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For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in volunteering for different causes and have also enjoyed doing my part to give back to others. One of my favorite things about the Silhouette Cameo is that it makes it easy to give back to my local community or to help raise funds in adverse times.
Fundraising with your Silhouette Cameo falls into three different categories:
1. Create an item or items and donate them to a fundraiser, auction, or gala in the name of your company. Generally, when donating an item to be sold or auctioned you donate the materials used, as well as your time in creating them. The cause or event keeps 100% of the money they raise from the sale and your company name is typically listed on an event program, donation list, or other promotional material. This can be a great way to spark interest in your business while giving back. Themed gift baskets full of Silhouette Cameo made products do well at this style of event, as do home decor items. Be sure that your business information is displayed clearly on the donation item packaging.
2. Create an item or items and give them to another company or person to sell. This style of donation works well for smaller companies and individuals looking to raise money. The company or individual may pay you to create the items, you can offer them free of charge, or at a discounted rate. For example, memorial car window decals are popular right now to show support of a lost friend or loved one. I’ve seen several examples online of families selling this style of decal to raise money for final expenses or family members left behind. In this style of donation, your company name is not associated with the sale of the item.
3. Create an item or items, sell the product, and donate a portion of the sale to a charity, cause, or individual. This last style of fundraising is the most labor intensive, as you also need to sell the final Silhouette Cameo made product. When listing the products online, or selling locally, be sure to advertise that a portion of the sale goes to XXX fund or charity. Donating to a well known charity can help your sales, especially if the other company helps promote the item. The amount that you donate to the cause is up to you, and can range from 1 to 100% of the total sale price or 1 to 100% of the total profit (the sale price minus the cost of making the item and labor). When making your monetary donation to the cause or charity, be sure to use your business name.
Before you agree to fundraising for an individual, charity, or other cause, be sure to thoroughly research it. Unfortunately, not every cause is legitimate. However you decide to give back with your Silhouette Cameo, be sure to record your expenses – including labor – in your accounting program. If you don’t have a favorite accounting program yet, be sure to read my previous post on Accounting and Bookkeeping in your Silhouette Cameo business. How have you used your Silhouette Cameo to fundraise? Share your ideas in the comments.
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Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.