Club fundraiser mistakes to avoid
Most fundraiser problems are avoidable. These are the mistakes that come up again and again, and the simple fix for each.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
The list
Starting after the approval deadline
Cornell asks for the Event Scheduling Request at least three weeks ahead. Start with the calendar, not the product.
Buying food before orders are in
Pre-order first, then buy exactly what sold.
Unclear pricing
State the price, the goal and what the money supports up front.
Handling cash
Use Venmo or Zelle to a club account and keep a record of every order.
Using a personal account
Route money to the organization, not to an individual.
A pickup with no plan
Set time windows, staff the table and use a scannable pass.
Promoting too late
Start at least two weeks before the deadline and remind people.
No review afterward
Check what sold and when, then plan the next drop from data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest mistake clubs make when fundraising?
Buying before ordering. Taking orders first removes most of the financial risk.
Does Cornell Craves take a cut of the money?
No. Students pay the club directly through Venmo or Zelle. Cornell Craves never handles or holds the money and takes no fee.
Who can use Cornell Craves?
Clubs must be legitimate Cornell student organizations, and new clubs are reviewed before their first drop goes live. Ordering is for current Cornell students with an @cornell.edu Google account. Cornell Craves is an independent student project and is not run or endorsed by Cornell University. It does not replace any Cornell approval, and each club stays responsible for following university and county rules.
Contact
Questions or want to list a fundraiser? Email [email protected] or message @cornellcraves on Instagram.
Last reviewed: September 2026.