Your new club's first fundraiser: a simple plan
A new club has a small list, a small budget and everything to prove. The best first fundraiser is small enough to succeed and clear enough to teach you what to do next.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
Start small
1. Register your club first
Funding boards and fundraising approvals expect a registered organization. On Cornell Craves, new clubs are reviewed before their first drop goes live, so register early.
2. Choose one easy product
Pick one familiar item in sealed packaging, such as donut dozens or cookie boxes.
3. Set a modest goal
Choose a goal you can hit with your members and their friends.
4. Follow the approval steps
Submit the Event Scheduling Request at least three weeks ahead and check food approval with Cornell Dining.
5. Run one pickup
A single pickup window keeps helpers to a minimum.
6. Review and repeat
Use the analytics to see what worked, save the drop as a template and relaunch it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good first fundraiser for a new club?
A small pre-order of one sealed food product with a single pickup is the simplest and lowest-risk start.
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.