Product Sales by Schools &
Non-profits Net $1.9 Billion

Product fundraising generates $4.164 billion in annual retail sales, up roughly 7% since the previous survey in 1997, the last time the industry group collected the statistical data.

"Clearly, product sales is a critical resource for schools and other non-profit organizations working to raise money for computers, class trips, athletic and music programs, playground equipment and much more," said Russell Lemieux, AFRDS executive director.

Other key findings:

• Schools and school groups represent 80% of fundraising sales.
  
  
• Among school sales, more than half (54%) were made through elementary schools.
  
  
• Among survey respondents, top selling products were, in order: candies and confections, magazine subscriptions, frozen entrees, cheese and meat products, decorative novelties and gift wrap.
  
  
• On average, non-profit groups retain 46.5% of the total fundraising sale as pure profit!
  
  
• The average product fundraiser generates nearly $6,000 in sales.

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