Summer sports have grown a lot in recent years. Aside from travel teams, Summer leagues are taking hold in both high school and college athletes. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has done a phenomenal job of getting athletes to play beyond their prospective seasons. While this is a great thing for student-athletes, it presents an entirely new problem. It is often difficult enough to try and pull together the funding for 1 season, let alone additional funds for two full sports seasons in a single year, especially when those seasons bud up against each other back-to-back.
Luckily, at Fundraising University, we make summer sports fundraising easy and fun! Your high school athlete won’t get bored with fundraising every season. Start the season off with some team bonding and healthy competition right from the get-go. We have the players compete against one another, making it fun, boosting team spirit, and raising extra funds for the team.
The Cost of Two Seasons
Some of the more dominant Summer sports include baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. All of these types of youth sports can have a lot of travel, a lot of tournament costs, and some have a lot of equipment. The cost of uniforms, gloves, bats, balls, cleats, shin guards, bags, warm-up gear, knee pads, nets, and other equipment start adding up and we haven’t even touched tournaments, facility rentals, traveling games, or league fees. These costs can compound fairly fast and soon enough there isn’t any funding left for the season to continue and it’s only June! Fundraising U is here to help your winning team cover those costs and get all the way to the championship game. We make the fundraising process easy, competitive, and fun.
How it Works
Our process allows the players a way to build chemistry within the team, as well as support the team with their financial needs. We make the fundraising process competitive, fun, and easy for all athletes. In 6 Easy steps, see your fundraising goals become a reality.
STEP 1: LAUNCH MEETING
A 20-minute meeting to prepare coaches and instructors for your upcoming fundraiser. The goals of the fundraiser are determined by the coach and your dedicated Fundraising University coach. Your Fund U Coach will sit down with you and walk through what you need to help establish the goals for the fundraiser.
STEP 2: KICKOFF
Rally your athletes around your fundraiser in a 25-minute kickoff event. We have this down to a science, so you can take a breather while we take the reins. Your Fund U coach will work to get your athletes excited about the fundraiser and establish their goals for selling. By the time your athletes leave, they’ll be ready to sell.
STEP 3: SELL LIKE CRAZY
Your team will be broken up into two competing teams to see who raises the most money for your program. It is then their jobs to go out and sell as much as possible to reach your goals and beat the other team.
With Fundraising University, your players can accept credit card payments on the spot with a single scan from their phone giving them the ability to sell more than ever!
STEP 4: HARNESS THE POWER OF MOBILE
Give customers who purchase a discount card or ticket, access to an online app that unlocks thousands of additional discount opportunities. Deals and steals will pop up right on the user’s phone with no effort at all. This makes it easier than ever for your team to sell to friends and family.
STEP 5: BLITZ
Gather your athletes together for one final push. Here we discuss how much money the team has raised so far and set the final goal, this pumps your players up to finish strong. Award prizes for progress and show your players just how close they are to reaching their overall goal.
STEP 6: PRIZES
Award your athletes with prizes they’ll actually want to earn. Focus your players on the goal at hand. Though physical prizes, perks, and/or cash prizes are dished out throughout the sports fundraiser. Your team will be excited to win these prizes, but the real prize is watching your athletes take ownership of achieving their big dream.
STEP 7: DELIVERY
Delivering physical products can be a logistical nightmare. Your Fundraising University Coach will help organize shipment and show up to support the delivery process, ensuring your experience with Fundraising University is seamless until everyone crosses the finish line.
STEP 8: REPEAT
Before your know it, your next season will be starting and Fundraising U is right there to help you reach your goals again. Your team will be ready to sell and your supports will be excited to buy. Keep dreaming big, because fundraising gets better every time.
Why School Fundraisers Are Crucial
School fundraisers are essential initiatives aimed at gathering financial support for various programs, projects, or needs within educational institutions.
These efforts not only generate necessary funds but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among students, parents, staff, and football enthusiasts. Understanding the various types of fundraisers, from shoe drive fundraisers to classic fundraising events like bake sales, can empower you and your team to help with creative and profitable fundraising ideas when approaching experts like Fundraising University.
Types of School Fundraisers
- Service-Based Fundraisers: These fundraising efforts tap into the skills and resources of the community. Commonly, they include traditional activities such as wash fundraisers, where the students offer to do home or car washes, bake sales, or services like yard work and babysitting. By participating, students, athletes, and families can collaborate and contribute their time and talents, fostering a spirit of teamwork and engagement.
- Event-Based Fundraisers: Hosting community events like fun runs, school carnivals, or themed dances falls under this category. These gatherings not only collect funds but also boost school spirit, offer a chance at friendly competition, and enhance community involvement. Incorporating components like silent auctions can further entice potential donors and create an exciting atmosphere during these events.
- Product Fundraisers: Selling items such as cookies, school merchandise, or other products is a classic and effective fundraising strategy. Partnering with reliable vendors can increase your chances of a profitable fundraiser. For example, combining a car wash with a cookie dough sale allows teams to offer diverse products that cater to supporters’ interests or offer free publicity, volunteer work, or services in exchange for donations.
The Importance of Fundraisers
- Supporting Niche or Underserved Programs: Many schools host specialized programs in areas like music, arts, niche sports teams, and STEM, which often face budget constraints. Fundraisers serve as a crucial support system, ensuring these valuable offerings continue to thrive.
- Fostering Community Spirit: Fundraisers are a fantastic way to unite students, parents, and staff, promoting collaboration and partnership that enriches the overall school experience. By sharing in fundraising efforts, financial burdens can be alleviated, particularly when fees from events contribute to group initiatives.
- Engaging Through Technology: With the rise of modern fundraising tools and online peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, outreach and participation have expanded significantly. Utilizing social media campaigns and crowdfunding can streamline the donation process, enabling schools to connect with a broader audience and engage supporters more effectively.
When brainstorming ideas for sports teams and a successful fundraiser, it’s essential to recognize that every initiative contributes to a greater cause while strengthening community bonds.
At Fundraising University, we champion creativity and inclusivity to ensure every voice can take part in this vital mission, crafting the ideal fundraiser for youth football teams. With careful planning and innovative ideas—ranging from wash fundraisers to discount card sales—schools can create unforgettable experiences that benefit everyone involved.
Some Innovative and Classic Summer Sports Fundraising Ideas for Youth Sports Teams
When it comes to raising funds for youth sports teams, a blend of creativity and tradition can open up a world of opportunities. From time-honored methods that have proven their worth over the years to fresh, fun ideas that resonate with today’s supporters, the possibilities are endless. We want to give you a taste of the variety of youth sports fundraising ideas that not only get you to your financial goals but also foster teamwork and community engagement.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran in fundraising or a rookie looking for inspiration, these initiatives are designed to pump up your team and rally your supporters.
Organize a Fun Run: Get Active for a Cause
If you’re looking for community engagement and a fun activity, then go for this one. This is about hosting a fun run or walk event that encourages participants of all ages to get moving while supporting the team. Participants can gather pledges for each lap they complete, making it a win-win for health and fundraising.
Host a Community Sports Festival: Celebrate Togetherness
Bring everyone together with a community sports festival. Set up various tournament-style competitions like soccer, basketball, fun challenges, or relay races, and charge entry fees for teams or individuals. It creates a vibrant atmosphere to nurture the competitive spirit while raising funds, and you can even bring in multiple sports clubs into the mix, from the soccer team to the baseball team and why not, maybe even the chess club!
Car Wash Fundraiser: Wash Away the Competition
A classic choice, organizing a car wash can be a fun way for sports team members to earn money. Set up stations at the school or a nearby community center and offer various wash packages, then promote your service via social media to gather support from the local community.
Themed Barbecue: Grill for Good
Another great fundraising idea is hosting a themed barbecue by choosing a creative theme (e.g., Hawaiian luau or cowboy cookout) and inviting the community. Charge a flat fee for meals or give them in exchange for donations kind while providing entertainment to draw in crowds.
Ice Cream Social: Sweeten Fundraising Efforts
It’s summer, so there’s a lot of fundraising potential with an ice cream social where team members serve scoops of delicious ice cream to the community. This is a fun and sweet way to encourage donations and gain interest in the team.
Merchandise Sales: Wear Your Support
An always popular idea for sports teams. Create and sell team merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, and water bottles. Customize these items with your team colors and branding and promote them as a way for fans to show their support while generating funds.
Online Crowdfunding: Rally the Virtual Community
The online donation option has become a staple in youth sports fundraising, and for good reason. You can utilize online peer-to-peer fundraising platforms to reach family members, friends, and supporters who may not be local. A well-crafted campaign can attract potential supporters through compelling storytelling and incentives for various donation levels in a very short time frame.
Partner with Local Businesses: Build Beneficial Sponsorships
Reach out to local businesses to partner in fundraising. In exchange for sponsorships, offer advertising opportunities or promotional space at events; this can create a mutually beneficial relationship and enhance community ties.
Sports Clinics: Teach and Raise Funds
Host clinics where team members teach younger kids the fundamentals of their sport. Charge a fee for participants in exchange for providing instruction while generating revenue. Among the most fitting ideas for sports teams in terms of fundraising.
Themed Game Nights: Play for a Purpose
Organize themed game nights at local businesses like bowling alleys or arcades, where a portion of the ticket sales proceeds go towards the team’s fundraising goal. Make it festive with prizes for winners to enhance participation.
Bake Sale Bonanza: Homemade Goodies for Charity
Hold a bake sale featuring homemade treats prepared with he team members and their families’ favorite recipes. This timeless fundraising idea never fails to draw in crowds eager for a taste of sweet delights.
Trivia Night: Test Your Knowledge for a Cause
Host a trivia night at a local venue where participants pay to enter teams. Questions can range from sports to general knowledge, and the proceeds go to the youth sports program.
Raffle Draw: Exciting Prizes for Support
A classic fundraising option is to organize a raffle with attractive prizes donated by local businesses or other community members. Sell raffle tickets leading up to an event, and draw winners at the end, creating excitement and engagement.
Charity Auction: Bid for a Good Cause
Set up a charity auction where unique items and experiences can be bid on. Invite local artists or businesses to donate auction items, and hold the auction at a community event to draw generous bids.
Fitness Challenge: Encourage Healthy Competition
In the list of competitive fundraising ideas, here’s another one: Launch a fitness challenge where participants can commit to certain fitness goals. Charge an entry fee, and provide incentives for those who reach their targets, promoting a healthy lifestyle and fundraising simultaneously.
Play-a-thon: Extended Play for Fun and Funds
Organize a play-a-thon where participants engage in a specific sport or activity for an extended period, securing pledges for hours played. It’s a creative way to stay active while raising money.
Family Field Day Fundraiser: Engage the Whole Community
Create a family sports day filled with friendly competitions, fun games, dunk tanks, and even viral video challenges. Charging for entries and selling refreshments can turn this fun sports event into a significant fundraiser for the team.
Yard Sale: Clear Clutter, Raise Cash
Coordinate a yard sale where team members can donate items they no longer need. This not only declutters homes but also brings communities together for a good cause, with proceeds benefiting the team.
Pool Party Fundraiser: Make a Splash for Charity
Host a pool party with games, contests, and activities for families. Charge an entry fee or set up donation stations around the pool to create a fun environment for summer fundraising.
Bike-a-thon: Pedal for a Purpose
Organize a bike-a-thon where participants ride a designated distance while collecting pledges from their friends and family. This environmentally friendly event promotes fitness and community spirit while raising money for the team.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Cinema for Charity
This is unsurprisingly a popular fundraising method, where you transform a large outdoor space into a cozy cinema by hosting a movie night under the stars. Charge for entry and offer concessions such as popcorn, drinks, and snacks to boost your fundraising. Choose family-friendly films to attract a large crowd, and consider themes or dress codes for added fun. This event not only raises funds but also brings the community together for a night of entertainment.
Day of Service: Give Back While Fundraising
Organize a Day of Service where team members and volunteers work on various community improvement projects. Participants can gather pledges for the hours they contribute, providing a dual benefit of raising additional funds and enhancing the local community. From local park clean-ups to helping at shelters, this initiative emphasizes teamwork, community spirit, and the importance of giving back.
Local Talent Show: Showcase Skills for Fundraising
Host a talent show fundraiser highlighting local performers, whether they sing, dance, or have unique skills to display. Charge a small entry fee for participants and audience members alike. Add a concession stand or offer merchandise from the team to further boost funds. This event not only raises money for the sports club but also fosters local talent and community support.
Dinner with Athletes: Dine for Donations
Arrange a special dinner event where fans can dine with athletes and coaches from your team. Sell tickets and create an engaging atmosphere with guest speakers, live auctions, or raffles throughout the evening. This intimate setting allows for personal interaction, drawing both fans and potential sponsors interested in supporting the team while enjoying a delightful evening.
Capture the Flag Tournament: Team Spirit for Fundraising
Organize a Capture the Flag tournament, inviting teams from different age groups or local schools to compete. Charge for team entries and offer prizes to the winning group. This fun and active event encourages friendly competition and enhances team spirit while raising funds. Set up food trucks or concession stands to cater to players and spectators, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
With these classic and creative ideas for sports teams, fundraising isn’t a daunting task, especially with Fundraising University at your team’s side. We’ll approach you with these and many more effective sports team fundraising ideas that will have both the entire team and school community onboard and excited.
Are You Interested?
Every athlete deserves the opportunity to look and play their best, especially young athletes. We take pride in making sure fundraising goals are met and athletes are able to compete and enjoy their sport, while their coaches focus on coaching them. If you are interested in working with Fundraising University for your next fundraiser, please contact us! We are here to help coaches and athletes succeed during the AAU season.