Raising Dough: How to Host a Sweet Donut Fundraiser

A donut fundraiser is a sweet and easy way to raise money for your cause. Donuts are universally loved, and when you mix their sugary charm with a good cause, magic happens. Whether you’re supporting a school, team, or charitable organization, this fundraiser combines community spirit with a sprinkle of fun and flavor. Let’s get into the details of hosting a successful donut fundraiser with a bit of help from Cheddar Up to keep things smooth and stress-free.

Why Donuts Are Fundraising Gold

Donuts are affordable, shareable, and make people smile. Unlike fancy galas or complicated events, a donut fundraiser is straightforward and brings instant joy. The best part is they practically sell themselves. Who wouldn’t want to support a good cause and snag a dozen sweet treats while they’re at it?

Steps to Plan Your Donut Fundraiser

Set Your Goals

What are you raising funds for, and how much do you need? Be clear about your goals to stay on track and motivate your team to crush them.

Pick a Partner

Krispy Kreme is a fan favorite for a reason. Their fundraising program simplifies the process, providing crowd-pleasing donuts that are always a hit. With their recognizable brand and consistent quality, you’ll attract more supporters who already know and love their treats. 

If you prefer a more localized approach, consider partnering with a neighborhood bakery. Supporting small businesses can add a unique touch to your event and create a sense of community. Either way, ensure the donuts you’re serving will wow your crowd!

Plan the Details

Date and Location: Consider when and where your donut fundraiser will get the most attention. Morning school events or weekend farmers markets are perfect for catching those sweet cravings.

Quantity: To estimate how many donuts to order, start by evaluating your target audience and fundraising goals. It is always a good idea to check if your supplier offers bulk discounts, as this can help you adjust your order size while maximizing your profit margin.

Another option is to collect orders in advance and set a date for your supporters to pick up their orders. This approach eliminates the risk of buying more than you can sell. 

Get started quickly with Cheddar Up’s donut fundraiser template!

donut fundraiser template

Price It Right

Fundraising pricing requires balancing affordability with your goals. Start by calculating your cost per dozen (including taxes and any additional fees) and determine a reasonable markup. For example, if a dozen donuts cost $8, selling them for $12–$15 provides a healthy profit while remaining attractive to buyers. Think about your audience — are you targeting families, coworkers, or event attendees? Adjust your pricing to fit their expectations, and don’t forget to highlight the cause you’re supporting to encourage generosity!

Spread the Word

Get the buzz going! Share your event’s unique URL or QR code on social media. Hang flyers in high-traffic areas and add a catchy tagline like “Donuts for a Difference!”

Simplify Payments with Cheddar Up

Eliminate the hassle of managing cash and checks by using Cheddar Up. Supporters can conveniently pre-order and pay online, streamlining the payment process and saving you valuable time.

On the event day, you can use Cheddar Up’s point-of-sale system to handle in-person transactions easily, ensuring you don’t miss out on any last-minute sales. You’ll also be able to track orders, send updates, and even add an option for extra donations — because every minute saved and dollar earned helps you and your cause!

Rally Your Team

Volunteers make everything run smoother. Create a sign-up form and assign roles like donut distributor, cashier, and hype person to keep things organized and fun.

Keep It Safe

Check local regulations for food sales, and if you’re setting up at a public event, make sure you have any necessary permits.

Add a Sprinkle of Creativity

Want to take your donut fundraiser to the next level? Add some flair to keep people coming back for more:

DIY Donut Stations

Let people decorate their donuts with icing and toppings. Kids (and adults) will love it!

Fun Themes

Match your fundraiser to the season or a holiday. Whether heart-shaped donuts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin spice for fall, everyone loves a good theme.

Mini Challenges

Host a donut-eating contest or crown the most creative design. People will be talking about it for weeks.

What makes a Donut Fundraiser So Sweet

A donut fundraiser is as fun as it is effective. With some planning, a sprinkle of creativity, and Cheddar Up in your toolkit, you’ll raise funds and create memories that stick (just like the glaze on your fingers). Donuts bring people together — whether powdered, frosted, or filled with jelly — and that’s what makes this type of fundraiser so special.

Get your crew, grab some donuts, and raise some dough (pun intended)!

Before you go

Cheddar Up makes planning your donut fundraiser a piece of cake — or should we say, a donut! From collecting payments to tracking orders, it’s the ultimate tool to help you raise some serious dough with less stress and more fun.

Collect for FREE

Whether you’re collecting dues and fees, fundraising, managing an event, creating a sign up, or selling something online or in-person, you can do it with a Cheddar Up collection.