Hosting a fundraiser with PopOff Popsicles is a fun, colorful, and tasty way to raise money for your school, team, nonprofit, or community group. But just like any fundraising campaign, it takes thoughtful planning and strong community engagement to make it a success. From choosing the right timing to creating buzz around your campaign, every decision matters. Whether this is your first time organizing PopOff fundraisers or you’re looking to improve from last year, these seven tips will help you get the most out of your efforts—and delight your supporters in the process.
1. Know Your Audience and Set Clear Goals
Before you start taking orders or posting on social media, ask yourself: who are you selling to, and what are you raising funds for? Your audience might be parents, students, local businesses, or a mix. Each group responds differently, so your messaging should reflect their interests and values.
For example, if you’re raising money for a sports team, highlight how funds will help cover travel costs or new uniforms. If your cause involves young kids, focus on community and fun.
At the same time, set a clear fundraising goal. How much do you want to raise, and by when? Whether it’s $1,000 or $10,000, knowing your target helps shape everything from pricing to how you track progress. Transparency builds trust, and people are more likely to support you when they know what their money is helping to achieve.
2. Choose the Right Time and Place
Timing matters. Plan your PopOff Popsicle fundraiser during warm weather months when people are craving a cool treat. Spring festivals, summer sports tournaments, or the last week of school are ideal. If you’re selling to workplaces or local businesses, aim for lunch hours or mid-afternoon slumps when a refreshing pick-me-up is most tempting.
The right location is equally important. High-traffic areas like school entrances, community parks, or popular local events are perfect places to set up shop. If you’re handling pre-orders, make pickup locations convenient and well-communicated to avoid confusion or missed orders.
3. Get the Word Out Early and Often
Marketing is key to making your fundraiser a success. Create buzz on social media, send emails, and ask team members or volunteers to help spread the word. The earlier you start, the better. Don’t wait until the day before your event to start promoting—it takes time to build momentum.
Use eye-catching visuals of colorful PopOff Popsicles and share your personal fundraising story. People connect with purpose. Post regular updates, teaser photos, countdowns, and testimonials from early supporters. If you’re working with schools or sports teams, ask teachers or coaches to share information with students and families.
4. Make It Easy to Buy and Support
Convenience can make or break your fundraiser. Offer multiple ways for people to participate—cash, Venmo, PayPal, or online ordering platforms. The easier it is to buy a popsicle, the more people will do it. If you’re accepting pre-orders, create a simple online form and include clear instructions on how and when to pick up the treats.
Be ready for impulse buyers at the event itself. Set up signs with pricing and have change or payment apps ready. Train your volunteers so the buying process is fast, fun, and friendly.
5. Involve Volunteers and Assign Roles
Successful PopOff fundraisers are powered by people. Recruit reliable volunteers who can help with setup, sales, deliveries, and cleanup. Don’t just ask for “help”—assign specific roles so everyone knows what they’re doing. For example, one person can handle social media promotion, another can manage money, and a third can coordinate pickup stations or deliveries.
Giving your volunteers a sense of ownership also makes them more enthusiastic about the fundraiser. And when everyone has a job to do, the event runs smoother and feels more professional—which leaves a better impression on supporters.
6. Add a Personal Touch
What sets your fundraiser apart from a store-bought popsicle? YOU. Adding personal touches can make a big difference. Customize your signage with photos of the kids, team, or community group benefiting from the fundraiser. Include hand-written thank you notes with each order or offer shout-outs on social media for your biggest supporters.
Consider naming a few popsicle flavors after local landmarks, team mascots, or inside jokes your audience will love. You can even hold a flavor-naming contest to generate extra engagement before the big day.
7. Follow Up With Gratitude and Results
Once the fundraiser wraps up, don’t let communication stop there. Let your supporters know how much they helped raise and what it’s going toward. Post a thank-you video or photo montage and tag key donors or volunteers. Gratitude turns one-time supporters into repeat donors.
If you have a mailing list or social platform, use it to report your final fundraising total and any big wins (like a new scoreboard or library books). Transparency builds long-term loyalty and sets the stage for your next PopOff Popsicle fundraiser to be even bigger.
Keep It Cool and Keep It Purposeful
Running a successful PopOff Popsicle fundraiser takes more than just good flavors—it requires thoughtful planning, community energy, and a focus on your mission. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or nonprofit leader, these seven tips can help you create an event that brings people together and raises the funds you need. Make it easy for people to say “yes” with great timing, smart promotion, and a personal touch that shows how much you care. With the right strategy and plenty of popsicles, your fundraiser will not only be successful—but memorable, too.
Looking for more ideas or ready to get started with your own PopOff Popsicle fundraiser? Connect with your local PopOff coordinator or visit the company’s website to find fundraising options that fit your group’s goals and community.
