Cheerleaders do more than lead the crowd—they elevate school spirit and embody athleticism, dedication, and teamwork. But from travel costs to competition fees, running a cheer squad requires serious financial backing. That’s where smart, strategic fundraising efforts come in.
At Fundraising University, we help cheerleading teams fundraise effectively so they can focus on stunts, chants, and community pride. Whether you’re aiming to refresh cheerleading uniforms or travel to national competitions, this guide is packed with the best cheerleading fundraisers that will keep your squad spirited, strong, and supported.
Let’s explore fun, profitable, and easy-to-implement cheerleading fundraiser ideas that will help you reach your fundraising goal and elevate your entire cheerleading season.
Fundraising
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of supporting cheerleading teams, allowing them to cover essential expenses such as uniforms, travel, and competition fees. A successful cheerleading team requires a significant amount of funding, which can be challenging to manage. However, with the right fundraising strategies and ideas, cheer teams can raise the necessary funds to thrive. In this section, we will explore the importance of fundraising for cheerleading teams and provide an overview of the various fundraising methods and ideas available.
Why Fundraising Matters for Cheerleading Teams
Behind every high-flying stunt is a lot of planning, training, and, yes—funding. From megaphones to mats, a cheer squad’s needs go far beyond pom-poms. That’s why cheerleading fundraisers are vital to helping teams thrive.
Effective fundraising programs not only offset high cheerleading costs but also build community, increase visibility, and empower athletes to take leadership roles. For coaches and booster clubs, successful cheerleading fundraisers also reduce financial stress and unite parents, players, and school staff in a shared goal.
Covering Core Cheerleading Needs
Cheerleaders need more than just spirit to succeed—they need gear. From a cheer team’s uniforms, bows, and shoes to warm-up jackets, mats, tumbling equipment, and megaphones, outfitting a team gets expensive. Add in competition fees, travel expenses, and lodging for cheerleading competitions, and you can see why many squads turn to profitable fundraisers early in the season.
Reducing Burdens for Families and Coaches
The costs of uniforms, travel, and training can quickly overwhelm families. Coaches and parent volunteers often end up covering additional costs out of pocket or spending countless hours coordinating small events. Strategic cheer fundraising ideas help ease that burden while involving cheer team members and fostering team spirit and a greater sense of accountability among athletes.
Amplifying School Spirit and Visibility
A successful cheerleader fundraising idea goes beyond finances—it enhances your team’s presence on campus. With the right funding, squads can deliver dynamic halftime shows, lead engaging pep rallies, and even host community school events like game day performances and spirit weeks. Fundraising allows cheerleading squads to boost team spirit and play a central role in fostering pride and unity across the entire student body.
How to Choose the Right Cheer Fundraiser
Choosing the right type of fundraiser for your cheerleading team can mean the difference between hitting your fundraising goal and falling short. With so many profitable fundraising ideas out there, it’s crucial to pick the ones that align with your squad’s size, schedule, and energy.
Whether you’re running a traditional bake sale or organizing an innovative cheer camp, the key is to match the event with your goals, team culture, and community reach.
Define Your Cheerleading Squad’s Financial Goals
Start by identifying exactly what your squad needs. Are you raising money for new cheerleading uniforms, covering registration fees for out-of-state cheer competitions, or replacing worn practice mats? Be specific—each goal helps shape the direction of your fundraising campaign.
Engage with your booster club or fundraising committee to align your financial goals with the season calendar. Plan backward from key deadlines and competitions and break down large targets into achievable milestones to maintain team motivation. Utilizing a reliable fundraising platform can also streamline your efforts, saving time and resources while maximizing your fundraising results.
Prioritize Participation and Simplicity
Cheerleaders are busy—with practices, school, and community appearances. That’s why the best cheerleading fundraising ideas are ones that are easy to execute and fun to promote. Look for options that offer online donations, remote participation, or require minimal setup, like a gift card fundraiser, a candy bar sale, or an interactive fundraiser.
Keep the energy high by choosing ideas that reflect your squad’s enthusiasm and give members a chance to shine—think of high-visibility school gym events or performances with a fundraising twist.
Get the Community Involved
Cheerleading is inherently public-facing, which makes it perfect for community gatherings and joint school events. Coordinate your fundraisers with basketball games, football games, or pep rallies. Set up booths at school events, sell snacks near the school parking lot on game nights, or organize a garage sale during a weekend craft fair.
Maximize visibility by promoting through social media, digital flyers, and team videos. Share updates via Instagram Reels, TikTok stunts, or behind-the-scenes footage of your squad preparing for an engaging community event.
How Fundraising University Helps
With Fundraising University as your guide, you’re not just picking an idea—you’re building a roadmap to a fundraiser’s success. Every cheerleading campaign starts with a customized launch meeting where our fundraising experts learn your team’s unique needs and set tailored fundraising goals.
From high-quality fundraising products like cookie dough and digital merchant cards to user-friendly digital platforms for online fundraisers, we make it simple for every cheer team to shine. With no upfront costs and a team of fundraising coaches backing your every move, we handle the logistics so your athletes can stay focused on their routines.
Traditional Fundraising Methods
Traditional fundraising methods have been used by cheerleading teams for decades and can be an effective way to raise money. These methods include car washes, bake sales, and raffle ticket sales. Car wash fundraisers are a classic fundraising idea that can be held in a school parking lot or at a local business. Bake sales are another popular option, where team members can sell baked goods at school events or in the community. Raffle ticket sales can also be a successful way to raise funds, where team members sell tickets for a chance to win a prize. These traditional methods can be a great way to build team spirit and engage with the community.
Fun and Profitable Cheerleading Fundraising Ideas
When it comes to fundraising, a great fundraising idea can make all the difference for cheerleaders who know how to bring the energy. The best cheerleading fundraiser ideas balance team spirit, community engagement, and profitability—without burning out your squad. Whether you’re looking for a classic fundraising idea, something innovative, or a themed performance-based event, these options are designed to help your cheerleading program earn plenty of money while having fun.
Crowd Favorites That Always Work
- Team Spirit Gear Sales: Sell custom cheer gear like bows, tumblers, hoodies, and tees at reasonable prices. Offer limited-edition items or bundle options during the holiday season to boost urgency and encourage extra donations.
- Restaurant Spirit Nights: Partner with local eateries that will donate a percentage of sales from a designated night. Promote through social, school bulletins, and flyers. These are low-effort, high-return, profitable fundraisers.
- Raffle Baskets: Gather donated items or gift certificates from community sponsors to build themed baskets. Sell raffle tickets at games or through online platforms, and consider drawing winners during a school event like a pep rally or basketball game.
- Gift Card Fundraisers: Offer popular gift cards to restaurants, retailers, or online services. These can be delivered physically or digitally and are perfect for supporters who want to help without buying products.
- Snack or Candy Booths: Set up tables during games, assemblies, or school theater events. Sell delicious treats like popcorn, drinks, or bags of treats tied with school colors for visual appeal.
- Candy Bar Sales: This classic fundraiser still delivers. Sell name-brand candy bars for quick profits. Pair with cash registers or mobile payment apps for speed and simplicity.
- Car Wash Fundraiser: Organize a car wash fundraiser as a traditional and effective way to raise money. Focus on key strategies like choosing a high-traffic location, optimal timing, and leveraging the minimal start-up costs to maximize community engagement and success.
Cheer-Themed Fundraising Events With Flair
- Stunt-A-Thon: Take advantage of the competitive spirits as supporters pledge per stunt, jump, or tumbling pass performed by the team. Host it at your school gym or cheerleading gym, charge an admission fee, and live-stream the event for wider reach.
- Pep Rally Fundraiser: Invite the entire school to a special rally filled with mini-games, cheer routines, and giveaways. Charge entry fees or offer VIP seating in exchange for additional donations.
- Cheer Camps or Cheer Clinics: Offer a cheerleading camp or after-school clinic where your squad teaches younger kids basic moves and cheers. Parents pay a registration fee, and kids leave with confidence—and maybe even a bow.
- Cheer Clinic: Host a cheer clinic to raise funds and inspire younger kids to get involved in cheerleading. Offering spots at the clinic can draw in a supportive audience and make the event a desirable experience.
- Squad Swap or Coach Challenge: Have coaches or teachers perform cheer routines and let students vote (with dollars!) on the funniest or most outrageous. Add a twist with costumes or themed challenges.
- Photo Booth Fundraiser: Set up a themed booth with props at a game day or school dance. Charge participants per session and share photos online to boost visibility and fun.
Creative Community-Based Ideas
- Cheer Bingo or Trivia Night: Organize a bingo night or trivia event with cheerleading-themed categories. Offer cash prizes, donated items, or even pancake breakfast vouchers to winners. Include snacks or drinks to increase proceeds.
- Lip Sync Battle or Talent Show: Spotlight your cheerleaders and guest performers during this fun event. Charge admission, award prizes, and livestream it for family members who can’t attend in person.
- Dance-A-Thon or Silent Disco: Play favorite songs all night long while participants dance for pledges or time-based challenges. Rent silent disco headphones for a unique experience and offer incentives for the best-dressed or longest-dancer.
- Seasonal Events: Host holiday-themed community events like gift wrapping services during December, an Easter egg hunt in the spring, or a pumpkin patch in the fall. Each idea taps into family fun and seasonal generosity.
Online Fundraising Platforms
Online fundraising platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and effective way to raise money for cheerleading teams. These platforms allow team members to create a fundraising page, share it with friends and family, and collect donations online. Online fundraising platforms can be used for a variety of fundraising ideas, including cheerleading crowdfunding campaigns, social media challenges, and online auctions. Some popular online fundraising platforms for cheerleading teams include GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Fundly. These platforms can help teams reach a wider audience and raise more funds than traditional methods.
Fundraising Programs and Tools
There are several fundraising programs and tools available to help cheerleading teams raise money. These programs and tools can include fundraising software, online donation platforms, and social media management tools. Fundraising software can help teams track donations, manage fundraising campaigns, and analyze results. Online donation platforms can provide a secure and convenient way for donors to contribute to the team. Social media management tools can help teams promote their fundraising campaigns and engage with their audience. Some popular fundraising programs and tools for cheerleading teams include Snap! Raise, ABC Fundraising, and Givebutter.
Tips for a Successful Cheer Fundraising Effort
Behind every successful cheerleading fundraiser is thoughtful planning, creative promotion, and strong teamwork. To boost awareness, whether you’re organizing a garage sale, hosting a cheerleading camp, or managing a series of online fundraisers, these tips will help your cheerleading team stay on track—and maximize every dollar.
Assign Cheer-Specific Roles
Divide tasks by each cheerleader’s strengths. Designate Spirit Leaders to manage crowd engagement, signage, and appearances at community events. Put tech-savvy students in charge of Marketing Captain duties—creating posts, editing routine clips, and managing social media promotions. Finally, appoint a Fundraising Chair to oversee logistics, track your fundraising goal, and coordinate volunteers. This leadership structure reinforces accountability and makes the process more manageable.
Promote Like a Pro
Promotion is your squad’s secret weapon. Post short clips of routines, pep rally highlights, or behind-the-scenes prep videos across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Encourage squad members to tag friends, use school hashtags, and create countdowns for each fundraising event. Use QR codes on posters, links in bios, and text campaigns for online donations.
If you’re working with Fundraising University, you’ll gain access to our hands-free digital system, allowing your fundraising team to collect payments in real-time and share campaigns across all platforms—instantly boosting your fundraising possibilities. Encourage participants to actively engage in fundraising activities by organizing challenges and family fun runs, motivating individuals to contribute towards your cause.
Partner with Sponsors and Local Businesses
Local businesses love supporting high-energy teams that give back. Reach out to restaurants, gyms, salons, or coffee shops to ask for product donations, gift cards, or extra money matching. Offer promotional perks like shoutouts during halftime, logos on event shirts, or sponsored banners at your school gym. These partnerships are powerful for your cheerleading program and help with offering wholesale prices and creating long-lasting ties with community leaders.
Get Help from the Pros
Working with a professional fundraising company like Fundraising University removes the stress of organizing everything yourself. Our team of fundraising experts provides a wide range of support, like guidance, tools, and structured systems that eliminate guesswork, including features like a fundraising thermometer to visually track progress. Whether you’re managing a pancake breakfast fundraiser, raffle, or card fundraiser, we help you build momentum while your team focuses on perfecting their routines.
Avoid Common Fundraising Mistakes
Just as there are plenty of innovative fundraising ideas for cheer teams, there are plenty of mistakes to avoid, and not all of them obvious ones:
- Don’t spread your squad too thin with too many events. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Avoid launching fundraisers too late in the cheerleading season—you’ll struggle with availability and community attention.
- Always set achievable milestones to track progress, and remember:
- Thanking your donors is just as important as collecting their contributions. Send out thank-you notes and fundraising letters, create a shoutout reel, or email a team highlights video showing how their support made a difference.
How Fundraising Builds Leadership in Cheer Teams
A powerful fundraising program doesn’t just raise money—it raises leaders. From planning exciting events to promoting on social media and speaking with local sponsors, fundraising offers cheerleaders a real-world platform to grow.
Beyond the financial goal, these experiences develop communication, confidence, and collaboration—core strengths for any successful cheerleading squad.
- Builds Communication and Coordination Skills: Organizing a fundraising event teaches more than just time management—it teaches the mechanics of event planning. Cheerleaders must coordinate with school staff, assign roles, write flyers, manage schedules, and explain their fundraising efforts to community members. These are the same skills used in future internships, team leadership roles, and college applications.
- Empowers Student Voices and Initiative: When cheerleaders pitch ideas for a cheerleader fundraising idea, present them to the booster club, or talk to business sponsors, they gain ownership over their team’s goals. Asking for additional donations, explaining the need for a pancake breakfast fundraiser, or outlining a plan for a photo booth fundraiser helps them find their voice, gain self-assurance, and learn persuasive communication.
- Fosters Gratitude and Community Awareness: Raising money cultivates a deeper appreciation for what it takes to run a cheerleading program. From every candy bar sold to each fundraising letter sent, athletes see the effort behind the scenes—and the support that makes it possible. It builds a lasting connection to their school, their cheer squad, and the broader community. They don’t just become better fundraisers; they become more grateful, grounded athletes.
Measuring Success
Measuring the success of a fundraising campaign is crucial to determining its effectiveness and making improvements for future events. There are several ways to measure the success of a fundraising campaign, including tracking donations, monitoring social media engagement, and evaluating team spirit. Tracking donations can help teams understand how much money they have raised and identify areas for improvement. Monitoring social media engagement can help teams understand how well their campaign is being received and make adjustments to their promotional strategy. Evaluating team spirit can help teams understand how their fundraising campaign has impacted their team’s morale and cohesion. By measuring the success of their fundraising campaigns, cheerleading teams can refine their strategies and achieve their fundraising goals.
Ready to Launch a High-Energy Cheerleading Fundraiser?
Whether you’re flipping for funds with a Stunt-A-Thon, hosting a yard sale, or organizing an exciting event like a holiday candy cane sale, the right ideas for cheerleading squads can elevate your team’s spirit—and your bottom line. With a well-structured plan, creative promotions, and community support, your cheerleading team can hit every donation goal while building stronger school pride.
At Fundraising University, we’re here to make your next cheerleading fundraiser simple, strategic, and stress-free. Our hands-on coaching, proven systems, and high-quality service ensures your team can focus on cheering while we handle the rest. With no upfront costs and expert support every step of the way, we’ll help you raise plenty of money—and have fun doing it.
Contact us today to schedule your personalized fundraising consultation—and let’s help your cheer squad soar this season, on and off the mat.