What About Craft Fair Fundraisers?
A fresh take on the classic bake sale fundraiser, artisan markets fundraisers help you build local relationships and grow your supporter base. Add online s hopping to the mix, and you extend that sense of community beyond the event itself.
Many nonprofits are getting creative with venues, such as hosting makers markets in partnership with breweries or cideries. These venues offer built-in foot traffic, a relaxed vibe, and a chance to tap into new audiences—especially young people who may not attend traditional fundraisers but love local goods, food trucks, and craft beverages. Partnering with a community-minded business can also reduce venue costs and open doors for cross-promotion.
Why Makers Markets Work for Fundraising
Community Connection
A visitor might come for pottery but leave with a handmade mug and a new appreciation for your cause. Hosting a maker’s market creates space for genuine connection—not just with products, but with your mission.
Adding an online fundraising component brings those same connections to people who can’t attend in person, allowing your community (and your reach) to grow.
Multiple Revenue Streams
A market fundraiser can help you reach your financial goals in several ways:
- Vendor fees: Charging makers a modest booth fee (typically $50–$150) generates up-front income to support your event.
- Sales percentage: Some events ask vendors to donate 10–20% of their sales—aligning everyone’s success with your mission.
- Custom merchandise: Hosting your own booth? Use it to sell branded clothing or goods made in collaboration with local artisans.
- Online orders: Extending the market online helps you reach more supporters and fundraise beyond the event day.
Planning Your Hybrid Artisan Market
At your physical event, vendors sell their own products, manage inventory, and handle transactions. To support your cause, they might:
- Pay a flat booth fee
- Donate a portion of their sales (often 10–20%)
- Contribute an item to a raffle or giveaway
This setup keeps things simple—vendors are responsible for their own sales and tax, while your organization benefits financially and builds relationships with makers and shoppers alike.
Online Sales: Donated or Consigned Items for Fundraising
The online portion of your sales fundraiser works a little differently, in that your vendors would be invited to provide a small number of items for online fundraising. These could be:
- Donated products, where the full sale amount supports your organization
- Consigned products, where the nonprofit fulfills the order and shares proceeds based on a pre-agreed split.
These items are listed only on your fundraising sales page, which helps keep things separate and clear. Before, during, and after your in-person market, you’d promoting these special items as “online exclusives” to encourage interest and help generate sales.
QR Code Integration
Thoughtfully placed QR codes can help tie every part of your artisan market back to your cause. Whether you’re encouraging donations or telling your story, these small tools offer a big opportunity to connect with supporters-on their terms. Use a combination of signage to make an impact:
Tabletop Signs at Vendor Booths
Print custom table tents that include QR codes that link to your donation page, a short impact video, or your email sign-up form. Add a brief line like “Your support makes events like this possible” or “Learn how your purchase helps.”
Posters or Vinyl Banners
Position vinyl banners or large posters at entrances and gathering areas that promote your organization’s mission. QR codes on these can lead to a branded fundraising page, a quick “about us” video, or a digital thank-you message from your team. Keep the tone warm and welcoming, not overly promotional.
Don’t Forget Your Organization’s Booth
As you put everything together, be sure to reserve a high-traffic spot for your nonprofit’s booth or table. Make your setup as on-brand as possible to boost recognition with reusable elements like a custom canopy tent, tablecloth, or even feather flags.
Use the space to collect donations, hand out brochures, sign up volunteers, or sell branded merch. A friendly face and clear signage with a QR code linking to your donation page can go a long way in building community support.
Bringing It All Together
A hybrid artisan market can be a powerful and memorable fundraiser, but it’s important to plan with care. Start small, communicate clearly with your vendors, and choose a sales model that fits your nonprofit’s capacity. With the right mix of organization and creativity, your event can celebrate local talent, bring your community together, and raise meaningful funds for your mission—both online and off.
The Eventgroove fundraising platform makes it easy to launch and manage all kinds of campaigns—from sales fundraisers to donation pages and peer-to-peer events—with built-in marketing tools to help you reach more supporters. Plus, our integrated printing services make it simple to order custom event signage, along with branded postcards, kiss-cut stickers, and more.
0 Comments