Wrapping Paper Fundraisers: Are They Worth the Effort?

You might recall participating in gift wrap fundraisers for your school or church as a kid. Gift wrapping fundraisers are a nostalgic favorite, but is this classic fundraising idea still appropriate for your organization today?

Two ways to run a gift wrap fundraiser

If you're considering trying this idea, you'll first need to decide how to organize it. There are two popular approaches to running a wrapping paper fundraiser:

1. Partner with a wrapping paper fundraising company and sell its products. This is similar to any sales-based fundraiser, like selling candy or cookie dough.
   
   
2. Host a gift wrapping event to serve your supporters and community. This event will require volunteers, supplies, and a venue.

Evaluating the pros and cons

Before you commit, it's crucial to understand the pros and cons of a gift wrap fundraiser to determine if it's a viable option.

Biggest pros

• High demand around the holidays – A gift wrap fundraiser is timely and relevant if your group is sprinting to raise money around the holidays. If you host a gift wrapping event, you'll also provide a convenient service for your community—a much-appreciated service during the holiday bustle. 
  
  
• Builds community and visibility – Gift wrapping events bring folks together during the giving season, which can result in more support and awareness for your cause or organization. 

Biggest cons

• Costs – Hosting a gift wrap event means covering the cost of supplies and possibly renting a venue, which can shrink your profits. And if you’re selling wrapping paper through a fundraising company, you'll only earn a percentage of each sale.
  
  
• Seasonality – You'll likely want to run your gift wrap fundraiser during the holidays. While demand is high during this season, it limits your window to capture attention and raise funds. Plus, other groups may host similar fundraisers simultaneously, increasing competition.

Questions to ask yourself beforehand

These questions will help you decide if a wrapping paper fundraiser is a good fit for your organization.

• Who is our audience? Do your supporters actually want to buy wrapping paper or pay for wrapping services? Would they be willing to bring their presents to a venue, like a school or church, or prefer not to go out of their way?
  
  
• Do we have enough volunteers? Whether you're wrapping gifts or managing sales, this type of fundraiser requires time, energy, and support from your team.
  
  
• What is our budget? Do we have sponsors or partners? If your budget is tight, consider contacting local businesses to donate supplies or offer venue space. But keep in mind that securing sponsorships takes time and outreach.
  
  
• Does timing make sense? Is there competition in the area? Competing with other holiday fundraisers or local events may impact participation.

How to start a gift wrap fundraiser

Start with these steps if you decide to move forward with a gift wrap fundraiser.

1. Set goals – Decide how much money you want to raise and how much you’re willing to invest.
   
   
2. Pick a date, time, and venue – If you make the fundraiser an event, determine where and when you want to hold it. If you partner with a wrapping paper fundraising company, decide on the dates for your sale. 
   
   
3. Assemble a team – Gather enough volunteers to help wrap gifts or sell wrapping paper to family, friends, and community members. 
   
   
4. Gather supplies – For a gift wrapping event, choose a supplier or buy materials independently. You’ll need scissors, tape, bows, ribbons, and tags. For a sales-based fundraiser, have a catalog and samples on hand.
   
   
5. Promote your fundraiser – Wrapping paper fundraisers need marketing to get the word out, which could involve hanging posters, posting on social media, or sending flyers and materials home with students or group members. Make sure to include information about the cause your funds will support.

An easier, more sustainable alternative

Want to avoid the time and stress of seasonal or sales-based fundraisers? 

RaiseRight is a passive fundraising platform that makes it easy to raise money 24/7, 365 days a year. Earn funds all year long—without the extra work. 

Start by enrolling your organization in a RaiseRight program (it’s free!). Then, add participants to your program, where they can buy gift cards, shop online, dine at local restaurants, or book travel.

Every purchase earns up to 20% back (or more!) for your organization. With hundreds of brands to choose from, like Starbucks, Nike, ULTA Beauty, and more, fundraising is as easy as shopping at your favorite places.

Top earners raise $1,000 or more yearly, just by using RaiseRight wherever they shop or dine. If you're curious about how much your household can earn in one year, try our free earning potential calculator: