How to run a successful special occasion balloon delivery fundraiser

To get started with your balloon delivery service fundraising program, you’ll need to have a website where people can see what you offer and be able to place orders. If you don’t already have a website, you can easily set one up on platforms like Squarespace or Wix. Consider creating several different balloon bouquets that people can choose from for each special occasion category. For example, you may want to have 4 different graduation bouquets, each consisting of a mix between 17” or larger Mylar balloons with graduation messages printed on them and 11” or larger colored latex balloons. In total, one bouquet would have around 8 balloons total. Printed Mylar balloons should cost you less than $0.50 each and standard helium quality latex balloons will cost around $0.10 each.

All of your materials can be ordered in bulk through Amazon, which will save you a lot of money over buying retail. A full balloon bouquet should cost you between $5 and $8 depending on what you decide to purchase and include. The balloons themselves are cheap when purchased in bulk. If you want to add the large ‘number’ or ‘letter’ balloons, those will cost more. It’s a good idea to know exactly what your bouquet designs will look like before you actually place any orders.

Once your products come in, you can go ahead and create some images of your bouquet options which you can then post to your website. Use Canva to help create your images. Figure out what prices you want to charge for each bouquet based on your cost of materials plus anticipated deliver charges to cover your mileage. You should have no issues charging at least $60 per bouquet plus a $10 delivery charge within your service area. This will still make your balloon delivery service cheaper than most flower shops. Your profit generated for each bouquet that your group or club sells will be $50 plus. Be sure to set your delivery area and clearly state the boundaries on your website. With each balloon bouquet, you’ll want to include a note card letting the recipient know who the balloons are from. Be sure to promote the fact that each order goes to support your organization. Put this messaging on your website, on the note cards, and on any promotional materials that you create. Consider offering add-ons with each balloon bouquet order such as chocolate or teddy bears to increase your revenue.

Utilize multiple channels to help spread the word about your balloon delivery service, including community newsletters, social media platforms, community bulletin boards, and local newspapers. Be sure to promote in local Facebook groups! Once word gets out, the orders will start rolling in.

Keep in mind that hospitals generally don’t allow latex balloons, so you may want to make your get well wishes bouquets all Mylar and price them slightly higher.