SwapCircles

Fundraise with SwapCircles

Empower your community through recirculation.

What is a Swap Event?

A swap event is a community gathering where families bring gently used items they no longer need and take items they will use. Participation does not require contributing items before picking up—any household may drop off, pick up, or do both. Instead of buying new products, participants reuse existing items within a trusted community, reducing waste and unnecessary spending. Participants pay a flat participation fee that supports the hosting organization and helps sustain the SwapCircles initiative. These events are inclusive and social, focusing on reuse and community connection.

Read more: How to run a swap event?

Shared Goals

  • Keep usable items in circulation, reducing textile waste and pollution.
  • Make sustainable consumption practical and inclusive.
  • Support communities through values-aligned fundraising.

Is this a good fit for you?

This model works especially well for:

  • School PTA/PTO fundraisers
  • Cultural associations
  • School or university alumni and parent-led organizations
  • Local environmental groups

What does success look like?

  • At least 40-50 participants signed up for the swap event.
  • Strong engagement during the event (not just drop-offs).
  • Funds raised for your organization or cause.
  • Measurable environmental impact.

“A swap is a gift, not a donation.”

How does it work?

Fundraising structure

This is a joint fundraiser in which majority of proceeds go to the hosting organization. A smaller percentage supports SwapCircles (KaizenLife, LLC), as agreed prior to the event.

  • Funds are collected by the hosting organization.
  • SwapCircles invoices its share after the event.

To ensure fairness, simplicity, and engagement:

  • A flat fee per participant/family ($x) is set by the organization.
  • The fee allows participants to drop off items, pick up items, or both.

Drop-off guidelines

  • Each participant/family may drop off upto 2-3 outfits.
  • Each outfit contributed must be in good condition, clean and ready to use. No stains, no tears.
  • SwapCircles reserves the right to decline items that do not align with event guidelines.

Pick-up guidelines

  • Participants may pick up any number of items.
  • No pickup limits unless the organizer chooses to set one.

Event Requirements

Venue

  • The hosting organization provides space within an existing event or gathering.
  • The swap should be a dedicated agenda item, with at least a 30-minute shopping window.
  • Organizers make periodic announcements encouraging participation.

Volunteers

  • 2–3 volunteers recommended at entry/check-in and to manage display racks.
  • SwapCircles provides guidance and volunteer instructions.

Engagement

To measure impact and improve future events, organizers agree to track and share:

  • Number of participating households
  • Optional feedback and interest in future swaps

This can be done via a SwapCircles-provided sign-up sheet, a poll, or an equivalent organizer-managed method.

Flyers & promotion

  • SwapCircles provides flyers and announcements for the swap event.
  • Organizers distribute them via:
    • Email lists
    • WhatsApp messaging groups
    • Newsletters
    • Community boards

What does SwapCircles provide?

  • Customized swap event design for the community
  • Volunteer guidance
  • Flyers and communications support
  • Sign-up sheets
  • Clothing racks for display, signs and boxes.
  • Responsible management of excess items
  • Post-event participation & impact summary

Host your next impactful Fundraiser

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Thank you for your response. ✨

“Beautifully executed stall. Such a new and wholesome concept introduced at KKNC!”

Ashwini Sharma, KKNC