Tasty treats, unique finds, and a creative buzz fill artisan markets—and they’re full of potential for charities looking to promote their cause and raise funds. Pair that lively, community-centred atmosphere with a meaningful mission, and it’s a win for everyone. Local makers enjoy greater visibility and sales, your organisation generates support and awareness, and visitors have a great time discovering their next favourite thing.
What About Craft Fair Fundraisers?
A fresh take on the classic bake sale fundraiser, artisan market fundraisers help you build local relationships and grow your community of supporters. Add online shopping into the mix, and you can extend that sense of community well beyond the day of the event.
Many charities are getting creative with venues, such as teaming up with breweries or cideries to host makers markets. These settings offer steady footfall, a laid-back atmosphere, and a chance to reach new audiences—especially younger people who may not attend traditional fundraising events but are drawn to local goods, street food, and craft drinks. Partnering with a community-focused business can also help cut venue costs and create opportunities for joint promotion.
Why Makers Markets Work for Fundraising
Community Connection
A guest might come for the pottery but leave with a handmade mug and a new sense of connection to your cause. Hosting a maker’s market offers an opportunity for meaningful engagement—not just with the goods on display, but with your mission.
Adding an online fundraising component extends that same connection to those unable to attend in person, helping your community—and your reach—continue to grow.
Multiple Revenue Streams
- Stall fees: Charging makers a modest stall fee (typically A$50–A$150) generates early income to support your event.
- Sales percentage: Some events ask stallholders to donate 10–20% of their takings—aligning everyone’s success with your mission.
- Custom merchandise: Hosting your own stall? Use it to sell branded clothing or goods made in collaboration with local artisans.
- Online orders: Extending the market online helps you reach more supporters and fundraise beyond the event day.
Planning Your Hybrid Artisan Market
- Donated items, where the full sale amount supports your organisation
- Consigned items, where the charity fulfils the order and shares proceeds based on a pre-agreed split.
Online Sales: Donated or Consigned Items for Fundraising
The online portion of your fundraising sale works a little differently, in that your stallholders would be invited to provide a small number of items for online fundraising. These could be:
- Donated items, where the full sale amount supports your organisation
- Consigned items, where the charity fulfils the order and shares proceeds based on a pre-agreed split.
These items are listed only on your fundraising sales page, which helps keep things separate and clear. Before, during, and after your in-person market, you’d be promoting these special items as “online exclusives” to encourage interest and help generate sales.
QR Code Integration
Cards at Vendor Booths
Print custom postcards featuring QR codes linking to your donation page, a short impact video, or your email mailing list form. Add a brief line such as “Your support makes events like this possible” or “See how your purchase makes a difference.”
Posters or Vinyl Banners
Position vinyl banners or posters at entrances and communal areas to highlight your organisation’s mission. QR codes on these can lead to a branded fundraising page, a short “about us” video, or an online thank-you message from your team. Avoid sounding too promotional; keep the tone warm and inviting.
Even if your event is small, QR codes make it easy for guests to connect with your mission while shopping—without disrupting the laid-back market vibe.
Don’t Forget Your Organisation’s Booth
As you put everything together, be sure to reserve a high-footfall spot for your charity’s stall or table. Make your setup as consistent with your branding as possible to boost recognition, using reusable elements like a custom gazebo, tablecloth, or even feather flags.
Use the space to collect donations, hand out brochures, sign up volunteers, or sell branded items. A friendly face and clear signage with a QR code linking to your donation page can go a long way in building community support.
Bringing It All Together
A hybrid artisan market can be a powerful and memorable fundraising event, but it’s important to plan with care. Start small, communicate clearly with your stallholders, and choose a sales model that suits your charity’s capacity. With the right mix of organisation and creativity, your event can celebrate local talent, bring your community together, and raise meaningful funds for your mission—both online and in person.
The Eventgroove fundraising platform helps you launch and manage a wide range of campaigns—from sales fundraisers to donation pages and peer-to-peer events—with built-in marketing tools to help you reach more supporters. Plus, our integrated printing services make it simple to order printed posters, along with branded postcards and more.
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