundraiser: healthy, online, no upfront cost, and 20% of the eligible product purchase is allocated to your nominated fundraiser. Shipping is excluded. See how it works and decide what fits your group.

Prefer to run it yourself? Independent fundraising means buying at wholesale and keeping around 40%, you handle stock and delivery. Compare both models on the Start a Fundraiser page.

Once you've chosen your path, setting up is quick. With CommuniTea you start a campaign in minutes, add your group's name and story, choose your products, and you're given a unique link to share. There's nothing to pay upfront and no stock to order in. Write a short, genuine story about your cause: who you are, what you're raising for, and what it means. A real photo and a personal note convert far better than a logo and a slogan.

A fundraiser only works if people hear about it. Start with your warmest circle, committee members, families, close supporters, and ask them to buy and share in the first couple of days. Then go wider: class group chats, club newsletters, Facebook groups, the school newsletter, and a sign at pickup or the clubrooms. Make sharing effortless by writing the message for people, link included. Every share puts your campaign in front of a new pocket of supporters.

Momentum comes from updates. Post when you hit milestones, "We're halfway!", and share the human moments along the way. A quick update every few days reminds people the campaign is live and nudges the ones who meant to buy but forgot. With CommuniTea your total updates live, so you can screenshot real progress and celebrate it publicly. Thank supporters by name where you can, recognition brings people back and encourages them to share again.

When your campaign wraps, close the loop. Announce the final total, thank everyone who took part, and show the outcome, the gear bought, the trip funded, the project started. Reporting back isn't just good manners; it builds the trust that makes your next fundraiser easier. Take a photo of the result, tag your supporters, and you've turned a one-off fundraiser into a community that's ready to back you again.