If you work in the nonprofit industry or K-12 education, we don’t have to tell you how tight money and resources are.
When it comes to public school funding, studies show that there is a direct correlation between student achievement and school funding. According to a 2023 MIT study, a “20% increase in per-pupil funding for underperforming schools reduced the number of below-average students in mathematics, English, social studies, and science by 19.7%, 17.0%, 16.1%, and 18.1%…”
In the nonprofit world, the lack of financial support is having a dire effect on the industry. According to the 2024 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report, 68% of nonprofits plan to cut programs and services in the next one to two years. Nonprofits are facing higher operational expenses and lower revenues from decreased donations.
So, what can you do?
Use coffee to raise funds for your nonprofit or school.
The Benefits of Fundraising with Coffee
While fundraising is a necessity when it comes to nonprofit and K-12 education, it can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Many times it’s all about finding the right kind of fundraiser; the type that allows minimum effort with maximum financial reward. You might be asking yourself if that even exists. The answer is yes, it does. And it’s something you most likely drink every day: coffee.
The next time you drink a steaming cup of java, think about this: The average U.S. office employee drinks four cups of coffee a day and spends $92 a month buying their favorite caffeine-infused hot beverage, according to Fundraising Zone.
With Your Community Fundraiser (YCF), you can combine the love for America’s most cherished hot beverage with the potential to easily meet your fundraising goals. YCF is a fundraising partner that uses coffee as a vehicle for growth, community engagement, and financial success.
Coffee fundraisers are the best way to raise money for your school because:
- Everyone loves coffee – Almost 80% of Americans say they drink coffee at home daily, making it an easy sell to a wide audience.
- Coffee is non-perishable – Coffee can be stored for long periods of time, eliminating concerns about spoilage.
- There’s low risk – Don’t worry about buying the coffee up front. You buy only what you sell.
- It comes with a variety of options – Different coffee blends, flavors, and roast levels can cater to diverse tastes.
- You can drink it year-round – Unlike seasonal items, coffee is consumed throughout the year.
- You can customize your packaging – Adding a group logo or personalized message to coffee bags builds and promotes your organization in a unique way.
Why Use YCF for Your Coffee Fundraiser
There are four reasons to use YCF for your next fundraiser:
- Technology – When you partner with YCF, we provide you with your own customizable digital platform that allows you to send automated emails to your fundraiser customer base. This platform can be fully branded with your school or nonprofit’s logo and other branding materials for fast, easy online and mobile orders. YCF will work with you to manage your platform and communications strategy by providing social media and email content customized to your fundraiser, as well as QR codes for easy ordering.
- Experience and support – YCF has been involved with over 800 fundraisers. Our founder, Todd Olesiuk, has worked at two non-profits and supported each organization with the knowledge and experience of understanding board and volunteer management.
- Foster community partnerships – To be successful, we encourage community involvement and can help facilitate events to spread awareness about your school or organization, fundraising goals, and coffee products.
- Branding – When it comes to your fundraising goals, what matters most is your cause. That’s why when you partner with us, your coffee products will be fully branded with your logo and branding materials and the option for a personalized message.
- Quality – YCF offers a variety of roast levels and flavor notes, all while using the best in the world, 100% Arabica Coffee.
How Your Community Fundraiser Works
YCF doesn’t expect your staff and volunteers to do all the work. We’re your partner. We’ve been involved in over 800 fundraisers, and we provide the tools and expertise you need to build and manage a successful fundraiser, including:
- A wide selection of high-quality coffee products, featuring your custom label
- A custom, easy-to-use digital platform
- Hands-off shipping (direct to consumers or your organization)
- Weekly staff and/or volunteer advisory sessions
- Marketing and social media best practices
Get started with YCF in four easy steps:
Step 1: Choose your coffee blend – Select any or all of these options to offer your supporters:
Morning Joe Light Roast, Daily Grind Medium Roast, Joltin’ Java Dark Roast, and No-Buzz Beans Decaf. All flavors can be purchased as whole beans or ground.
Step 2: Pick your packaging – 12 oz. resealable bags (our most popular) that brew 24-36 cups of coffee or 4 oz. travel-sized bags that brew 8-12 cups of coffee.
Step 3: Let’s build your label – Your custom label, featuring your logo, will be designed to grab your supporters’ attention. We’ll work together to create the perfect branding for your cause, including front and back labels.
Step 4: Launch your fundraiser – It’s easier than ever to launch your fundraiser, and we have the technology to power it to new heights. Your custom digital fundraising platform is your one-stop solution for everything your group needs to promote, monitor, and fulfill your fundraiser. It’s mobile and laptop-friendly, and easy to navigate for your organization and your supporters.
See what our past customers have to say
Want more proof that using YCF is the way to go for your next fundraiser? Read these testimonials from our customers.
“Todd has a remarkable talent for fostering engagement within the community, which was clearly demonstrated when the UGA Alumni Association partnered with him. His innovative Affinity Bean Coffee program allowed us to bring Bulldog Blend to our alumni faithful across the country. We also found the coffee to be popular as a visit “leave behind” and door prize for the more than 300 events we produced annually. With the packaging, we were able to achieve more impressions for our mission and goals. As a result of this program, the association was enhanced in many impactful ways.
- Dr. Deborah Dietzler, Former Executive Director of Alumni Relations, UGA Alumni Association
“Todd’s passion for connecting people through meaningful experiences is evident in every aspect of the program. He not only helps organizations raise essential funds but also strengthens their community ties. The Affinity Bean Coffee program offers a unique opportunity to engage supporters in a way that is both enjoyable and impactful. I wholeheartedly endorse Todd and the Affinity Bean Coffee program for any organization seeking to elevate their fundraising efforts while nurturing a sense of community. With Todd’s expertise and dedication, you can trust that your mission will thrive.”
- Tracey Narrie DeBose, Former Director of Alumni Relations, Tennessee Tech University.
We’re ready to partner. Are you?
At Your Community Fundraiser, we believe in the power of community and the joy of coffee. Our platform offers an innovative solution that not only helps raise essential funds but also brings people together over their love for coffee. Whether it’s for school activities, sports teams, or community projects, we’re here to support your fundraising goals.
Join us as we brew connections and create opportunities for positive change in our communities. Check out our website to learn more about how we can help your organization thrive!
Let’s make fundraising fun and impactful—one cup at a time!
By: Charles Moss