You’re an athlete, parent, or coach, so you know that both playing sports and winning take skill, teamwork, but also money. Between uniforms, gear, and travel expenses, keeping a team going isn’t cheap. Lack of money could lead to many players being unable to play, and teams could miss out on serious talent.

So, how do you ensure your team has everything it needs without burdening players and families? Fundraising! The best fundraisers are creative, engaging, and fun. They raise funds while also building team spirit and community support.

Here are the best fundraising strategies for sports teams — be they youth, school, or sports club teams. There are lots of ways to do it. From old-school fundraising events like walk-a-thons and field day competitions to online crowdfunding through GoFundMe. Let’s help you find fundraising ideas to fit your team.

Start a GoFundMe

Choosing the right fundraising strategy for your season

Before you start a fundraiser, ask yourself about:

  • Your team’s financial goals: Determine how much money you need to raise.
  • Your audience: Will your core supporters be family members, local businesses, or sports fans?
  • Effort vs. return: Some fundraisers take more time and effort upfront but pay off with bigger donations.
  • Seasonal timing: Plan events around your team’s schedule and community availability.

Now that you know what to look for, here are some fundraising campaign ideas:

1. Sports Team Competitions & Physical Challenges

Physical activity-based fundraisers help raise funds in an interactive way.

Walk-a-Thon

  • Charge an entry fee for participants.
  • Sell sponsorships to businesses wanting to display their logos on T-shirts or other materials.
  • Offer medals/prizes for winners.

Set up a QR code for easy online donations before or during the event.

Hit-a-Thon/Shoot-a-Thon

  • Participants solicit pledges for every hit, goal, or basket they score.
  • Promote light-hearted rivalry between players and coaching staff.

Give small prizes to the top performers to boost engagement.

March Madness Bracket Challenge

  • Charge an entry fee for bracket predictions.
  • Offer a percentage of the proceeds as a prize, and donate the rest to the team.

Engages sports fans in a way they already love. Use social media to encourage more sign-ups and shout out fans’ favorite sports teams.

2. Community & Tournament Fundraising Ideas

Getting the community involved creates long-term team support.

Restaurant Fundraising Nights

  • Team up with local restaurants to donate a percentage of sales on a specific night.
  • Encourage players and community members to bring friends.

Easy to do while helping the local businesses. Pick a busy spot and schedule it during a high-traffic evening.

Bowling Tournament

  • Look for a local bowling alley to cut a deal on rates.
  • Have teams pay an entry fee and hit your fundraising goal through other mini-games.

A fun social event that also draws in non-athletes. Give out themed prizes, like “Best Team Outfit.”

Team Carnival or Festival

  • Set up a mix of games, food stands, and activities like relay races or face painting.
  • Combine with another sports program, school team, or sports camp.

Appeals to all ages and builds team recognition. Partner with local sports clubs to sponsor your events and donate prizes.

Great Fundraising Ideas and Tips

3. Crowdfunding & Digital Fundraising

A great way for teams at all levels to create a donation page, connect with fans, and raise funds quickly. It can be used as your main fundraising effort but also layered on top of other ideas.

Start a GoFundMe for the season

  • Create an online fundraiser on GoFundMe where people can give donations to the team, regardless of if they’re able to attend an in-person event.
  • Post the fundraiser on social media, in emails, and flyers with a QR code to make it easy for people to donate.
    Having a GoFundMe also helps you raise even more money at in-person events by offering

Crowdfunding campaigns allow teams to reach supporters beyond their local area, making donations more convenient. 

Start a GoFundMe

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

  • Team members set up their fundraising pages and compete for donations.
  • Give a prize to the top fundraisers.

4. Service-Based Fundraising

Car Wash Fundraiser

  • Use a local business parking lot for free space.
  • See if any local businesses would offer you a discount on supplies.

Low investment and easy to engage players. Promote with signs (don’t forget your QR code if you also use crowdfunding service like GoFundMe!) and social media.

Grocery Bagging for Donations

  • Partner with a local supermarket and have players bag groceries for tips.
  • Wear sports team jerseys to create awareness.

Small donations add up fast and help teams reach their goals. Have a donation jar at every checkout line.

5.  Product-Based Fundraising

Team Merch Sales

  • Sell branded sports team T-shirts, hoodies, memorabilia, and water bottles.
  • Establish an online storefront for year-round sales.

Include limited-edition merch for events.

Lemonade or Ice Cream Stands

  • During warm months, put up concession stands at parks and local events.

An easy way to raise funds. Consider offering different flavors and add-ons or joining another food event like a potluck or bake sale.

Hot Chocolate or holiday cookie sale

  • During colder months, put up hot cocoa stands at holiday events, sales, or near shopping centers.

Don’t forget whipped cream and consider adding messages from the athletes on the cups such as “thank you for supporting our season!”

6. Creative & Unique Youth Sports Fundraising Ideas

Pie the Coach Fundraiser

  • Players and supporters donate to see the coach take a pie to the face.

This in-person challenge builds team spirit.

Dunk the Coach Tank

  • Set up a dunk tank at a local or school community event and have people pay for throws.

Are You Smarter Than a Player? Trivia Night

  • Conduct a sports-themed trivia contest where participants answer questions posed by athletes and charge an entry fee.
  • Offer prizes to top competitors to increase excitement.

With a bit of friendly competition, this fundraiser attracts sports fans and trivia lovers. Try hosting at a local restaurant or community center.

Team Fundraising Letters

  • Send personalized letters asking for donations from family, alumni, and local businesses.
  • Add a heartfelt message about your team’s goals and needs for successful fundraising.

7. Seasonal & Cause-Based Fundraising

Earth Day Cleanup Fundraiser

  • Organize a park or beach cleanup event and get pledges for each bag of trash collected.
  • Support both your team members and the environment.

Holiday-Themed Fundraisers

  • Offer holiday gift-wrapping services or host a haunted house or pumpkin carving contest.

These events are popular with families and the local community wanting to support a good cause.

Super Bowl or Major Event Fundraisers

  • Sell tickets to a Super Bowl-themed party or organize a viewing party for fans’ favorite sports team.

How to Maximize Your Fundraising Success

The best sports-related fundraisers balance community outreach, online tactics, in-person events, and corporate sponsorships to guarantee a constant stream of cash.

GoFundMe is a quick, scalable way to access supporters for youth sports teams through independent campaigns or integration into other movements.

Building a great fundraising plan helps teams get the resources they need to succeed. Look at crowdfunding or other fundraising ideas so your team can keep winning.

Start a GoFundMe