6 Profitable Popcorn Fundraising Ideas

Nationwide, over 238 million Americans consume popcorn annually, so it's no surprise that popcorn fundraisers are a hit. This fundraising idea is a smart alternative to candy or cookie dough sales, which are harder to position as healthy.

Like any sales-based fundraiser, the goal of popcorn fundraising is simple: profit by selling popcorn at a higher price than you pay. And thanks to its popularity, there are many popcorn fundraising partners you can partner with to handle inventory and shipping.

Most popcorn fundraisers focus on ready-to-eat gourmet popcorn in a variety of flavors. But you can also sell: 

• Bags of traditional or heirloom popping kernels
• Popcorn seasoning, coatings, or add-ins
• Microwaveable popcorn or poppers
• Recipe booklets for DIY popcorn options

Looking to go beyond the basics or prefer to run your own popcorn fundraiser without a company taking a cut? Let's explore six creative popcorn fundraising ideas to help you stand out and maximize profits.

1. Buy and resell

For one of the simplest and most profitable popcorn fundraising models, purchase popcorn or kernels in bulk at wholesale prices, then rebrand and resell them at school stores, concession stands, or community events.

You'll have complete control over your pricing, profits, and sales strategy, whether you prefer to go door-to-door, sell during lunch or after school, or set up a booth at games or community events.

2. Sell DIY popcorn kits

Take the "buy and resell" model one step further with homemade popcorn kits. Package up kernels or ready-to-eat popcorn with custom seasonings, toppings, or recipe cards, perfect for gifts or at-home movie nights. 

Purchase ingredients in bulk and mix your own seasonings or flavor blends for a special homemade touch that also keeps your profits high.

3. Pair popcorn with events to boost visibility 

Bring popcorn to the party—literally. Selling popcorn at events with built-in audiences is one of the easiest ways to boost your fundraising success.

Sports games or parades

Sell gourmet popcorn during school games, tournaments, or community celebrations.

Movie nights or outdoor movie season

Host your own movie night or partner with local organizations already running open-air film series.

Viewing parties

Time your popcorn fundraiser around major events like the Super Bowl, the Oscars, or the finale of a popular show. Sell tickets and popcorn as part of the experience.

4. Charge more for unique flavors

The most popular popcorn flavors in the U.S. are butter, caramel, white cheddar, and sea salt, but adding a few unexpected twists can help you stand out and justify higher prices. Experiment with trendy flavors inspired by: 

• Global eats such as masala, elote, or Thai coconut curry
• Sugary cereals or specific candy mixes (i.e., Fruity Pebbles, M&Ms)
• Specialty salts like seaweed, vanilla, chili, or smoked

Alternatively, consider:

• Using food dyes to represent school or state color schemes 
• Packaging with shaped or decorated boxes or bags
• Creating themed mixes inspired by popular movies or games

5. Take pre-orders or stick to online sales

Consider taking pre-orders or moving entirely to online sales to minimize leftover inventory and make your popcorn fundraiser easier to manage. 

Promote your popcorn fundraiser and collect orders using digital order forms, your organization's website, or social media. This method works exceptionally well if you prefer to sell DIY popcorn kits or unique flavor creations.

6. Sell gourmet popcorn gift cards 

What if you could run a popcorn fundraiser without the hassle of pre-orders, shopping for ingredients, or making sales pitches to family and friends?

With a free RaiseRight fundraising program, you can do just that—and more.

Here's how it works: Your group earns money by buying gift cards, shopping online, dining out, or booking travel. RaiseRight partners with hundreds of popular brands, including gourmet popcorn favorites like The Popcorn Factory and Harry & David.

You'll earn 12% back on gift cards for these brands, plus up to an additional 3% when you shop online through RaiseRight. So if you sell $500 worth of gift cards, your group could earn $75—without popping a kernel!

And it doesn't stop at popcorn. RaiseRight empowers you to earn on everyday (and not-so-everyday) purchases at brands like Walmart, Starbucks, The Home Depot, ULTA Beauty, and DoorDash. Our top families bring in $1,000+ yearly, just by using RaiseRight as they shop or dine! 

If you're curious about how much your household can earn in one year, try our free earning potential calculator today:

It's fundraising that fits seamlessly into your routine, and turns every purchase into an opportunity to raise money.