Fundraisers with local Ithaca vendors: bakeries, cafes and caterers
Cornell's fundraising policy says products should preferably come from suppliers in Tompkins County, or be found through a request-for-proposals process open to local merchants. That makes local vendors a natural fit for a club fundraiser.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
Why go local
Local vendors are close, can often prepare items on a schedule that suits your pickup, and support the Ithaca community. A good local partner also makes your proposal to Cornell easier to justify.
How to approach a vendor
Ask for packaged items
Cornell expects vendor-sealed, pre-packaged products for food sales, so ask what the vendor can provide in that format.
Ask for a group price
Explain that your club will place one order after a pre-order deadline and ask for a bulk price.
Get ingredient and allergen details
Buyers and reviewers will both want them.
Agree on a pickup or delivery time
Line up when the vendor will hand off the order so it matches your pickup window.
Add your listing
Post the drop on Cornell Craves and add a custom brand for a local vendor if it is not already in the list. New brands are reviewed by an admin.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cornell prefer local vendors for club fundraisers?
Yes. The policy says products should preferably come from suppliers in Tompkins County or from a request-for-proposals process open to local merchants.
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.
Sources
- Cornell Student and Campus Life, Fundraising and Sales Activity page (scl.cornell.edu/get-involved/campus-events/fundraising-and-sales-activity)
Last reviewed: September 2026.