How Do I Sell Fireworks for a Fundraiser?

Nonprofits are turning to fireworks sales to raise money.

In times of economic downfall, nonprofit organizations, like any other organization, turn to more creative ways of raising money, such as selling fireworks. During the Fourth of July holiday season, as well as around New Year's, fireworks are a lucrative fundraiser. Some churches and nonprofits make as much in one week selling fireworks as they do the rest of the year with conventional fundraising tactics. With a little planning, a fireworks sale can be profitable for any group.

Instructions

Organizing Fireworks Sales

1. Follow your state's laws regarding the sale of fireworks. Most states, like Virginia and Oklahoma, have regulations regarding how close to buildings or other structures a fireworks stand can be. Penalties for not following laws can be pretty stiff---California's penalties, for example, include fines in the thousands of dollars and, potentially, jail time.

2. Find a distributor. There are plenty of fireworks distributors online who sell in bulk, and most companies can be found in the phone book, as well. Some fireworks companies will allow charities to sell their products for a percentage of the profits. Some companies have a limited number of charities that they can work with, so the sooner they are contacted, the better.

3. Get a permit and insurance. Most states require both a permit and insurance to sell fireworks. Some states also charge taxes on fireworks that are different from sales tax, like Texas.

4. Educate volunteers on the fireworks to be sold. Some distributors will host a one-day seminar to not only familiarize volunteers with products but strategies for successful fundraising.

References

• New Haven Register: More Bang for Their Buck: Nonprofits Sell Fireworks to Raise Funds
• Napa Valley Register: Charities Selling Fireworks Get Big Bang for Their Buck
• Street Insider: Leading Firework Companies Provides Non Profits Creative Ways to Fundraise
• Southern California Public Radio: Lancaster Couple Regret Buying, Selling Illegal Fireworks
• Prince William County of Virginia: How to Sell/Store/Handle Allowed Fireworks

Resources

• Frontier Fireworks: So You Want to Sell Fireworks in Oklahoma