Guess the Jellybeans Jar

Guess the Jellybeans is a classic fundraiser, simple to set up and very popular with kids. For a small price, people are asked to guess how many jellybeans are in a large jar. The guess closest to the correct number is the winner and gets to take the jar home.

While accepting donations for a Raffle Hamper we were running at school, I was given a large box of gourmet jellybeans. While it could have easily been included in one of the hampers, we decided it might better serve its purpose as a standalone fundraiser.

By turning it into a ‘Guess The Number of Jellybeans in the Jar’ game, it not only provided one extra ‘activity’ for kids to do at our Mini-Fete, but it increased the potential amount of money this single donation could bring in. Combined into a hamper, it wouldn’t necessarily bring in extra ticket sales, but as a standalone fundraiser, selling 100 guesses at 50 cents a go, it could potentially earn another $50.

It is an easy and popular fundraiser, and by mixing up the lollies/chocolates used you could easily repeat it every term as a lunchtime fundraiser or having it in the front office.

Healthy Alternatives to jellybeans

Marbles
Lego
Small erasers/paperclips and/or other stationery
5c or $2 coins
Mini Easter Eggs
Un-inflated balloons or water balloons
Glow sticks
Bouncy balls
Hair clips/elastics
Any of the small toys you might normally find in a take-home bag at a party (check out the party section in the $2 stores)

Alternatively use a non-prize such as pebbles, buttons or paperclips and the person who guesses the correct amount wins an alternative prize such as a voucher or other donated item.

Tips:

Choose an appropriately sized jar for the number of (or Smarties or M&Ms or mixed lollies etc). The bigger the prize, the more you can charge for a guess.
You can either ask people to make their own guess, or you can provide a range in which the correct number is located. Don’t put the correct answer right in the middle, ‘hide’ it by skewing the range of answers either high or low.
Create a simple chart in Excel or Word. Make sure it has plenty of space for people to write their names and phone numbers.
Decorate the jar lid with a piece of pretty fabric.
Write the correct answer on a piece of paper and seal in an envelope. There are a few advantages of this: You are not required to be present at the prize draw. It prevents claims that you ‘made up’ the number to favour a particular winner. It also means you can’t forget the correct number.

Author: Shannon Meyerkort

Originally published 8 June, 2021

Fundraising Directory