Fundraising budget planner

How to work out fundraising profit

First, subtract the supplier cost from the amount supporters pay for each item. That is your margin per item. Multiply that margin by the number of items sold, then subtract costs that apply to the whole fundraiser.

Profit = (selling price − supplier cost) × items sold − other costs.

For example, selling 100 items for $20 each with a supplier cost of $12 gives you $800 before other costs. If printing, delivery and payment fees total $100, your group keeps $700. These are example amounts only.

What belongs in the budget?

• The full amount you owe the supplier, including any minimum order or delivery charge.
• Payment processing or platform fees that your group pays.
• Printing, packaging, venue hire and other costs specific to your fundraiser.
• Any money already committed, so you know what you need before taking orders.

Use consistent amounts throughout. If tax treatment affects your group, ask the person who handles your accounts which figures to use. Do not count donated items as a cash expense, but make a note of what you would need to replace if that donation falls through.

Work backwards from your goal

Divide your target plus fixed costs by the margin per item, then round up to the next whole item. The calculator does this for you. Split the result across the people taking part to check whether the order target feels realistic.

A bigger selling price does not always mean a better fundraiser. Compare the profit, storage needs, time and likely demand before choosing. Keep estimates separate from confirmed orders.