If you’re a school administrator, coach, or parent booster stuck on fundraising duty, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What kind of fundraiser will work this year?”
After cookie dough, raffle tickets, popcorn tins, and awkward door-to-door sales, it’s easy to feel like all the “Good” ideas are tapped out.
But here’s something you may not have considered yet: Detergent fundraising.
Yes, laundry detergent.
It might not sound flashy initially, but detergent fundraising is one of the smartest, highest-impact options available to schools and sports teams today. It’s practical, profitable, and surprisingly easy to execute.
Let’s break down why detergent fundraising works and why schools and teams across the country are ditching the old-school methods for this cleaner, smarter option.
Why Traditional School and Team Fundraisers Are Failing
Before we dive into what makes detergent fundraising different, let’s talk about what’s not working:
- Low profits: Most fundraisers give you a 20–30% cut. That means for every $1,000 in sales, you might only keep $200–$300 (Source: Medium).
- Unnecessary products: People are overbuying things they don’t want, like wrapping paper in April or overpriced chocolate bars.
- Burnout: Volunteers and parents are worn out from complicated fundraisers that demand hours of planning with little return.
- Short shelf life: You push a fundraiser for two weeks, and once it’s done… that’s it. No recurring income. No sustainability.
You’re not failing; the system is.
So… Is Detergent Fundraising a Good Fit?
Let’s get straight to it: Detergent fundraising is highly effective for schools and sports teams.
Here’s why:
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Everyone Needs It
Laundry detergent is a household necessity. According to 2ULaundry, the average American family washes 300-390 laundry loads per year, which means they spend between $180-$600 per year on detergent. You’re not selling a luxury item. You’re helping people buy something they already need while supporting a cause they care about.
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Massive Value = Massive Sales Potential
Sudz Fundraising offers a 5-gallon bucket of high-quality detergent for around $50. That’s the equivalent of 300–500 loads, which means buyers save 40–60% compared to store-bought brands.
Supporters get more value than what they’d buy at Walmart or Target, and you get to keep 50% profit per sale. It’s a win-win.
Let’s Talk Numbers: Real Fundraising Math
Traditional Fundraiser Example
- Candy bar sales: $1 per bar.
- 500 bars sold = $500.
- Profit (30%): $150.
Detergent Fundraising with Sudz
- 100 buckets sold at $50 each = $5,000.
- Profit (50%): $2,500.
That’s not a typo. You earn over 16x more by selling something people want.
Why It Works for Schools
School budgets are stretched thin. Between field trips, classroom supplies, sports fees, and extracurriculars, there’s always a need for additional funding.
Detergent fundraising gives schools:
- A unique, high-value product.
- No extra spending for parents.
- High earning potential with fewer sales.
- No upfront costs or complex logistics.
From elementary school music departments to high school marching bands, detergent sales are practical, profitable, and easy to promote.
Why It Works for Sports Teams?
Uniforms, gear, tournament travel, and team meals add up. And let’s be honest: Athletes and their families don’t have time to manage a bake sale or run a car wash every weekend.
Detergent fundraising gives sports teams:
- Serious fundraising power without sacrificing practice time.
- A high-margin product that sells itself.
- A one-and-done system that doesn’t burn out parents or players.
- A fundraising strategy that works at scale (Think $5K to $ 50k+).
Whether you’re coaching a travel baseball team or a varsity cheer squad, detergent fundraising is a powerful tool that frees you up to focus on winning, not just surviving.
Why Detergent Fundraising Feels Right for Buyers
Let’s talk psychology for a second.
Supporters don’t want to feel guilted into buying things. They want to:
- Feel good about their purchase.
- Get something valuable in return.
- Support a cause they believe in.
Sudz Fundraising nails all three. When you run a detergent fundraiser, you’re not begging, you’re offering a great product, at a great value, for a great cause.
That’s powerful.
And buyers aren’t one-time donors, they’re now detergent customers who come back next season for refills. That means your fundraiser can become recurring without reinventing the wheel.
Real Success Stories
School: Cedar Grove Middle School (North Carolina)
Goal: Fund an 8th-grade field trip to Washington, D.C.
Raised: $6,200 in under 4 weeks.
How: Each student sold an average of 10 buckets.
“We’ve tried everything from gift wrap to Krispy Kreme cards. This was the first time we hit our goal and kept most of the money.” – PTA Chair.
Sports Team: Lakeside Junior Football (Ohio)
Goal: Purchase new helmets and pay tournament fees
Raised: $8,000 in 3 weeks
How: Team parents and players are promoted on Facebook and during games
“This fundraiser saved our season. It’s not just about soap, it’s about making the season happen.” – Head Coach.
Common Questions (And Real Answers)
Is detergent fundraising safe for kids to promote?
Yes. Sudz doesn’t require kids to carry products or collect money door-to-door. Orders can be made online or in secure group environments.
Do buyers actually like the product?
Yes. Sudz has a high repeat customer rate. The detergent is eco-friendly, safe for sensitive skin, and competitively priced.
Can this be scaled for big goals?
Absolutely. Whether you need $500 or $50,000+, we help you scale with tools and coaching.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Fundraiser.
It’s a Movement
You’ve worked too hard for too little return.
You deserve a fundraiser that respects your time, values your effort, and helps you reach your goals.
Sudz Fundraising is more than soap, it’s a strategy that works because it meets your supporters where they already are: At home, doing laundry, wanting to help.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Ready to Raise More with Less Effort?
If you’re ready to stop begging and start winning, your next step is simple:
Book your FREE fundraising coaching call here
You’ll talk with a real person who will help you plan your best fundraiser ever without the stress, without the guesswork.
Let’s raise more.
Let’s stop selling junk.
Let’s start selling what works.
