Planning Your Own Color Run Fundraiser vs. Using a Third-Party Platform

Color powder fundraisers, especially color runs, have become a popular and exciting way for schools, PTAs, and organizations to raise money while creating a memorable experience for participants. Many organizations debate whether to run their own color run fundraiser or partner with a third-party fundraising platform. While platforms offer convenience, running your own event gives you greater control, higher profits, and a more personalized experience. Here’s how the two compare and why organizing your own color run is often the smarter choice.

Keeping More of Your Fundraising Proceeds

One of the biggest differences between running your own color powder fundraiser and using a third-party platform is how much money you get to keep. Many fundraising platforms take a percentage of your earnings, typically between 5-10 percent, in exchange for handling event logistics. For example, let’s say your PTA fundraiser has 200 participants, each paying 30 dollars to register. That totals 6,000 dollars in revenue. With a third-party platform taking 10 percent, your organization only keeps 5,400 dollars. But if you run the event yourself, you keep the full 6,000 dollars (minus event costs), meaning your school or nonprofit sees significantly higher profits to fund important programs and activities. By ordering bulk color powder and color run accessories directly, you cut out the middleman and maximize your fundraising potential.

Convenience vs. Control: What’s More Important?

Many organizations choose third-party fundraising platforms because they handle much of the planning. These platforms often provide registration portals, marketing materials, and event logistics, which can be appealing for groups that don’t have a dedicated planning team. However, this convenience comes at a cost—both financially and in terms of flexibility. When you run your own color powder fundraiser, you have complete control over:

• Registration fees – Set your own price based on your fundraising goals
• Sponsorships – Secure local sponsors to further increase revenue
• Event details – Choose your own date, location, and activities
• Customization – Personalize the experience with themed events, prizes, and more

Instead of being locked into a rigid platform structure, running your own event gives you the flexibility to make it exactly what you want it to be.

Planning Support: Do You Need Assistance?

A common reason organizations choose a third-party fundraising platform is because they worry about the planning process. While platforms do offer structured guidance, running your own event doesn’t have to be difficult. At  Color Powder Supply Co., we provide resources to make your fundraiser seamless, including:

• A detailed fundraiser guide to walk you through planning, marketing, and execution
• Dedicated customer support with color run experts ready to answer your questions
• High-quality color powder that is vibrant, non-toxic, and safe for all participants
• Essential color run accessories like squeeze bottles, bandanas, and bulk packets to ensure your event is a success

If you want hands-on assistance, our team is here to help, ensuring that even first-time planners can pull off a successful event without the added costs of a third-party platform.

Community Engagement: Who Benefits More?

A self-run fundraiser directly benefits your local community because all the money raised stays within your school, PTA, or nonprofit. Parents, teachers, and local businesses are more likely to support an event that is run entirely by the organization, knowing their contributions are going directly toward their community instead of an outside platform. Additionally, when you run the fundraiser yourself, you can engage local businesses as sponsors or partners, increasing the amount of money raised while strengthening community ties.

Customization: Making Your Event Unique

A major drawback of third-party fundraising platforms is the one-size-fits-all approach. Most platforms offer standardized packages, meaning your event may look just like thousands of others. When you plan your own event, you can make it as unique as you want, incorporating special touches such as:

• Themed color runs (Glow Run, School Spirit Run, Holiday Color Run)
• Adding obstacle courses or relay races to make it more interactive
• Color toss countdowns to kick off the event with a massive burst of color
• Custom swag like t-shirts, bandanas, or sunglasses for participants

By planning your own color powder fundraiser, you create an event that is memorable, personalized, and exciting for your participants.

Why Choose Color Powder Supply Co.

At Color Powder Supply Co., we specialize in providing everything you need to run a successful color powder fundraiser. When you order from us, you get:

• Premium color powder that is non-toxic, biodegradable, and vibrant
• Bulk order discounts to help you save money
• Fast and reliable shipping to get your supplies when you need them
• Expert support from a team experienced in organizing color runs

We also offer a variety of color run accessories, including bulk color powder, individual packets, squeeze bottles, and more, making it easy to get everything you need in one place. Check out our color run supplies here.

Which Option is Best for You?

If you’re looking for the easiest option and don’t mind sharing a portion of your proceeds, a third-party platform may be right for you. However, if you want to maximize your fundraising potential, have full control over the event, and create a unique experience, running your own color run fundraiser is the best choice. Ready to get started? Download our free Color Run Fundraiser Guide below and check out our high-quality color powder and supplies to make your event a success!