From wrapping paper to cookie dough, schools across the country have been leaning on the same old fundraising methods for decades. But here’s the truth they’re not cutting it anymore. They’re time-consuming, offer low returns, and let’s be real… most parents are tired of spending $20 on a tub of cookie dough that ends up freezer-burned before it’s ever opened.
So what are schools doing instead?
They’re turning to detergent product fundraising, and for good reason.
Schools Need More Money, But Less Hassle
Let’s start with the reality on the ground: School budgets are tighter than ever.
- According to the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), more than 90% of U.S. public schools reported needing additional funding to maintain or improve basic operations.
- PTAs and school organizations are now responsible for covering costs that used to be handled by district budgets, such as field trips, classroom technology, and teacher stipends.
And with rising costs, inflation, and parent fatigue, traditional fundraising isn’t working the way it used to.
That’s why schools are saying goodbye to candy bars and hello to Sudz Fundraising, a better, smarter solution that’s built on real household needs.
What Is Detergent Product Fundraising?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: Selling high-quality, bulk-size laundry detergent and cleaning products instead of the typical junk nobody wants.
But it’s not just about the soap, it’s about the results.
With Sudz Fundraising, schools earn 50% profit on every sale, no middlemen, no gimmicks. Just clean laundry and clean earnings.
Why Schools Are Making the Switch
1. Parents Are Burned Out from “Junk Fundraisers”
Ask any parent how they feel about buying overpriced popcorn or candles from a school fundraiser. You’ll probably get a polite smile or a sigh of resignation.
The problem? Those items feel like charity asks, not value-driven purchases.
With detergent fundraising, families aren’t “Donating”, they’re buying a necessary product that saves them time and money.
2. Detergent Is a Daily Essential
Let’s talk data:
- The average American household does between 300 loads of laundry per year. (Source: Energy Star).
- The global laundry detergent market is expected to hit $41.65 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.
This is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. When schools offer detergent, they’re tapping into an evergreen product people already plan to buy.
3. Higher Profit, Less Effort
Here’s the brutal truth: Most school fundraisers barely break even.
A wrapping paper fundraiser may only give your school 30% profit, after you factor in platform fees, shipping, and processing. That means for every $1,000 sold, your school keeps just $300.
With Sudz Fundraising, you keep 50%. That’s $500 for every $1,000, and there are no hidden fees.
It adds up fast:
- Sell 200 buckets at $50 each = $10,000 in revenue.
- Keep $5,000 straight into your school’s pocket.
No car washes. No selling raffle tickets. No burnout.
4. Easy to Run, Even for Small PTA Teams
Most schools don’t have a full-time development office or fundraising director. Many campaigns are run by one or two parents wearing way too many hats.
Sudz Fundraising keeps it simple:
- Digital order tracking.
- Step-by-step launch plans.
- Pre-built marketing templates.
- Personal fundraising coach support.
Even if you’ve never run a fundraiser, Sudz makes it feel manageable and fun.
Real Results: Sudz in Schools
Here’s what’s happening when schools switch to detergent fundraising:
Case Study #1: Small Rural Elementary School
- Goal: Raise $2,000 for library upgrades.
- Number of students: 160.
- Duration: 4 weeks.
- Outcome: $3,200 raised.
Parents loved the idea of buying something they’d use anyway. Teachers didn’t have to push hard. Everyone walked away with clean laundry and a cleaner library.
Case Study #2: Urban High School PTA
- Goal: Fund travel for the state academic decathlon.
- Number of students: 600.
- Duration: 3 weeks.
- Outcome: $7,800 raised.
The PTA promoted it through newsletters and social media, leveraging Sudz’s easy-to-use graphics and messaging. The result? More funds, less hassle, and repeat customers asking when the next soap sale is.
The Psychology Behind Why It Works
Fundraising success isn’t just about the product, it’s about how it makes people feel.
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It’s a “No-Brainer” Buy
People hate feeling pressured to buy things they don’t need. But detergent? That’s already on the grocery list. There’s no guilt, no pressure, just convenience.
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It Feels Like Smart Spending
Instead of spending $20 on novelty items, families get a 4-6 month supply of detergent that’s eco-friendly, safe for sensitive skin, and high quality.
It’s a value exchange, not a handout.
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It Strengthens School-Community Trust
When fundraisers feel fair, families stay engaged. And that trust translates into stronger community support, more volunteers, and better long-term engagement.
The Hidden Bonus: Support Without Sacrifice
There’s a reason we call Sudz Fundraising “Clean fundraising.”
- No pressure.
- No selling junk.
- No asking for favors.
- No guilt.
Instead, you’re offering something helpful, affordable, and practical while earning more for your school in less time.
And because of that, many schools find that their Sudz campaigns perform better year over year, with repeat buyers coming back because they loved the first experience.
Check out this Edutopia article on sustainable school funding models.
But Don’t Just Run It, Run It With Help
Every school that partners with Sudz gets free access to a fundraising coach.
That’s not just a bonus, it’s a game-changer.
Your coach helps you:
- Set smart fundraising goals.
- Launch on time and with confidence.
- Promote effectively.
- Overcome mid-campaign slowdowns.
- Close strong and report wins to your school board.
Most importantly? You’re not doing this alone.
Ready to Bring Sudz Fundraising to Your School?
You care about your school. You want to raise money without draining parents, teachers, or volunteers. That’s what Sudz Fundraising is for.
No fluff. No stress. Just smart fundraising that works.
Ready to ditch the cookie dough for something that moves the needle?
Let us help you launch a detergent fundraiser that earns more, works faster, and leaves everyone smiling (And smelling fresh).
