Creative Summer Fundraisers: Featuring Popcorn, Katydids Candy, Nuts & More
When summer rolls around, everyone’s looking to unwind—but for nonprofits, sports teams, and school groups, it’s also the perfect time to launch Creative Summer Fundraisers and raise some money! And let’s be honest—no one wants another car wash or bake sale. It’s time to think outside the (popcorn) box.
Below are some fun, unique, and even a little wacky summer fundraising ideas—plus how you can integrate Katydids candy, gourmet popcorn, and Virginia Diner nuts for maximum snack-powered success.
Featuring Popcorn, Katydids Candy, Nuts & More
When summer rolls around, everyone’s looking to unwind—but for nonprofits, sports teams, and school groups, it’s also the perfect time for creative summer fundraisers. And let’s be honest—no one wants another car wash or bake sale. It’s time to think outside the (popcorn) box. Below are some fun, unique, and even a little wacky creative summer fundraising ideas—plus how you can integrate Katydids candy, gourmet popcorn, and Virginia Diner nuts for maximum snack-powered success.
🍿 1. “Popcorn & Pool Noodles” Backyard Olympics
What it is: Host a neighborhood “Olympics” using pool noodles, hula hoops, and inflatable flamingos. Events might include Noodle Jousting, Lawn Chair Javelin, and Water Balloon Shot Put.
How to fundraise:
- Charge an entry fee.
- Set up a popcorn concession stand using $2 popcorn bags—a quick and easy seller with great margins.
- For the serious snackers, offer 1-gallon popcorn tubs through Gogo-Fund with free brochures and order-takers to help participants snag the big bags real popcorn lovers crave.
- Create fun medals with snack prizes—like “Gold Popcorn Champion!”
Tip: Let teams wear goofy matching t-shirts. Bonus points for glitter.
🥜 2. “Nuts About You” Secret Snack-tion
What it is: A mystery gift fundraiser where participants pay to receive a surprise summer-themed goodie bag. One bag includes a golden nut worth a big prize.
What to include:
- An assortment of Virginia Diner nuts
- A funny note like: “You’re one tough nut to crack, and we love you for it.”
- A chance to win a “Nuts About You” trophy or gift card.
Bonus: Use a “spin-the-wheel” to assign nut flavors to winners!
🍫 3. The Great Katydids Candy Meltdown Challenge
What it is: A spoof of survival shows where volunteers try to complete summer challenges (think: walking on hot sand in socks or surviving a bug-filled picnic table).
Fundraising angle:
- Spectators donate to vote on which team should get “Katydids Power Packs” for the next round.
- Offer Katydids candy as prizes, with free shipping and ice packs included so no one ends up with chocolate soup.
- Sell extra boxes of Katydids with a slogan like: “Sweet victory, one turtle at a time.”
🏖️ 4. The Flip-Flop Photo Scavenger Hunt
What it is: Participants sign up for a goofy photo challenge with prompts like “Take a selfie with a flamingo (real or fake),” “Reenact a beach scene in your kitchen,” or “Convince someone to wear socks with sandals.”
How to raise money:
- Teams pay to enter.
- Winners get a Summer Snack Survival Kit with popcorn, Katydids Candy, and nuts.
- Share the best photos online for social media engagement.
😎 5. Beach Blanket Bingo & Snack Bar
What it is: A family-friendly outdoor bingo night where people bring their own beach blankets.
How to fundraise:
- Sell bingo cards and raffle tickets.
- Run a snack bar with popcorn, Katydids chocolates, nuts, Cakebites, and lollipops.
- Prizes can be fun and summer-themed: sunglasses, beach towels, or a “Snack King” crown.
🍭 6. “Lickety Split” Lollipop Lotto
What it is: A colorful, summer-themed lollipop raffle meets instant win game! Stick Yummy Lix lollipops into decorated foam boards, sand buckets, or even potted plants. Mark the bottom of the sticks with numbers—some win prizes, others win bragging rights!
How to fundraise:
- Sell each lollipop pull for $1 or $2.
- Some lollipops come with a small prize (like mini beach balls, sunglasses, or snack samples).
- Others win entries into a grand prize drawing—think “Lollipop Lover’s Gift Basket” filled with popcorn, Katydids, and nuts.
- Make it festive: play beach music, set up a lollipop stand with signs like “Take a Lick. Take a Chance!”
Bonus tip: Bundle 3 for $5 deals to boost sales, and let people gift them to friends for a “sweet surprise.”Bonus tip: Bundle 3 for $5 deals to boost sales, and let people gift them to friends for a “sweet surprise.”
🍰 7. “Cakebites & Karaoke” Backyard Showdown
What it is: Host a laid-back summer karaoke night, complete with fairy lights, lawn chairs, and local talent (or brave souls with a mic).
How to fundraise:
- Charge admission or request donations at the gate.
- Sell Cakebites by the pack—these sweet, colorful mini cakes are perfect for bite-sized fun between performances.
- Offer themed Cakebite bundles like:
- “Rockin’ Red Velvet”
- “Mic-Drop Marble”
- “Pop Diva Party Pack”
Bonus idea: Let audience members “vote” for their favorite acts by buying extra Cakebites in their name. The one with the most Cakebites wins!
✏️ 8. “Smencils Summer Sketch-Off”
What it is: A creative competition where kids (and adults!) draw, doodle, or color with scented Smencils—eco-friendly pencils that smell amazing and make fundraising fun.
How to fundraise:
- Sell individual Smencils or summer-themed Smencil packs.
- Host a sidewalk chalk art or drawing contest—entry includes a free Smencil!
- Display the art on fences or local business windows as a “community gallery.”
- Prizes can include a Snack Artist Starter Pack with nuts, popcorn, and Cakebites.
Bonus fun: Have people vote for their favorite art with lollipop “ballots” from your Yummy Lix stash.
☀️ Final Thoughts: Make It Fun & Make It Snacky
Whether you’re fundraising for a school, team, church, or nonprofit, these creative summer fundraisers are easy to run and powered by products people actually want to buy. With free shipping, order-takers, and a mix of sweet and savory snacks, your summer fundraiser can be as fun as it is profitable.
