Franchise Evaluator™: Fundraising University

Why we love this concept: Fundraising University offers a robust support system, a scalable business model, and a commitment to community impact, presenting a compelling opportunity for individuals dedicated to enhancing their local communities. By facilitating support for school sports programs and student athletes with minimal overhead and significant return on investment potential, Fundraising University empowers franchisees to thrive in this dynamic industry, backed by a strong and supportive leadership team.

Investment Range: $97,250- $98,500

 

How to get the most out of this assessment

Franchise Evaluator Score

132
0 - 24

Missing fundamental, internal or external factors

25 - 49

More investigation is needed

50 - 74

Worth exploring further with caution

75 - 99

Add to consideration set

100 - 140

Sound opportunity and likely a great fit

At a Glance


Corporate Address
Fundraising University
2162 E Williams Field Rd
Suite #111
Gilbert, AZ 85295

Year Founded: 2009

Year started Franchising: 2019

Business Description:
Founded in 2009, Fundraising University is a leader in the school sports fundraising industry, equipping students, coaches, and communities to dream big and raise more. By unifying teams, fueling programs, and creating lasting, positive change in communities, Fundraising University has established a proven and scalable business model. With low start-up costs, minimal operating expenses, and exceptional unit economics.

MARKET Factors

1
Market Size
  • Factor Definition

    What population does the brand serve? Is the market broad, niche, or somewhere in-between?

  • Our Assessment

    The school sports fundraising industry represents a significant and growing market due to the increasing underfunding of school sports by districts. With over 50 million students enrolled in public schools in the U.S. and many engaged in extracurricular sports, the demand for effective fundraising solutions continues to rise.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the market size as a large market.

10

Small to Large Market Size

2
Industry Trend
  • Factor Definition

    Is the overall industry growing, that is creating new customers who have never used these services before, or mature where most population segments are already using these types of products and services?

  • Our Assessment

    The financial burden on families and schools has made sports team fundraising essential to their continued survival. Trends indicate a move toward more structured, professionalized fundraising approaches, replacing unorganized and ineffective methods. Fundraising University’s turnkey solutions align perfectly with these trends.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Industry Trend as a high growth trend.

9

Low to High Growth Trend

3
Product and Service Drivers
  • Factor Definition

    What drives the purchase of the product or service? Is it a “need-to-buy” or a “want-to-buy”? How are customers drawn to your business?

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University offers three primary products: Discount Cards, Product Sales, and Donations. These products cater to diverse needs and provide value to both student-athletes and community members. Their proven sales process and focus on repeat business create a reliable revenue stream for franchisees.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the product and service drivers as high drivers.

9

Low to High Drivers

4
Competitive Climate
  • Factor Definition

    Are competitors a major factor in operating your business? If so, is competition sparse or saturated? Will it matter to your business?

  • Our Assessment

    Competition in the fundraising industry is fragmented, with many local and unorganized players. Fundraising University distinguishes itself through its professional approach, high-quality training, and robust operational support. This ensures franchisees can effectively compete and excel in their markets.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the competitive climate as mid-high competitive pressure.

10

Low to High Competition

5
Regulatory Climate
  • Factor Definition

    Are the business’s products or services regulated, or do they require licensing? Will you or your employees require special licensing? If so, is the regulatory climate strict or lax? Will this affect recruiting employees?

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing school fundraising activities. Prospective franchisees should be aware that territories in certain states, including UT, WI, NE, CA, HI, MD, and WA, are unavailable due to regulatory or operational considerations.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the regulatory climate as high regulation.

8

Low to High Regulation

MODEL Factors

1
Revenue Model
  • Factor Definition

    This is one of the most important factors of all. To understand it you have to look beyond what the business physically does, the services performed or products sold and ask how does the franchise make money? Where does the revenue come from? How is it generated? Are financial performance representations made? Coupled with External Factors 1, 2 and 5 - Market Size, Industry Trend and Competitive Climate and the next Internal Factor 2, Franchisee Role - the true nature of the franchise starts to take shape.

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University’s business model is highly scalable, with recurring revenue driven by a 90% company-wide re-sign rate. Franchisees benefit from a predictable income stream, low initial costs, and minimal ongoing expenses. The franchise fee is $80,000, with discounts for multiple units.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Operational Model as Simple.

9

Simple to Complex Model

2
Operational Systems
  • Factor Definition

    How developed are the systems on which you will rely to operate your business?

  • Our Assessment

    The operational framework includes robust technology, such as a Google Suite-integrated CRM platform and digital fundraising platforms. These tools enhance efficiency and streamline tasks like lead generation, product procurement, and fundraiser execution.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Operational Systems as Comprehensive

9

Basic to Comprehensive

3
Brand Management
  • Factor Definition

    In this highly diffuse world, creating, managing and projecting a Brand is essential for the health and vitality of a franchise system. How well does the Franchisor manage this? How well positioned is the brand among competitors? Is it differentiated enough? How well would potential customers recognize the brand? How is it projected into new markets? What is your role and obligations in this process? How is the Brand’s digital footprint managed?

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University’s brand emphasizes community impact, teamwork, and customer service. Their marketing support includes graphic design, lead generation assistance, and access to a central purchasing network. This ensures franchisees have the tools needed to maintain and grow the brand’s reputation.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Brand Management as High Engagement

10

Low to High Engagement

4
Franchisee Role
  • Factor Definition

    What role is the franchisee expected to play in starting, ramping and the ongoing operation of the business?

  • Our Assessment

    Franchisees focus on three core activities: selling, setting up, and executing fundraisers. Responsibilities include engaging with coaches, managing product and merchant partnerships, and leading fundraisers to successful outcomes. Franchisees are trained to re-sign teams for repeat business, ensuring long-term growth

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Franchisee Role as Business Manager.

9

Service Executor to Business Manager Role

5
Real Estate Needs
  • Factor Definition

    What type of location, if any, is needed to deliver the product or service? If real estate is needed, are the requirements flexible or stringent? Is real estate essential to the product or brand experience or required for services to be performed onsite?

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University franchises are home-based, requiring minimal real estate investment. This low-overhead model allows franchisees to focus resources on growing their business.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the real Estate Needs as Basic.

10

Basic to Essential Needs

ORGANIZATION Factors

1
Franchising Experience
  • Factor Definition

    How experienced is the franchisor at being a franchisor?

  • Our Assessment

    Fundraising University started franchising in 2020 and has sold 70 units to date. Their structured support and training programs ensure franchisees are well-prepared to succeed, even without prior fundraising experience.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Franchising Experience as Extensive.

10

Limited to Extensive

2
Franchise Leadership
  • Factor Definition

    What is the tenure, background, and commitment of the franchise’s leadership?

  • Our Assessment

    For over 15 years, the Fundraising University’s leadership team brings extensive experience and a hands-on approach to supporting franchisees. Key members include Mike Bahun, a proven fundraising executive, and Michael Effinger, a pioneer in sales training. Their combined expertise fosters a collaborative and results-driven environment

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Franchising Leaders as Highly Experienced.

10

Limited to Highly Experience

3
Franchisee Engagement
  • Factor Definition

    How often and how well does the franchisor engage franchisees? What assistance is provided in starting and operating your business.

  • Our Assessment

    Franchisees receive initial training in Phoenix, followed by 90 days of direct support. Ongoing engagement includes weekly training calls, field support, and collaborative resources from experienced corporate representatives. Annual meetings and continuous coaching reinforce franchisee success.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Franchisee Engagement as Highly Engaged.

9

Low to Highly Engaged

4
Financial Health
  • Factor Definition

    In what kind of financial shape is the franchisor?

  • Our Assessment

    The franchisor demonstrates strong financial health, with significant revenue generated through its proven business model. This stability provides prospective franchisees with confidence about the long-term viability of their investment.

  • Factor Summary

    We categorize the Financial Health as Sound.

10

Weak to Sound Financial Health

Summary

Questions
If you have any questions about this evaluation, or want this concept evaluated based on the specifics in your market please contact us at [email protected]