KIDS AND TEENS AGE 18 AND UNDER OR TEACHERS CREATING A CLASS FUNDRAISING PROJECT - WE BELIEVE THAT ALL KIDS SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE THEIR DREAM.
The virtual lemonade stand helps kids and teens to raise money for any dream.
Many kids and teens, like you, have exciting dreams and ideas about the world they would like to create for themselves and others. Unfortunately, not everyone has the money it takes to make that dream happen. That is why The Virtual Lemonade Stand was born. Our mission is to help kids with the funds and resources they need to make their dream a reality. We believe every child has the right to pursue their dreams regardless of their family situation or financial status.
Very few fundraising sites allow kids and teens to create a fundraising campaigns. If they do, you end up being in a mix of adult fundraising campaigns. Here at TheVirtualLemonadeStand.com, young people are our TOTAL focus. WE WANT YOUR INNOVATIVE IDEAS, ENTREPRENEURIAL VISIONS AND LIFE DREAMS TO BE SHOWCASED, NOT BURIED. That is why our site is dedicated to ages 18 and under.
If you are a kid or teen with a dream and you need to raise money to help make it happen, you are in the right place!
Q. TYPES OF LEMONADE STANDS ACCEPTED
We support all types dreams. Here are some examples from our categories and ideas for what you may need to raise money for:
ART/ARTIST: Help with classes, supplies, education, participating in a show/gallery, setting up a website/store, etc.
I HAVE A DREAM: This could be any dream of something you want to create with your life and with your special talents and gifts. Starting a business of some sort, being in sports, attending school/classes, learning about something important to you. You can fundraise for any aspect of your dream that you need help with so that you can attain it.
INNOVATIONS: Innovative ideas to solve problems or innovative business/product ideas. Help with supplies/materials for your innovation or prototype, research, marketing, selling, etc.
INVENTIONS: Creating a new invention. Help with supplies/materials for your invention or prototype, research, marketing, science fair, contest fee, travel fee, etc.
MUSIC: Singing, musician, DJ, Dance. Help with instruments, classes, education, marketing, setting up a website, recording, etc.
PROJECTS TO HELP OTHERS: Supplies to help set up your goodwill project to help people, animals, the environment, other children, etc.
S.T.E.M. - Dreams involving science, technology, engineering or math. Help with classes, supplies, education, participating in a fair, setting up a website/store, creating a prototype, research, etc.
START A MOVEMENT- Starting a project that could affect social change, awareness about something that needs changed in our world. Help with organizing, supplies, helpers, getting people involved, starting a website, marketing, etc.
TEACHER/CLASS PROJECTS- Starting a project that could affect social change, awareness about something that needs changed in our world or to raise money for something in your class/school.
WHATEVER YOUR DREAM IS, WE BELIEVE IN YOU! OUR DREAM IS TO HELP YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!
Q. OUR RULES
WE WANT YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL SO WE HAVE CREATED SOME RULES TO HELP YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN WITH US:
You must be age 18 or under.
It must be YOUR own project, idea, dream or vision for which you create a virtual lemonade stand.
VISION - Your vision is how you imagine the dream looks that you are wanting to achieve. The vision you have in your head of what it is you want to accomplish. We want you to have and to communicate a clear vision/idea of your dream. Having a clear vision sets you up for success because people will better understand what it is you are wanting to accomplish. Be clear, honest and sincere. When we review your campaign, we will look for authenticity, clarity and your ability to communicate your vision in your campaign. Don't worry though, if we have any suggestions for changes to help you be successful, we will let you know.
PASSION - Passion is the fuel to make your idea come to life. Passion is an important part of your vision because it is the energy that drives you to make it happen. Having passion about something lights you up when you talk about it. It makes you feel excited and enthusiastic about making it happen. If you don't have passion for this dream, you probably should not be striving toward it. Is this dream really important to you? If so, then you are already excited and passion will come easily! We want you to show your passion in your video and text. State why this fundraising campaign and dream are important to you and what it will mean to you. This will help your campaign gain attention and support. We will be looking for your passion in your campaign. We do ask that you upload a video of yourself instead of a photo unless it is not possible. It does not have to be professionally created, it just has to have your amazing self talking about what this dream means to you. This helps people connect with you and to experience your passion first hand!
COMMITMENT - There may be ups and downs within your campaign and while striving toward your dream. When you have drive, determination and passion, nothing will get in the way of you achieving your goals! We want to make sure you are as successful as you can be with your fundraising, so start thinking about what social media accounts you can share on and what people you can email. Get a list of at least 10-20 emails who might support your campaign. More is better. Think of other ways you can get the word out. Commit yourself to your goal. Visualize yourself making it happen! The more committed you are to your vision and making it happen, the more support you will gain. If this dream is important to you, this will come naturally. In your campaign dashboard, you can email potential supporters as well as share your campaign. We also have tools/tips for a successful campaign to help.
FOLLOW UP - Within your campaign dashboard, you can provide updates. We require that our participants give weekly updates with how the campaign is going, what you are doing, and where you still need help/support. Keeping people informed of your progress generates additional energy and support for you as well as builds trust for you and your project. This will help you be more successful!
PERSONAL THANK YOU NOTES - Sending personal thank you notes to your donors will not only offer gratitude for support, it will make the donor feel great about having helped you and they will be more likely to repeat the donation either with you or with other kids in need. Once your campaign is complete, we ask that you send thank you notes to your donors. This creates connection, trust and authenticity for your campaign and shows a great deal of responsibility.
REPORT HOW YOUR MONEY IS SPENT - Within your lemonade stand dashboard, you have the opportunity to upload documents as well as post updates. As you withdraw and spend your campaign money, we require that you include updates for how your money is being spent toward your dream. This can be in your weekly update. This will offer accountibilty for your spending as well as build a LOT of trust with your donors. It will demonstrate responsibility and seriousness to make your dream happen. This can really set you apart from other young people asking donors for money to make their dream come true!
BANK ACCOUNT - opening a minor's bank account is HIGHLY recommended so that you will 1) see your money coming into your account; 2) have responsibility for your own money; 3) be able to track where you are and how much you have spent. 4) Be able to buy your own supplies, etc. Having your own bank account builds trust for your donor. There are online banks that allow a minor's account. Do some research. Make sure you open one that has NO FEES. An adult will probably have to co-sign, but you will have access to the funds as well. We will be checking with you what bank account your funds are going into so that we can make sure our donors feel trust about giving money to young people.
WE WILL BE REVIEWING YOUR CAMPAIGN AFTER YOU SUBMIT IT. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE HAVE ALL THE ELEMENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN. DON'T WORRY IF YOU FEEL YOUR CAMPAIGN IS NOT PERFECT. WE WILL HELP YOU WITH SUGGESTIONS. WE BELIEVE IN YOU AND KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS!
ACCOUNT SET UP RULES - PER COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule)
Ages 13-18 can have their own account on TheVirtualLemonadeStand.com.
Ages under 13, you must have a parent help set up the account with the use of their email.
Because our site is dedicated to young people, there are a few other guidelines we have to help keep you safe:
Be honest, clear, and sincere.
Provide accurate information and images for your campaign.
Using images of you and your project work best, but you can also use other images.
You will need to set up an account with PayPal, our payment processor, linking your bank account. When you set up your campaign, you will be guided through this.
No bullying, harassment or hateful/hurtful language is ever permitted.
For minors under 13, it is best to mention within your campaign that a parent or legal guardian is helping with the fundraising.
Please immediately contact us with any suspicious activity.
Projects can offer rewards but can not offer equity.
Projects can't include prohibited or illegal items (see terms of use).
If you don't see a category you feel fits your vision, contact us so we can help or create a new category.
HAVE FUN AND INVITE FAMILY AND FAMILY FRIENDS TO COME SEE YOUR PAGE AND TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD TO SUPPORT YOUR DREAM!
Q. HOW IT WORKS
CREATE A VIRTUAL LEMONADE STAND
In just a few minutes time, you can log in and create a virtual lemonade stand. It is really easy and it is free to launch. NOTE: Be sure to take your time to tell your story well and include positive, informative photos and videos. Be enthusiastic and let people know why this is important to you. People want to know who you are and why they should donate to your dream. Communicating your dream well is the first step toward funding it!
One great aspect of a virtual lemonade stand versus traditional fundraising is that you have the opportunity to offer rewards to your potential buyers/supporters. Rewards are a way to say thank you and to give back to the people willing to support your fundraising and can be a great incentive for you! You will see the option during set up to create your Rewards.
LAUNCH YOUR VIRTUAL LEMONADE STAND
The system will walk you through creating your VIRTUAL LEMONADE STAND. Be sure save at each section. Set-up includes setting up your funding information. This will require a parent or legal guardian to set this part up because it will connect directly to a bank account where you will receive your funding. After you get all of the details set up with wonderful images and information, you can submit your Virtual Lemonade Stand.
Your Virtual Lemonade Stand will be reviewed and once accepted, it will go live. You will be notified. This is usually within a few hours, 24 hours max.
SPREAD THE WORD!
BE LOUD AND PROUD! Promote it with ENTHUSIASM! Let people know they can help you by visiting your page on TheVirtualLemonadeStand.com to contribute (you will have a link in your campaign). The more you get people visiting your page, the more donations you can receive to support your dream! Think of creative ideas to get the word out there - tell family, friends, family friends, teachers, church members, local businesses, social media, influencers, etc. Call your local news paper or tv stations and tell them your story! They may want to feature you on one of their news casts! to Friends, Family,
COLLECT YOUR FUNDS!
Hooray! This is the Launch of YOUR Dream! Imagine How GREAT it will Feel! You worked hard! Now go make your dream come true!!
Q. TRUST AND SAFETY
Your trust in The Virtual Lemonade Stand is important. We take providing a safe, secure, and trusted platform very seriously. Your safety is our priority.
Remember to follow our rules about setting up your account.
Decide what photos and videos you are willing to share. Have your parents help.
Never share personal information or images that you are uncomfortable with.
All payments will be processed through our secure 3rd party processor. Your information and funds are safe and secure.
Report any suspicious activity as well as any users that are in any way rude or unsupportive.
Q. FEES
TheVirtualLemonadeStand.com is FREE to register for all users.
FEES - Once donations are received there is an industry standard 5% fee accessed on donations. Our payments processor, will also collect a standard payment processing fee of 2.9% + $.30 for credit and debit card transactions.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO MEET YOUR GOAL TO KEEP YOUR FUNDS - Our site uses fliexible fundriasing or "Keep what you Raise" (minus fees), which means you do not have to meet your goal in order to keep your donations. Other sites make meeting your goal a requirement for keeping your donations, but we know that even a portion of your goal can help you take steps forward to making it a reality!
ALWAYS REMEMBER - YOU are MAGIC and have incredible talents, gifts, wisdom and insights to share with the world. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND KNOW YOU CAN DO ANYTHING AND THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!