Planning a 4-H fundraiser? Start with these key questions
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EmailFundraising is about more than raising funds.
Are you getting ready to plan a fundraiser for your 4-H club, council or committee? Fundraisers can be exciting and impactful, but they also come with lots of decisions and moving parts. To avoid confusion and ensure a smooth experience, Michigan State University Extension encourages you to make sure your group can clearly answer these essential questions:
- Why are we having this fundraiser?
- How will the funds be used and divided?
- What exactly are we selling or doing to raise the funds?
- What is each person’s role in the fundraiser?
A shared understanding of these questions sets the foundation for success and helps avoid miscommunication or misunderstandings along the way.
When planning your fundraiser, it’s important that everyone—youth, volunteers and parents—understands:
- The purpose and goal of the fundraiser
- Fundraiser options being considered
- How the funds will be managed and allocated
- The specific role of youth members, volunteers and families
- How and when funds will be collected
- How the fundraiser will be promoted
Having these details in place up front will help your group stay organized, efficient and focused on achieving its fundraising goals.
Make sure the roles and tasks assigned to youth are age-appropriate and aligned with their personalities and comfort levels. For example:
- Younger members may help decorate signs, sort items or greet customers.
- Older youth can manage orders, handle money (with guidance), or speak to community members about the cause.
Not all fundraisers have to involve selling popcorn or candles. Consider what your club can create or offer that is unique and fun. Examples might include:
- Handmade crafts or holiday ornaments
- Club-made baked goods or garden starter kits
- Knitted scrubbers or dishcloths (great practice for skill-building and creativity)
When the fundraiser reflects your club’s personality and skills, it becomes more than a transaction, it becomes a story you can proudly tell.
In 4-H, funds are raised for the benefit of the group, not individuals. It’s important to have an open conversation about what happens if participation levels vary—how will your club fairly recognize everyone’s efforts? Transparency and consensus-building are key.
Once your group agrees on a plan, the County 4-H Fund-Raiser Application must be completed and submitted to your local MSU Extension office for the 4-H program coordinator to review and approve at least 10 business days in advance. This approval process ensures that:
- You have permission to use the 4-H name and emblem
- Your fundraiser aligns with 4-H and MSU Extension policies
- Your financial reporting is handled responsibly
Make sure your group has a clear plan for tracking income and expenses, understands how much needs to be raised, and knows what they would do if the actual amount raised is higher or lower than expected. Within 10 business days after the end of the event, the treasurer or the 4-H leader must also submit the County 4-H Fund-Raising Report Form. This provides a snapshot of expenses and income for fundraisers.
Depending on your fundraiser, you may need to collect and report sales tax. Guidance on this and other financial policies can be found in:
- Financial Manual for 4-H Volunteers: Leading the Way to Financial Accountability
- Financial Manual for 4-H Treasurers: Managing Money Wisely
Both are excellent resources, especially for youth and volunteers serving in treasurer or officer roles.
With thoughtful planning, teamwork and youth engagement, your next 4-H fundraiser can be both fun and educational—and a success for your whole group!
MSU Extension has 4-H members across the state engaged in fundraising efforts to support a variety of events and programs. If you would like to find out more about being a part of those exciting programs, contact your local MSU Extension office.
