Candle fundraisers remain one of the most popular ways to raise money, and for good reasons—they're a fan-favorite, easy to sell, and perfect for the holidays.
But the landscape has shifted. Yankee Candle, long the go-to name in candle fundraising, actually ended its official program in 2020. Good news, though: you can still fundraise with the brand—and arguably more effectively than before.
We're sharing the best candle fundraiser options available today, plus a smarter alternative to this traditional fundraising idea.
Jump to:
- Do candle fundraisers actually work?
- Best candle fundraising companies, including Yankee Candle
- A more profitable alternative to traditional candle fundraising
Do candle fundraisers actually work?
Candle fundraisers can be effective, but your profits will vary depending on the program you choose. Some candle fundraising programs only require you to pay back the cost of the candles, while others may keep 55% or more of the profits.
Luckily, candles are a crowd-pleaser. The candle industry tops $3 billion annually, and these products are strong sellers during the holiday season, where about 35% of annual sales occur.
However, candle fundraising can be logistically complicated and not ideal for smaller groups or volunteers short on time. You'd be be taking orders, managing inventory, and distributing products, so you'll need to decide if this is worth your time and effort.
Best candle fundraising companies, including Yankee Candle
Check out these popular options if you're ready to pursue candle fundraising for your organization.
1. Yankee Candle via RaiseRight
Yankee Candle closed its official candle fundraising program in 2020, but you can still fundraise with them through RaiseRight (and in many ways, it's better than the original program).
Instead of selling from a catalog, you can purchase Yankee Candle eGift cards at face value through RaiseRight. Your group will earn 8% (or more) back with every gift card purchase while keeping 100% of the earnings. No order forms, no inventory, and no distribution necessary!
Give supporters the flexibility to shop for candles on their own time, at their own pace, with no selling required. With RaiseRight eGift cards, they choose what they want, when they want it.
Start a free RaiseRight program today >
2. Bath & Body Works via RaiseRight
Bath & Body Works candles are beloved for a reason. With dozens of enticing scents and beautifully designed jars for every season, their single-wick and three-wick candles are renowned for burning evenly and creating a luxurious atmosphere.
While they don't offer an official candle fundraiser program, you can still use RaiseRight to buy Bath & Body Works gift cards at face value. Supporters can shop their favorite scents, and your organization earns up to 20% back.
Start a free RaiseRight program today >
3. Candleberry Candles
This Kentucky-based, family-run candle company has crafted high-quality candles for nearly 30 years. Their fundraising program is standard: your group earns approximately $11 per candle sold; to raise $1,000, you'll need to sell 90 large candles, and to raise $5,000, you'd need to sell 450 large candles.
If you have a larger group with a strong base of supporters or a broad community to engage, this candle fundraiser might be a good fit.
4. Chestnut Hill Candle Company
Another small, family-run business with lower minimums, Chestnut Hill Candle Company, based in West Virginia, is an excellent option. They offer free delivery, 40% profit, and candles priced at just $13, allowing your group to earn up to $5 per candle sold.
With 18 seasonal fragrances to choose from, it's easy to appeal to your supporters. However, fundraising spots are limited, so sign up on their website to secure your spot for an upcoming season.
5. Shortie's Candle Company
You might recognize Shortie's Candle Company from retailers like Whole Foods, but this family-owned and operated business still handcrafts every candle with care.
Their candle fundraising program allows your group to earn 40% without pre-purchasing inventory. However, you must limit your selection to 10 scents in 9oz jars. There are start-up fees and shipping costs, so it’s worth crunching the numbers to ensure Shortie’s is the right fit for your fundraising goals.
6. True North Candle Company
True North Candle Company, a Michigan-based business known for hand-poured candles, offers a generous candle fundraising program with 50% or more earnings. With no minimum order requirements, upfront fees, or shipping costs on orders of 100+ candles, it’s a cost-effective choice.
Note that you'll need to place orders manually using their print-ready brochures and order forms, which may add extra time and effort to your candle fundraiser.
7. Oso Candle Company
This Orlando, Florida-based brand offers an easy, straightforward candle fundraising program: your group earns $10 for every 8.5-oz glass jar candle sold at $20 each. Their fragrance lineup changes seasonally and includes unique Florida-inspired scents like Fresh Grapefruit, Pink Flamingo, and Beach Blanket, adding a special touch that supporters will love.
A brighter alternative to candle fundraisers
If candle fundraising burns you out, there's a more effective way to earn money: RaiseRight.
This passive, no-selling fundraising program is ideal for any school, sports team, church, or other nonprofit organization. Here's how to get started:
- Enroll your organization in a RaiseRight program—it's free to join!
- Program participants will earn money as they shop, dine, or book travel. RaiseRight partners with hundreds of brands, including Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and retailers you visit daily, like Walmart, CVS, and Starbucks.
- Your group earns a percentage back from every purchase.
With RaiseRight, your earning potential is unlimited. Plus, gift cards never expire and can be used year-round. So, consider running a "DIY" candle fundraiser with Yankee Candle or Bath & Body Works gift cards from RaiseRight.
Say goodbye to the headaches of a traditional candle fundraiser (like profit cuts, order taking, and inventory management), and enjoy a smoother, more profitable fundraising experience.
Check out RaiseRight candle fundraising in action: buy one $100 Yankee Candle eGift card with 8% earnings, and one $100 Bath & Body Works eGift card with 17% earnings (on bonus). You'll earn $25 towards your fundraiser! It's that simple.
Ready to start earning with RaiseRight?
Here are some next steps to get the ball rolling:
- Learn more about how RaiseRight works.
- Download The RaiseRight Fundraising Playbook and share it with others in your organization.
- Start a free program by completing a short, online enrollment form.
If your organization is already earning with RaiseRight, you just need your enrollment code to create an account and begin fundraising right away.
