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Tootsie Roll Drive

Overview

The Tootsie Roll Drive is one of the most visible and successful charitable programs conducted by Wisconsin Knights of Columbus councils. Its mission is to raise funds in support of individuals and organizations serving people with intellectual disabilities.

Collections are commonly held outside churches, retail stores, and community events, with donors often receiving a small candy roll as a thank-you. While commonly called the “Tootsie Roll Drive,” the program has no official affiliation with the Tootsie Roll brand. Councils are encouraged to focus on the charitable mission and community impact rather than the candy itself.

Point of Contact 

Name: Andrew Wurster
Title: State Intellectual Disabilities Chairman
Email: 

Please contact the State Director with questions regarding ordering, reporting, or delivery logistics. 

Program Impact in Wisconsin

  • 2025 funds raised statewide: $600,000
  • Distributed locally by councils: Over $410,000
  • State CPID Grant Program funds available: $125,000

Councils distribute the majority of funds directly to organizations in their communities. Additional funding is available through the Wisconsin State Council Tootsie Roll Drive Grant Program.

Timeline

  • January: Tootsie Roll ordering opens
  • June 30: Tootsie Roll Drive cutoff date (funds collected after this date apply to the following year)
  • December 15, 2025: State Grant Applications due
  • January (Following Year): Grant recipients notified and posted online

Conducting the Tootsie Roll Drive

Tootsie Roll Ordering

Orders may be placed January – February each year

Tootsie Roll Order Form Link will be found here when orders are accepted.

Safety Vests

Volunteers are encouraged to wear high-visibility Tootsie Roll Drive / CPID vests

Official vests available through KnightsGear

Reporting Funds

Councils must report funds raised using the official reporting form found here:

Tootsie Roll Program Reporting Form

A How-to video is available to demonstrate filling out your own form:

Tootsie Roll Reporting Form Explainer

Wisconsin State Tootsie Roll Drive Grant Program

The Wisconsin State Council administers a grant program using Tootsie Roll Drive funds.

Eligible Organizations

  • Educational programs
  • Residential and supportive services
  • Advocacy and community-based organizations serving people with intellectual disabilities

Grant Instructions

  • Applications are provided in a separate PDF
  • Approved recipients are posted on this page.