Are you tired of selling wrapping paper and cookie dough for your sports team? As a former team mom, I’ve been there! The good news? There are plenty of tried and true ways to raise money without asking parents to buy yet another overpriced product.
I’ve compiled 15 easy team fundraising ideas that actually work – and bonus, many of them build team spirit too!
15 Team Fundraising Ideas
- 50/50 Raffle – One of my absolute favorite fundraisers is the 50/50 raffle during games. It’s simple: sell tickets, split the pot with the winner, and everyone has fun!
- Concession Stand – Transform your snack bar into a profit center! Partner with local restaurants or food trucks and split the profits. Get parents to sign up and each take a game.
- Spirit Wear Sales – Set up a table during games to sell team merchandise. Pro tip: Position it near the concession stand for maximum visibility.
- Team Tournament – Host a tournament and charge entry fees. This works great for any sport and builds community spirit.
- Spaghetti Supper – A classic that never fails! Make it special with my ready-to-use template that includes tickets and editable graphics you can print or share to get the word out!
- Car Wash – Perfect for warm weather and team bonding. Plus, players actually enjoy this one!
- Skills Clinic – Have older players or coaches run a clinic for younger athletes.
- Pay by the Day Calendar – This innovative fundraiser lets supporters choose their contribution level while having fun! My templates make it super professional and easy to implement.
- Online Team Store – Partner with local suppliers or print-on-demand services for year-round passive income.
- Social Media Challenges – Create engaging challenges that followers can sponsor.
- Sponsor My Season or Uniform Fundraisers.
Players can seek individual sponsorships from family and local businesses. - Game Day Pledges – Supporters pledge amounts based on points scored or other achievements. Participants collect pledges from sponsors (family, friends, community members) who agree to donate a set amount for each scoring play or achievement during a specific game or season – for example, $1 per point scored, $5 per touchdown, or $2 per three-pointer. After the game or season ends, the total achievement count is multiplied by the pledge amount to determine each sponsor’s donation total – so if a team scores 48 points and someone pledged $1 per point, they would donate $48 to the cause.
- Restaurant Night – Partner with local restaurants for a percentage of sales.
- Local Business Sponsorship Board – A Local Sponsorship Board displays business logos and advertisements from community sponsors who have contributed financially to support your team. These are typically mounted in a prominent location like a gym, field, or community center. Businesses pay an annual fee for their spot on the board, creating a win-win situation where organizations receive ongoing funding while local businesses gain consistent visibility in their community. Want to run a full sponsorship program. Check out my post here.
- Team Service Day – Organize a community service event where supporters can sponsor player hours.
Tips for Success:
- Start planning early
- Create professional-looking materials
- Use social media to promote events
- Thank supporters publicly
- Keep accurate records
Remember, the best fundraisers bring your team community together while raising money. Whether you choose a traditional event like a spaghetti supper or a modern approach like the Pay by the Day calendar, success lies in organization and presentation.
