How to host a charity bake sale
Bake sales are a simple and sweet way of raising money for charity, that people of all ages – and even pets – can get involved with. Make planning yours a piece of cake with our step-by-step guide below. Or print out our detailed events checklist here to tick off your to-dos.
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1
Know your buyers
Think about your buyers and plan your recipes to suit their tastes. For example, if they’re likely to bring their dogs, make sure you have doggie treats too.
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2
Choose an accessible venue
Ideally one that’s pet-friendly too. Ask at schools, sports, Scout or Guides clubs or community venues you’re connected with.
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3
Get a date in
Ask your bakers and buyers when would work best for them and make sure you all have time to prepare – marketing, baking, decorating, and transporting; there’s plenty to do!
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4
Plan your bakes
Make sure you have a variety of treats to offer and your bakers aren’t all planning to bake the same thing. For inspiration, check out our favourite bake sale recipes (we've even got recipes for cats and dogs!).
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5
Spread the word
Post about your event on social media, put bake sale posters around your area using our events poster template, or send out event invitations.
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6
Decorate and stock up
Decorate your space with banners, balloons and our bunting. Bring biodegradable and compositible plates and recycled napkins to catch the crumbs. And make sure you have a place to store the money from your sales.
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7
Label and price your bakes
Print out our tent cards and use these to tell buyers what you’re selling, as well as which allergens are in your bakes. You can also add prices if you’re setting these per cake type – alternatively you can ask for donations.
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8
Add a raffle or competition
To have more fun and raise more funds, you could put together a raffle for a simple prize – the winner’s top three cakes for example – or host a cake decorating competition.
Plan and host your bake sale
Top tips
If hosting at school, work or even the high street, place your stall in a location where there is a lot of people during a busy time of day.
Make sure you have a variety of cakes.
Make sure to send a reminder about the sale on the day.
Ensure you have dairy-free options for vegans, and gluten-free options. We recommend 20% of your options to be dairy-free and 20% to be gluten free.
Pay in your donations
Any money you raised from your bake sale, however little or large, is greatly appreciated by all of us and the animals. Whether you’d prefer to send the sponsorship and donations received via form or post (or via yourJustGiving account), find out the best way to pay in your offline donations.
Celebrate yourself!
Finally, and most importantly, celebrate your achievements! You’re the cherry on top of the whole event; you’ve just raised money that will help us to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and release the thousands of animals that come into our care each year. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Treat yourself to a slice of cake – you’ve earned it.
Why support the RSPCA?
For over 200 years, we’ve been campaigning for a world where all animals are treated with kindness and compassion.
As the RSPCA receives almost no government funding, we rely on public and corporate support to continue our vital work. The money you raise through fundraising events helps us rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, provide specialist treatments and medications, fund round-the-clock care and keep each animal healthy and happy.
in 2024, you helped us find homes for around
26,294 ANIMALS*
We really couldn’t do it without you
*From RSPCA Annual Review 2024
Start fundraising
Request a fundraising pack
Thank you so much for choosing to fundraise for us! Now get your fundraising pack, full of handy tips and resources, by letting us know a few details about what you're planning – we'll email it straight to you.
Share your story
Tell us about your fundraising event
Thank you so much for taking the time to raise money for animals. On their behalf, and ours, we’re incredibly grateful. Help inspire others to show their support by sharing your fundraising stories, photos and videos with our events team.
