Ask An ECE

Let’s face it; daycare is not a big money business. Year after year, Supervisor’s and Daycare Boards scratch their heads for creative new ways to fundraise for program supplies, furnishings, trips and playground equipment.

Here are some ideas of events and programs that have served my centers well over the years:

Avon/Regal - Have your centre be the parents Avon/Regal representative. All it takes is a staff willing to collect fees and place orders and the centre reaps the rewards. Two centers I have worked in made most of their money through staff orders alone! Great during Christmas and other gift giving occasions.

Avon

Regal Greetings

Candles - These types of programs can be huge moneymakers over Christmas season. Scents Candles is the program I have had experience with. Families sell as many candles as they can and the daycare gets those candles at a discount. The difference is the daycare’s to keep. 35-45% profit can be expected.

Chocolate - Simple as can be. The centre purchases cases of brand name chocolate (we’ve used Mars in the past) and sells to parents/neighbours/family at a slight mark up. The product is peanut free, well known and affordable. Parents who work in large companies can usually sell by the case daily.

Fundtastic

Pampered Chef/Tupperware/ Creative Memories Party - Find a consultant willing to donate a percentage of their proceeds to your daycare and host a huge party at a local hall etc. If each family brings a few guests, you are looking at a great turnout.

Pampered Chef

Tupperware

Creative Memories

Yard Sale - Have local families, staff, daycare clients donate saleable goods for a huge yard sale. 100% proceeds go to the daycare. Canvas local merchants for donations/free advertising, perhaps hold a BBQ, sell lemonade as well.

BBQ - Host a BBQ for parents/staff/potential new families. This is a great advertising opportunity. Canvas local grocery stores for donations. With little to no overhead, all proceeds from food/drink sales go to your centre. This may be an excellent opportunity to hold a 50/50 raffle or silent auction as well.

Art Show - Parents cannot resist the hard work of their little Picassos. Have each child create a special masterpiece and hold an Art Gallery night. Coupled with parent/teacher interviews you are guaranteed a good turnout. Price the artwork or hold a silent auction. With no overhead, all proceeds go to you and if you had to have a parent night anyway, why not earn a little extra money at the same time?

Cookbook - Have staff/children/parents submit their favourite recipes for a daycare cookbook. Printing houses can usually get you a good deal on bulk orders. Assuming they are less then $5 each (we were quoted $3.75 each) and you sell for $10/each as a Christmas stocking stuffer idea, you stand to make quite the profit.

What other ideas have you used to raise funds for your daycare, or for any other organization?