The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a great way for young people to gain leadership training and prepare for a future in the armed forces. But just like any school group or club, ROTC programs need funding to ensure cadets have the resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s uniforms, training equipment, or events, fundraising is key.
At Werbylo, we help ROTC programs maximize their fundraising efforts, offering tools and strategies to reach their goals efficiently. Here are six ROTC fundraising ideas to help you achieve “mission accomplished” this year!
- Sell Custom ROTC Gear
Custom gear like t-shirts, hats, and bags featuring your ROTC logo and colors is a popular way to raise funds. Your friends, family, and community will love the chance to support the cadets while also showing off their pride for the program. This gear also serves as advertising, potentially attracting new cadets.
Pro Tip: Take your fundraiser online through Werbylo’s platform, where there’s no upfront cost, and you only produce what’s ordered. No risk of overstock, and you’ll never have to worry about running out of inventory!
- Host a Military-Themed Obstacle Course Challenge
ROTC members are no strangers to tough training, but that doesn’t mean your event has to be extreme! Create a fun and challenging obstacle course with activities like army crawls, sprints, and wall climbs—something that’s accessible yet still fun and engaging. Sell tickets for entry and offer prizes for the best times!
Pro Tip: Go the extra mile by selling custom t-shirts or other gear specific to the event, both ahead of time and at the event itself. These can help bring in additional funds and make for memorable keepsakes!
- Sell Products Your Donors Actually Want
A catalog sale of useful, high-quality products can be a win-win. From kitchen gadgets to unique gifts, offering something that your supporters can actually use is a surefire way to increase sales. Werbylo offers a variety of products that will resonate with your donors.
Pro Tip: Consider the season when selecting items to sell. During the holidays, gift wrap, decorations, or unique gift options can boost sales. By focusing on practical needs, your fundraiser will be a hit.
- Host a Car Wash for a Cause
A classic and simple fundraiser: the car wash! Your cadets can wash cars for donations, providing a much-needed service while raising money. Timing is crucial, so plan your car wash for when people are more likely to need it—usually during warmer months when cars tend to get dirtier.
Pro Tip: Not everyone carries cash these days, so make sure you offer easy ways for people to donate online via platforms like Werbylo. Accepting credit cards or even Apple Pay can significantly increase your donations.
- Sell Custom Tumblers to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold
Custom tumblers have become a must-have for many, making them a fantastic fundraising item. Design drinkware with your ROTC logo and colors, and you’ll give your community a practical way to support your program. Tumblers work year-round—from summer drinks to hot cocoa in winter.
Pro Tip: Partner with local businesses or events that already sell drinks. Offer your tumblers as an upgrade from standard cups, and you could make a lot of sales. These also make great gifts for proud parents, so think about promoting them around the holidays and special events like Mother’s/Father’s Day.
- Sell Discount Cards for Local Businesses
Discount cards are a win-win for everyone: your donors get access to discounts at their favorite local shops and restaurants, and you raise money for your ROTC program. With Werbylo’s platform, it’s easy to set up and promote your sale, allowing you to maximize the impact of this fundraiser.
Pro Tip: Boost your campaign by tagging local businesses on social media to get extra exposure and encourage people to buy the discount cards. This added visibility can help boost sales and spread the word about your program.
Conclusion: Combine Efforts for Maximum Impact
These ROTC fundraising ideas are effective on their own, but the real magic happens when you combine a few of them to create a multifaceted fundraising campaign. Identify your goals and select the strategies that align best with your ROTC program and community. With the help of Werbylo’s fundraising tools, you’ll be equipped to hit (and exceed) your fundraising targets.
Ready to launch your next ROTC fundraiser? Let Werbylo guide the way. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your fundraising efforts!
