5min read · by KindRise’s founder, a Brooklyn resident
How to Fundraise at a Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a natural fit for community fundraising — foot traffic is high, shoppers are in a giving mood, and the community-focused atmosphere aligns with local causes. The San Fernando Valley has several active farmers markets, from the Woodland Hills Farmers Market on Thursdays to the Calabasas Farmers Market on Saturdays to the Northridge Farmers Market on Sundays. Here's how to make a farmers market fundraiser work.
Getting a booth
Contact the market manager 2–4 weeks in advance. Explain your organization and what you plan to do at the booth. Some markets welcome community organizations warmly; others restrict booth space to vendors selling goods. Ask specifically whether nonprofits or community groups can have a presence. Fees vary — some markets waive fees for 501(c)(3) organizations; others charge a nominal booth rental ($25–$75).
What works at a farmers market booth
- Baked goods and food: goods produced by community members and sold for donation are among the highest-converting farmers market fundraiser formats. Bring home-baked items with suggested donation prices.
- Raffle tickets: a simple raffle with appealing prizes (restaurant gift cards, local experience packages) works well in the farmers market context. California raffle law requires a permit for most raffles — verify requirements with the California Attorney General's office before your event.
- Information table with donation jar: a clear, visual display explaining your cause plus a donation jar and a QR code to your online campaign. Passersby who don't want to stop long can scan and give from their phone.
- Pledge cards: for ongoing causes, pledge cards collected at the booth let you follow up digitally. Collect email addresses and send the donation link within 24 hours.
Pair in-person with online
The farmers market booth is most valuable as an awareness and conversation event — many of the people who engage won't give in the moment but will donate later if you send the link. Set up your donation page before the market, print QR codes, and collect contact information to follow up. Post about the booth on Nextdoor and Facebook the morning of the market to drive traffic from neighbors who might already be planning to attend.
Valley farmers markets to know
Woodland Hills Farmers Market (Thursday), Calabasas Farmers Market (Saturday), Northridge Farmers Market (Sunday), Warner Center Farmers Market, and other neighborhood markets are accessible venues. Each has its own management and policies — contact them directly about community organization participation.
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Frequently asked questions
Can nonprofits and community groups have a booth at a farmers market?
Many farmers markets allow community organizations, nonprofits, and local groups to have information and fundraising booths — but policies vary significantly. Contact the market manager directly, as some markets reserve booth space for vendors selling goods, while others actively welcome nonprofit presence.
How much can you raise at a farmers market fundraiser?
A well-run farmers market booth can raise $200–$1,500 in a single market day, depending on market traffic, the cause, and what you're offering (baked goods, raffle tickets, information with donation box). Pairing the in-person event with a QR code to an online donation page significantly increases total raised.