School fundraisers often involve long hours, countless bake sales, and sometimes, a touch of fundraising fatigue.
But what if there was a way to raise money that was both fun and rewarding? Enter Candy Grams!
This unique fundraiser combines the joy of Valentine's Day with the power of giving back.
Students express their affection for classmates, teachers, and staff with a sweet treat and a personalized message.
Each Candy Gram sold directly supports your school or PTO, funding essential programs like new playground equipment, classroom supplies, or field trips.
It's a win-win situation: students spread cheer, and the school receives a much-needed boost.
What is a Candy Gram?
A Candy Gram is a delightful way to show someone you care. Imagine this: a small, thoughtful gift delivered right to their desk or locker.
Each Candy Gram typically includes a sweet treat – think a delicious candy bar, a colorful lollipop, or a bag of yummy gummies.
But the real magic lies in the personalized message that accompanies it.
This heartfelt note, written by the sender, adds a special touch that makes the recipient feel truly appreciated.
While Candy Grams are often associated with Valentine's Day, their charm transcends any single occasion. They can be adapted to celebrate birthdays, teacher appreciation week, or any other special moment that calls for a sweet gesture.
How to Run a Candy Gram Fundraiser
Goal: To raise funds for your school or PTO while spreading Valentine's Day cheer.
Each Candygram will include a sweet treat (e.g., small candy bar, lollipops) and a personalized message written by the sender.
Target Audience: Students and Families
Sales Approach: Distribute order forms to all classrooms.
Classroom Promotion: Encourage teachers to briefly mention the fundraiser in their classrooms.
- Promote on your school’s social media or communication plaforms.
- Create a colorful and eye-catching display in the school lobby to promote the fundraiser. Announce the fundraiser over the school intercom.
Order Form Collection:
- Assign a person or place (front office) for students and teachers to turn in order forms.
- Assign a staff member or PTO volunteer to check the order forms daily and separate the money for safe keeping.
Candy Gram Assembly:
- The Candy Grams will need to be assembled – the tags will need to be taped, stapled or tied to the candy with string.
- If it is a class set, we put a set of 22 candygrams in a ziploc bag for the student to pass out to the class. This is easier than handwriting all 22 student names on them, you don’t have to keep track of students moving in/out and this way the student gets to keep any extra.
- They will then need to be sorted by classroom teacher for easy delivery. (It’s easiest to have a bag/box for each teacher and sort the Candy Grams as you go).
- Create a system for assembly such as a room that volunteers can work at school, kits that parents can pick up and return or plan an assembly night for volunteers who are only available outside school hours. (You can also reach out to high school students who need volunteer hours).
Delivery:
- Deliver Candy Grams to classrooms on the designated afternoon. Assign volunteers to assist with delivery.
- Planning Tip: When planning your dates, start with your delivery date. Plan your deadline the Friday before your delivery date. Distribute your order forms at least two weeks before your deadline.
Candy Ideas:
Choose a candy that is fairly cheap to buy in bulk, will be easy to attach a to/from tag to and will be relatively easy to store!
- Ring Pops
- Fun Dip
- Blow Pops
- Lollipops
Purchasing Tips: Consider offering a variety of treat options to appeal to different preferences. Partner with local businesses for potential discounts on bulk candy purchases
EDITABLE Candy Gram Template
What’s Included in the EDITABLE Candy gram Fundraiser Template:
-2 Editable Order Forms (Canva templates)
-Fundraiser Outline that includes details such as:
- fundraiser goal
- target audience
- how to distribute and collect order forms
- marketing tips
- assembly and delivery of candygrams
- candy suggestions and tips for purchasing
-Reminder slips for an upcoming Candy Gram deadline
⭐️ Ideal for school administrators (principals) or Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs/PTAs) or Student Groups
How it Works:
Step One: Receive a PDF link to your Canva template as soon as your purchase is complete.
Step Two: Receive a PDF link to your Canva template as soon as your purchase is complete. Designs are editable via Canva.com or the Canva mobile app (free account registration requried).
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