How to set a fundraising goal for a student club
A goal turns a food sale into a cause. Buyers respond to a specific purpose and a visible target much more than to a general request.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
Set the goal in four steps
1. Start from the real need
Add up what the money is for: registration fees, travel, equipment, a formal or a community event.
2. Size your audience
Count members, close friends and teams your club is connected to. A realistic share of them will buy.
3. Work backward with your margin
Use profit per item to turn the dollar goal into a number of orders. Check that number against your audience size.
4. Pick a stretch target and a floor
Name a goal you can hit and a stretch goal that you would celebrate. If you might run a second drop, plan for it.
Show the goal to buyers
On Cornell Craves a club can set a fundraising goal on the listing so buyers see what the money supports. Sharing progress in your posts keeps momentum going.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a college club try to raise in one fundraiser?
Base it on your real need and audience. A club can also split a large need across two or three drops instead of one very large target.
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.