Some companies are willing to pay marching bands a percentage of the profit if they help sell products. Ask local companies to participate or search for businesses online that participate in fundraisers such as this. Each band member can sell tubs of cookie dough. Your band, in turn, gets a percentage of the profit. If you don't think that cookie dough will sell in your area, try another product such as chocolate bars, wrapping paper or even flower bulbs.
Asking for donations from alumni is not off limits, especially for college marching bands. Send letters out to previous members of the marching band. Explain why you are trying to raise money and how they can help. Many alumni will be eager to help their old band, even if their donation is nothing more than 20 dollars. You might hear a saying among band members, "once a band geek, always a band geek." Use the emotional attachments of your alumni to raise the funds you need. If you don't think you can earn enough from band alumni, try working with your school's alumni organization and send letters out to other alumni as well.
This option will require your band to put some money down initially, so it can be risky, but it does have potential to earn your marching band the funds it needs. Purchase money savings cards for stores like Walmart, Target or national pizza chains. Set a price no more than $10, and have your band members sell them. You keep the profits. These fundraisers can be successful because, despite their initial investment, customers can save even more money down the road.
Ask your band members to do what they do best: play. While many extra gigs, such as pep rallies and parades, are expected of the marching band throughout the year, you can try to sign your band up for some paying gigs as well. You don't even need to send the entire marching band along. Many gigs just require a smaller band or even just a drumline. Organize groups to play at birthday parties, for example. You might even be able to help local organizations or businesses by playing at their fundraisers for a small fee or for donations from guests.