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Everyday spending habits often go unnoticed, yet they represent an opportunity to generate meaningful fundraising dollars over time. Among the most consistent weekly expenses for many individuals are coffee and gas, purchases that tend to happen regardless of season, schedule, or lifestyle changes. When these routine transactions are made with FundScrip gift cards, they become a steady and reliable source of fundraising support.

The “No Extra Spending” Concept

FundScrip is powered by purchases that were already going to happen. Rather than asking supporters to donate more or change spending levels, the model simply replaces traditional payment methods with gift cards purchased through FundScrip. The cost to the supporter remains the same, while a percentage of each purchase goes to the fundraiser.

This approach makes fundraising feel less like an obligation and more like a practical habit. Gift cards become a simple switch, not an added expense or significant effort.

Coffee

Coffee purchases are often small but frequent. A daily coffee on the way to work or school can quickly add up over the course of a year.

Using a modest estimate of $3 per coffee, purchased five days a week, weekly spending comes to $15. Over 52 weeks, that totals approximately $780 in annual coffee spending. With a median fundraising contribution of 3% through participating coffee retailers, those everyday purchases can generate about $23 in fundraising support over the year.

Gas

Gas is one of the most reliable fundraising categories because it is a necessity for many households. Commuting, school drop-offs, sports practices, and errands all depend on regular fuel purchases.

At an average of $60 per week, annual gas spending reaches roughly $3,120. With a 2% fundraising contribution from gas gift cards, that spending can generate approximately $62 per year for a fundraiser.

Fuel purchases become even more impactful when fuel discount cards are added. These cards allow supporters to receive a discount at the pump while also generating fundraising contributions, in some cases up to 20% on the value of the fuel savings card.

For example, purchasing a $100 gas gift card at 2% generates $2 for the fundraiser. Adding a $50 fuel discount card offering a 20% contribution generates an additional $10. The supporter receives the $50 back through fuel savings, while the fundraiser receives $10. Since a $50 fuel card is good for 1000 litres, the average commuter would use two of these per year, contributing an additional $20 per year to their cause.

When gas gift cards and fuel discount cards are used throughout the year, gas purchases can generate over $80 annually for a single supporter, without increasing fuel spending.

Annual Fundraising Potential

When coffee and gas purchases are combined, their annual fundraising total reaches approximately $105 per person. Thanks to FundScrip’s wide array of participating retailers, this same approach can be extended to groceries, dining, home improvement, pharmacy purchases, etc. Fundraising results can increase even further when supporters take advantage of monthly promotions that offer higher contribution rates, or when they choose retailers with high donation percentages such as ALDO, Roots, Pizza Pizza, and Cactus Club Cafe.

For example, a family purchasing a $100 gift card each month from Pizza Pizza, which offers a 10% contribution, would generate $120 in fundraising over the course of a year from that single spending habit alone. Once everyday purchases are consistently switched to gift cards, these contributions begin to add up to significant totals. When even a small group of supporters follows the same approach, routine monthly spending can collectively grow into contributions capable of making a meaningful and lasting impact.

Why This Works for FundScrip Supporters

This approach succeeds because it removes common fundraising barriers. There is no pressure to sell products, no seasonal burnout, and no need for repeated donation requests. Instead, supporters make a simple habit change with no lifestyle disruption. This is why FundScrip is an easy fundraiser to sustain year-round.

For those looking to start a steady and practical fundraiser, FundScrip offers a proven way to turn routine spending into lasting impact. For anyone not yet familiar with the model, requesting a free information kit is a great first step toward transforming a simple habit into a genuine fundraising success story.