So you are thinking about holding a sock fundraiser sale for your school, nonprofit or favorite local charity. Here are a some crazy sock fundraising ideas to get your juices bubbling. We will share some case studies and lessons learned that you can apply in your next campaign.
But you might be wondering…
Can you really raise money with a sock fundraiser?
Are people really going to spend $16 for socks? You can be the judge. We have scoured the world for amazing sock fundraiser ideas to inspire you. Are you ready for your first case study?
Socktober raises $19,000
Socktober is an annual event held in October where people collect and donate socks to help those in need, especially homeless individuals. It’s a way to raise awareness about homelessness and provide a practical item that is often overlooked but greatly needed.
For example…
This school raised over $19,000!
Throughout Socktober, from October 1st to the 31st, they tell us a gift of $25 (of which $15 is tax-deductible) to any of our student support services funds opens a door to compassion and warmth. For each donation, you’ll not only receive a pair of exclusive MSU Denver socks but also extend a helping hand to a student in need by gifting them a pair of socks too.
Last year, with the unwavering support of our Roadrunner family, Socktober reached unprecedented heights. Over 350 generous souls joined hands, contributing nearly $18,000. This remarkable effort brought our cumulative Socktober tally to over $64,000, alongside a heartwarming total of more than 2,300 pairs of socks donated. Source: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/MetropolitanStateUniversityofDenver/socktober-2023
Lessons learned:
- People are willing to spend more money on socks than you can imagine. In this article, donors paid $25 a pair of socks. Don’t be afraid to ask for only $16 for 2 pairs in our sock fundraiser program.
- People like to help a good cause. In this case, they were helping students who didn’t have socks. So team up with a good cause in your community.
- Don’t set low goals. They raised over $19,000 selling socks. So set higher goals!
- Don’t stop now! Repeat again next year. Remember, cumulatively, they sold over $64,000 of socks over the last few years.
Socks for the streets raised 304,000 pairs of socks
We all take the little things for granted. For example, how many of us were thankful for the socks we put on this morning. Yet, thousands of the homeless lack the simple basics, like warm socks in the winter.
This is where Socks For Souls Canada comes in. They raised 304,000 pair of socks in 2023.
Socks 4 Souls Canada operates on the power of volunteers, extending warmth, comfort, and mobility to Toronto’s unhoused community through the distribution of new socks. In a city where over 8,700 individuals endure homelessness, the impact of this simple necessity cannot be overstated. A staggering 20% of their medical issues stem from inadequate foot care, a barrier that hinders access to essential resources like food and shelter. Through collaborations with schools, workplaces, corporations, businesses, and compassionate individuals, Socks 4 Souls Canada collects both sock and monetary donations. These contributions are then channeled to agencies directly serving those experiencing homelessness across southwestern Ontario, bridging the gap between generosity and those in dire need. – Source: https://indie88.com/socks2023
Lessons learned:
- Think BIGGER. Imagine selling hundreds of thousands of socks for your good cause!
- Here again is a good example of teaming up with a good cause. Homelessness isn’t going away any time soon. Many are happy to help the less fortunate.
- Giving makes people feel better about their own circumstances.
Pink sock sale raises $17,000
In the Kick it to Cancer fundraiser event soccer teams get to raise money to fight breast cancer by selling PINK socks.
Each passing year sees “Kick It To Cancer” unveiling fresh designs for their pink-themed t-shirts and socks, all in preparation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
In a testament to their unwavering dedication, the soccer club recently celebrated a monumental donation of $17,500 to BCRF. This remarkable contribution catapulted their cumulative total to an astounding $45,300 over the course of four impactful years. Source: https://www.bcrf.org/blog/soccer-club-kicks-it-cancer-bcrf-fundraiser
Lessons learned:
- People want a cure for cancer. Think about tying your event to cancer research. You can donate either all of a portion of the proceeds you raise for this good cause.
- High school teams can make a difference.
- Imagine how good it would feel to be part of finding a cure for cancer.
The awesome socks club
“What if every month a pair of wonderful socks appeared at your house, and your ankles were happy, and all of the profit — not some, or most, but all — went to support stronger healthcare systems in impoverished communities?
This is exactly what the Awesome Socks Club has done.
As it embarks on its third year, the Awesome Socks Club stands tall with a thriving community of over 40,000 subscribers. With each passing year, the club’s impact has soared, consistently surpassing the million-dollar mark in donations. True to its founding mission, every cent of this impressive sum has been directed towards charitable endeavors. Source: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/awesome-socks-club
Imagine 40,000 people signing up to get a new funky pair of socks each and every month!
Lessons learned:
- Instead of selling a pair of socks, this fundraiser has used the subscription model. This allows regular donations to be received all year long.
- QUESTION: Brainstorm on how can you turn your sale into a subscription offer?
Rock the socks raises $31,000
What exactly is Rock the Socks all about? This is what the website says:
Rock the Socks is more than just a program—it’s an ambassadorial initiative crafted to amplify community understanding and backing for the Ronald McDonald House Orange County (RMHOC). By sporting our distinctive signature socks on specified occasions, participants not only express solidarity but also extend tangible support to our families in need. These socks symbolize our collective unity, embodying the spirit of togetherness within the RMHOC Ambassador community, affectionately known as The Rock the Socks Circle. Plus, they add a delightful touch of fun, sparking conversations and connections wherever they go.
How does it work?
Here’s how it works. Participants can purchase a pair of striped socks for just $5, then strike a pose in their snazzy socks for a selfie. After capturing the perfect shot, they can head to the Ronald McDonald House website to upload their photo. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald House encourages everyone to share their sock selfies on social media using the hashtag #RockYourSocks. It’s a simple yet impactful way to show support and spread awareness! Source: https://give.rmhcsc.org/campaign/rock-the-socks-orange-county-ronald-mcdonald-house/c286371
Lessons learned:
- Encourage supporters to take photos of their socks.
- Have them post it on social media.
- Tell them to use a custom hash tag to highlight your event.
- Offer a prize for the best photo to encourage your fans to participate.
Sign up for our free program to sell socks
We hope you loved these sock fundraising ideas. Of course, we can’t promise how many socks you will sell or how much money you will make. There are far too many variables at stake. But we do promise this… These case studies prove it can be done. And we promise to help you succeed every step of the way.
Learn more and then download your fundraising kit to get started.