Ways2Raise

What is it?

Creating and selling a recipe book is a fantastic way for teen fundraisers to combine their love of cooking with raising money for their adventure trips. By compiling favourite recipes—especially those with a personal or cultural twist—you can produce a unique, meaningful product that friends, family, and the wider community will love to buy.

Why does it work?

People love food, and a homemade recipe book appeals emotionally because it shares stories and flavours. The personal connection and effort you put into compiling, testing, and designing the book make it feel special, encouraging supporters to buy. Plus, recipe books are affordable and easy to distribute, making it a practical fundraising tool.

What you'll need

A collection of recipes (family favourites, cultural dishes, or themed recipes)
A notebook or digital document to write and organise recipes
A camera or smartphone for food photography
Basic photo editing software (free apps like Canva or Snapseed work well)
Access to a computer with word processing and layout software (Word, Google Docs, Canva)
Printer and paper for sample copies or a local print shop for bulk printing
A platform to sell your book (online like Etsy, social media, or local events)
Permission from recipe contributors if not your own
A budget for printing and materials

Step-by-step plan

1

Gather 20-30 favourite recipes from yourself, family members, or friends. Aim for a balance of easy, popular dishes and something unique or themed, like ‘sweet treats’ or ‘healthy snacks’.

2

Test each recipe to ensure it works and write clear, step-by-step instructions. Note any tips or variations that might help the reader.

3

Take bright, appealing photos of the finished dishes. Use natural daylight and simple backgrounds. Edit photos lightly to enhance colours but keep them natural.

4

Design your recipe book using free tools like Canva or Google Docs. Include a contents page, an introduction explaining the project and your fundraising goal, and clear headings for each recipe.

5

Print a few sample copies at home to check layout and colours. Then, get bulk copies printed affordably via a local print shop or online services like Vistaprint.

6

Set a reasonable price for your book (typically £5-£10) based on printing costs and your fundraising target.

7

Plan your sales strategy: approach family and friends first, then local community centres, Scout groups, schools, or online via social media.

8

Track your sales and feedback. Use this information to improve future editions or other fundraising projects.

How to advertise it

Create eye-catching posts on Instagram and Facebook showcasing recipe photos and your fundraising story.
Ask local cafes or community centres if you can leave copies to sell or display posters.
Host a mini tasting event or bake sale featuring some recipes from your book to draw attention.
Send personalised emails or messages to family, friends, and neighbours explaining your project and how to buy.
Use WhatsApp groups or school newsletters to spread the word quickly.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to raise between £100 and £400, depending on the number of books sold and how well they promote their project. Pricing your book between £5 and £10 and selling 20 to 50 copies is a realistic target.

Top tips

✅ Choose recipes that are tried and tested to avoid disappointment and negative feedback.

✅ Include a personal story or message about why you’re fundraising to create an emotional connection.

✅ Keep the design clean and easy to read, focusing on bright photos and clear instructions.

✅ Start sales early and build momentum by sharing progress updates with your supporters.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Trying to include too many recipes or complicated dishes that are hard to follow.

⚠️ Neglecting to test recipes before printing, leading to errors or confusing instructions.

⚠️ Ignoring the importance of good photos, which can make the book less appealing.

Recipe Book Compilation