Car Wash Fundraiser Ideas

Car wash fundraisers are a proven money-maker in virtually every community. All you need are willing volunteers, a high-traffic location with good visibility, and some attention getting signs.

You can put a car wash fundraiser together on short notice, but they work best with a little planning. Here's how to get started...

Things To Do List

1- Line up a location with good main road frontage 

2- Ensure it has suitable water access 

3- Assemble supplies list – hoses, buckets, wash towels, dry towels, squeegees 

4- Assign each volunteer an item from the supplies list 

5- Make 8-10 poster board signs in high-contrast colors 

6- Arrange your volunteers in 2-hour shifts 

7- Get advance publicity, if possible 

How To List

1- Organize your group into teams - Promotion, Sales, Wash, Dry 

2- Promotion team attracts new clients with signs 

3- Sales team explains offer (use flyer for quick info) and up-sells clients 

4- Wash team soaps, scrubs, and rinses each car 

5- Dry team gets water residue off, vacuums, does tires, etc. 

6- Have at least two lines so you can wash two or more cars at once

7- Wash cars for six to eight hours (Saturday 9:00 to 3:00 preferred) 

Your fundraiser’s success will depend on the weather. If you can wash 12 cars an hour (one every 10 minutes in each line), you can raise $500- $1000 in one day.

Remember to put together a quick flyer that includes the reason why you’re raising funds and clearly states the price. You can even offer some extra services such as providing high-gloss tire treatment or vacuuming interiors for an additional fee.

Car Wash Fundraiser - Success Tips

1- Location, location, location! 

2- Sell car wash fundraiser tickets in advance 

3- Use a flyer that clearly explaining why you're raising funds 

4- List all prices concisely in large, bold type 

5- Up-sell to include additional services 

6- Partner with another group if your head count is low 

7- Increase revenue with an extra offering such as a 2-for-1 pizza savings card 

Alternatively, you can advertise a free car wash and just ask for donations for your cause. 

Often, this can raise more cash than stating a specific price, because people will see a group of volunteers working hard and having a good time, and may part with their money more easily. 

Final Advice

Make sure to keep the event fun for all your participants and your customers. Play upbeat music. Provide soft drinks and snacks to keep the energy level up. 

Keep safety in mind. Be sure to get volunteers to hold and wave signs toward passing traffic, not just volunteers to wash cars. 

If you have time, get your car wash fundraiser some publicity coverage in the local newspaper, or by posting signs a day or two in advance.