Updated July 2020 – New streamlined pricing structure
Keepsakes are a reliable and self-sustaining way of raising funds in schools, most notably because they provide families with a permanent reminder of their child at a certain point in time, and also because they are sugar-free, fat-free and fuss-free.
Fundraising Mugs have been offering customised mugs in a range of designs since 2014. Their special printing process means the design is printed into the mug so it will not fade, peel or scratch off and is 100% dishwasher and microwave safe.
The images can be drawn, painted, sketched or printed onto any white paper, with a template supplied. When received at Fundraising Mugs the image is then scanned into the computer, edited without changing the artwork, then printed on special paper using dye sublimation ink that turns to gas when heated and becomes part of the mugs
All fundraising mugs come in a white gift box.
Fundraising Idea
Product: customised ceramic or polymer mugs printed with children’s artwork and drawings
Suitable for: schools, playgroups, childcare groups, sporting clubs and other community groups
Profit: variable – suggested profit from $4 to $11 per mug
Although this article is sponsored by one of my advertisers, I think they are a great product that I am proud to be sharing with my readers.
Fundraising Mugs Available
Only one style of mug can be chosen for each fundraiser.
The ceramic mug is a plain white, high gloss 11oz ceramic mug.
Microwave and dishwasher safe (for 3,000 cycles).
Cost: $14 per mug. Sale price $18 – $22 (includes freight within Australia)
Profit: $6 – $10
The other option is for a strong polymer mug, meaning it is virtually unbreakable. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe and holds 11oz.
The polymer mug is plain white and can be printed with a full colour painting or drawing.
Cost: $14 per mug. Sale price $18 – $25 (includes freight within Australia)
Profit: $4 – $11
How to hold a Fundraising Mugs drive
Fundraising Mugs drives require very little volunteer time and effort if you are able to have the teachers commit some class time to making the drawings/designs.
Simply register your organisation with Fundraising Mugs [www.fundraisingmugs.com.au or email sales@fundraisingmugs.com.au] and begin to promote your event. You will be provided with a letter template to send home to families, along with posters to advertise your fundraiser and a sample mug to put on display.
Organise for children to create their designs. This can be done privately at home, in class or with the art teacher. Encourage parents to view the children’s design as this will capture their interest and entice additional sales.
Collect orders and payment.
Send through the designs (paid designs only).
The mugs will be ready in 4 to 12 weeks depending on the size of the order. Express deadlines will be considered and all efforts will be made to complete to your timeframe. Payment is due on delivery.
Delivery is FREE.
One carton contains 48 mugs (36 x 36 x 42cm) and weighs 18kg.
How much profit can you make?
If you sell 100 standard mugs at the minimum recommended price ($18) you will make a profit of $600. If you sell 250 mugs, your profit would be $1,500.
If you sell 100 polymer mugs for the maximum recommended price ($25) you will make a profit of $1,100. If you sell 250 mugs, your profit would be $2,750.
Things to consider
This fundraiser is designed to be done at any time of the year, it also works especially well in the lead up to Mother’s or Father’s Day and Christmas. You can order as many or as few mugs of each design, making them a great gift for family and friends.
It is highly suitable for schools that are closed or social distancing due to COVID-19 as the entire process can be done online.
This fundraiser has minimal waste, is sugar free, promotes the arts and is inclusive for all ages and abilities. For the youngest children, you can do handprints or images made with fingerprints. For high school students, it is a great way of reproducing their special art designs.
It is also easily replicable every year or every two years, as you can promote how much the children’s art skills have improved each year. Alternatively, you can have a theme every year – Christmas designs one year, Easter the next or follow the art curriculum and get children to do self-portraits one year or impressionist designs the next. Drum up excitement by holding a competition for the best mug (per year group) as chosen by your Art Teacher or Principal.
You could turn it into a family event – such as for Mother’s Day or Grandparents Day – where both the children and Grandparents design mugs together (or make separate images). You can make it optional whether Grandparents/Parents purchase their mugs afterwards, some people might just enjoy drawing with their kids, others will want to see their designs in real life. Combine it with a fundraising morning tea, sausage sizzle, raffle or other event to make it even more special.
You can send home paper for other family members to create designs (such as parents or younger siblings).
It’s best to avoid gel pens and fluorescent markers, as the colour does not reproduce as well as standard textas and paints.
For orders of 25+ for a single design, the price will reduce considerably. If you are interested in designing a mug for a special event such as graduation, fete sponsor thank you, school anniversary or other special event, contact Fundraising Mugs directly to discuss prices.
For more information or to book a fundraiser, head to Fundraising Mugs.
