Lemonade Stand Fundraisers

Calling all future lemonade stand entrepreneurs! Are you ready to dive into the sweet world of fundraising? Well, you’re in for a treat because I’m here to guide you through the exciting journey of holding a lemonade stand fundraiser. Get ready to make a splash and raise money for a good cause while having a blast! Then feel free to add this to your growing list of classroom fundraising ideas.

Will this work for me?

Is selling lemonade a profitable fundraiser? You be the judge.

 

• • Alex lemonade Stand has raised over $250 million to help fight children’s cancer.

• • Young girl raises over $6,000 for Baton Rouge Police Department officers by selling lemonade. She beat her fundraising goal by $5,000!

• • Five year old boy raises $17,000 for Maui wildfire victims.

• • Young boy raises $3000 for a grieving family in Western New York.

• • 9-year-old’s lemonade stand raises over $5K for baby brother’s medical bills

Now we can’t promise how much you can raise for your cause. However, we can give you some ideas and tips to get you in the lemonade fundraising business in no time.

When to host your fundraiser

So, the first question that might pop into your head is, “When should we host our fundraiser?” Timing is everything, my young fundraising enthusiasts, and I’m here to help you choose the perfect moment to set up your lemonade stand.

Seasonal Sensibility

The best time to host your lemonade stand fundraiser depends on the season. Lemonade is most refreshing and popular during the warm and sunny days of spring and summer. That’s when people are more likely to crave a cold, tangy drink. So, aim to schedule your fundraiser during these delightful seasons.

Local Events and Holidays

Pay attention to your community’s calendar. Are there any local events or holidays coming up? Hosting your lemonade stand during these times can be a brilliant idea. People often come together during events. For instance, think about the 4th of July holiday as a possible opportunity. Also, consider any local festivals or parades that hundreds of thirsty visitors will enjoy.

Choosing the Perfect Location:

Alright, young fundraisers, now that you’ve picked the ideal time for your lemonade stand fundraiser, it’s time to choose the perfect spot to set up shop. Remember, location can make a big difference in your success, so let’s explore some awesome options:

1. Your Front Yard:

Your own front yard can be a fantastic place to start. It’s convenient, and your friends and neighbors will likely be your first customers. Plus, it’s a safe and familiar place for you to work.

2. Local Parks:

Parks are popular spots for lemonade stands. They attract lots of people, especially on weekends. Check if you need any permits or permissions from your local authorities to set up shop in a park.

3. Busy Street Corners:

If you want to go big, consider setting up your stand on a busy street corner (with permission, of course). More traffic means more potential customers, so it’s an excellent choice for ambitious fundraisers.

4. School Grounds:

If your school allows it, you can set up your lemonade stand near the entrance or during a school event. Your classmates and their families can easily swing by to grab a refreshing drink.

5. Local Events:

Remember those local events and holidays we talked about earlier? Those can be excellent locations. Be sure to ask the event organizers for permission and find a strategic spot where people will see your stand.

6. Community Gatherings:

Community centers, farmers’ markets, and church events are other great locations to consider. These places often have lots of foot traffic, and people are usually in a giving mood.

7. Partner with Local Businesses:

Some local businesses may be open to the idea of hosting your lemonade stand near their entrance. It’s a win-win situation: they get extra foot traffic, and you get more customers.

8. Online Options:

In today’s digital age, you can also consider taking your lemonade stand online. Use social media platforms and websites to promote your fundraiser. People can make donations or order lemonade for delivery or pickup. Just make sure to follow all the necessary online safety guidelines.

Remember, the key is to choose a location where you can attract lots of thirsty passersby and where you have permission to set up your stand. Once you’ve selected the perfect spot, it’s time to move on to the fun part—preparing your lemonade and creating an eye-catching setup. Stay tuned for more lemonade stand success tips!

What You’ll Need for Your Fundraiser:

Now that you know when and where to host your lemonade stand fundraiser, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make it a sweet success. Get ready to gather your supplies and get things rolling:

1. Lemonade Ingredients:

First things first, you’ll need the star of the show—lemonade! Here’s what you’ll need for a classic lemonade recipe:

 

• • Fresh lemons (about 6-8 should do the trick)

• • Sugar (granulated or powdered)

• • Water (preferably filtered)

• • Ice cubes (optional, but they make it extra refreshing)

You’ll also need a pitcher or two to mix and serve your lemonade. Remember, the better your lemonade tastes, the more customers you’ll attract!

2. Cups and Straws:

To serve your delicious lemonade, you’ll need cups. You can go with disposable plastic cups or consider eco-friendly options like biodegradable or reusable cups. Don’t forget to grab some straws too, but make sure they’re environmentally friendly.

3. Signs and Decorations:

Catch the eyes of passersby with eye-catching signs and decorations. Create a colorful banner with your lemonade stand’s name and purpose. You can use poster board, markers, and stickers to make it fun and appealing.

4. Tables and Chairs:

You’ll need a sturdy table or two to set up your lemonade stand. Make sure they’re the right height for easy access. If it’s a hot day, consider bringing some chairs for you and your helpers to sit in.

5. Money Collection:

Prepare a secure money box or cash register to safely store the funds you collect. Have plenty of small bills and coins for making change. You want to be organized and professional when handling money.

6. Lemonade Dispenser:

For convenience, consider using a lemonade dispenser with a spigot. It’ll make pouring drinks a breeze and look impressive to your customers.

7. Hand Sanitizer and Gloves:

In today’s world, it’s essential to keep things clean and safe. Have hand sanitizer available for customers and wear disposable gloves when handling money and food items.

8. Friends and Helpers:

Fundraising is more fun when you do it with friends. Ask some pals to join your lemonade stand team. They can help with setup, serve customers, and keep things lively.

9. Pricing Strategy:

Decide on your lemonade’s pricing. Will you have different sizes or flavors? Make sure your prices cover your costs and leave some extra for your fundraising cause.

How to help offset your expenses

By offering sponsorship opportunities, you may be able to offset your expenses. So, I wonder if there is a local grocery store that might be willing to donate the lemons? Don’t limit your imagination here. Many small businesses would be happy to pay for your lemons, sugar, and ice in exchange for a sign advertising them. Reach out to realtors and insurance agents just as a suggestion. Both are always looking for new lead opportunities.

Just ask for a donation

Some have had success with just asking for a donation instead of setting a set price. This way, the generosity of some will outweigh the lower donations you receive. People have good hearts. If they now they are supporting a good cause, they will be willing to give more than you would have asked for.

10. Passion and Enthusiasm:

Last but definitely not least, bring your passion and enthusiasm to the table (literally)! A friendly smile and a heartfelt pitch about your cause can make a big difference in convincing people to support your fundraiser.

Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary supplies and a winning attitude, you’re one step closer to holding a lemonade stand fundraiser that will be the talk of the town! Stay tuned for the next steps, where we’ll dive into making and serving the perfect lemonade.

How to Make the Perfect Lemonade – Easy Recipe

Lemonade is the star of the show when it comes to a lemonade fundraiser. Making it just right can be the difference between a successful event and a sour experience. Here’s a simple recipe for the perfect lemonade:

Ingredients:

 

1. 1. Fresh Lemons: Start with 4-6 juicy lemons. The more, the zestier!

1. 1. Sugar: You’ll need about 1 cup of sugar, but you can adjust it to your taste. Remember, sweeter lemonade is a crowd-pleaser.

1. 1. Water: Use 6-8 cups of cold water. You can add more if you prefer a milder flavor.

1. 1. Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are essential for keeping your lemonade cool and refreshing.

Instructions:

 

1. 1. Juice those Lemons: Roll the lemons on a table to make them juicier, then cut them in half and squeeze out all that tasty lemon juice. Make sure to remove any seeds.

1. 1. Sweeten it Up: In a separate container, mix the sugar with a little bit of hot water (about half a cup) to make a sugar syrup. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool.

1. 1. Mix and Chill: Combine the lemon juice, sugar syrup, and the rest of the cold water in a pitcher. Stir it well until the sugar is evenly distributed. If it’s too strong, add more water. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice.

1. 1. Ice it Up: Drop in some ice cubes to make your lemonade icy and refreshing.

1. 1. Serve with a Smile: Pour your homemade lemonade into cups, and don’t forget to garnish each cup with a slice of lemon for that extra touch of pizzazz.

Now you have the perfect lemonade recipe up your sleeve! Remember, the secret ingredient is your enthusiasm. When you make your lemonade with love, it tastes even better.

We hope you found these lemonade stand fundraising ideas helpful Remember to advertise you stand so everyone can taste this summer refreshing drink. If you would like some more fundraising ideas for your school go here.