25 Easy and Effective Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams
Looking for the best sports team fundraiser ideas? We’ve got you covered.
Team sports can be a terrific way for youth to make friends and develop their leadership skills. However, they can also be expensive. To keep the costs from breaking the bank, it’s worthwhile to organize an easy team fundraiser that will offset the price of expenses like tournaments and uniforms.
If organizing a sports team fundraiser sounds intimidating, don’t sweat it. We’re here to help you organize an easy team fundraiser that everyone will love, including the players, the parents, and your community.
At Indeygo, we’ve been coordinating sports team fundraisers in Canada for decades. Drawing on our years of experience, we’ve put together a list of some of the best sports team fundraisers. From cookie dough sales to dog washes, there’s something for every team.
Top 25 Sports Team Fundraising Ideas
1. Cookie dough sale
Fundraising has never tasted so sweet. Selling cookie dough is an easy and effective way to raise money — and it only takes a few weeks. We offer 10 best selling, Canadian-made options to choose from, so your community can enjoy a wide selection of cookies with none of that pesky measuring or mixing.
Learn more about sports team cookie dough fundraisers from Indeygo.
2. 24-hour relay
A fundraiser that doubles as training? Sounds perfect for a sports team.
Organizing a 24-hour relay to raise money is simple. Just collect pledges from your community and secure a venue for the race. Remember, running isn’t your only option; your team might also consider swimming, biking, skating, or even juggling.
3. Coffee bean sale
Coffee is always in high demand. Rake in big profits for your team’s next tournament by selling fresh roasted beans in your community.
We might be biased, but we think our beans are the best. Fair trade, organic, and roasted in small batches in the Rocky Mountains, they’re always a hit.
Read more about organizing a team coffee bean fundraiser.
4. Polar plunge
If you’re organizing a sports team fundraiser in Canada — especially in the winter — this event can be a great option. Always a crowd pleaser, a polar plunge fundraiser is an exciting way to bring in cash, while finding out who on the team is the bravest. Similar to a relay, each team member collects pledges. Once they reach their goal, they take a freezing cold dip in an icy body of water at the big finale event. You can even film the polar dips and stream the whole thing online so all your supporters get to witness the big moment.
5. Tea sale
Maybe it’s the cold weather, but we’re big fans of tea sales in the wintertime. After all, who doesn’t love a bag of premium loose leaf tea? Your community will love the flavours, and your team will love bringing in the funds they need for new equipment or uniforms.
Our teas are made with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives, all right here in Canmore, Alberta.
Learn more about organizing a team tea fundraiser.
6. Half-time shot raffle
A half-time shot raffle is one of the best sports team fundraisers because it’s a real crowd pleaser. At your next big game, invite attendees to enter for the chance to win an opportunity to take a big shot at halftime — for a big prize, of course. The crowd will love it, and you’ll reach your fundraising goals in no time.
7. Trivia night
A trivia night fundraiser is the perfect opportunity for your friends and loved ones to showcase their smarts. Organizing it is relatively simple. Simply charge a flat fee for groups to sign up and award prizes donated by local businesses.
8. Dunk tank
This one is always a big hit with sports teams. Arrange for the coach to sit on the dunk tank platform at an event. Then, charge attendees for the chance to get the coach soaked!
9. Bingo
It’s a classic for a reason. Bingo nights can raise big money, fast — and they’re fun for the whole family.
10. Muffin dough sale
Looking to sell something that appeals to busy parents for your team fundraiser? Try our Scoop and Bake Muffin Dough that is locally made right here in Canada.
We might be biased, but we think there’s no better option than warm delicious muffins straight from your oven.
Take a look at the options we offer here.
11. Bake sale
Another classic, bake sales are simple to organize. For sports teams, we recommend tabling your bake sale at a game or practice facility where you can expect lots of foot traffic and plenty of hungry fans.
12. Food festival
The next step up from a bake sale, a food festival can be a delightful experience that brings together the community. Players or team members each make a favourite dish from their own culture or childhood and set it up at a booth. Multiply that by 20 team members, and you have yourself a festival.
13. Garage sale
A garage sale is a great way to raise money while Marie-Kondo-ing your home in the process. Encourage team members to bring in their gently used items to sell and advertise your garage sale in local neighbourhoods.
14. Costume contest
This can be a hit around Halloween, but really, you can do a costume contest any time of year, especially if you come up with a fun theme and pair it with an existing event. Charge a fee for each entry, and get a great prize donated as an incentive.
15. Sports memorabilia auction
Auction off sports memorabilia either online or in person. If you’re lucky, a local shop might even donate it for free. Bonus points if it’s signed by a local athlete.
16. Fitness class fundraiser
Is there someone in your team’s network who knows how to lead fitness classes? Congratulations! You’re all set to arrange a fitness class fundraiser. In addition to entry fees, you can sell snacks during the event to increase your profits.
17. Golf tournament
There’s a reason so many professional athletes golf during the off-season. It’s a fun and relaxing way to pass an afternoon.
Approach your local course to explore opportunities to organize a fundraiser. Don’t forget to include door prizes at the event to raise extra funds.
18. Online auction
Want to avoid all the hassle of event planning? Get prizes donated from local businesses and auction them off online. These days, online programs will do most of the work for you.
19. 50/50 Raffle
Similarly, a 50/50 raffle at your next big game is always a solid standby. Arranging for the players to walk through the stands to sell tickets can be wildly effective in a big crowd.
20. Team gala
While a gala takes a significant amount of time and effort, it can also produce amazing results. Consider organizing a gala event with other teams in your school or club. The best part? It’s an excuse to dress up and enjoy a fun evening together.
21. Cornhole tournament
We bet your team will love this opportunity for a little spicy competition. Cornhole sets are easy to rent or buy, and your friends and loved ones will be happy to pay to sign up their group for an afternoon of games and prizes.
22. Movie marathon
Another simple event to organize, movie marathons are fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to sell popcorn and select films that feature your sport of choice.
23. Coupon books
Local businesses are often happy to participate in a coupon book fundraiser — simply reach out and ask. Once you have a handful of companies on board to offer discounts, you can sell books of coupons for a big profit.
24. Valentine’s Day cards
Printing a set of custom cards with cute sayings is easier than ever these days. If you’re creative, you can even make them sports themed. We bet you’ll sell out in no time.
25. Dog wash
You’ve heard of a car wash, but have you heard of a dog wash? We bet members of your community will love the opportunity to give their pups a little TLC while supporting local athletes.
Could your sports team use a little more support with your next fundraiser? Reach out to us to discuss easy sports team fundraising ideas. We’re a proudly Canadian company offering a variety of great options to bring in as much as 40% profit in just a few weeks.
Reach out today to get started on your sports team fundraiser.
