Football Fundraising: How it Helps Teams
Football fundraising is used to raise money to cover various team expenses, such as travel expenses, field upgrades, venue costs, equipment, scholarships, and other essential requirements that make the game more enjoyable and safer. Football fundraisers also help both football programs and nonprofit organizations that represent youth football and high school athletes gain visibility.
Team fundraising not only can raise funds but also increases team spirit and fosters relationships with supporters. It’s also a great opportunity to build partnerships with local businesses and fans.
By creating an online fundraiser, even supporters and fans outside of the community can lend their support. Just posting your donation page to social media sites or linking a QR code to events on game day can greatly increase the amount of money raised.
Why Start a GoFundMe to Help Reach Your Football Fundraising Goals
Starting a GoFundMe for your football team or your player’s own personal expenses is a great way to offer people who want to support you an easy way to do so. Having a donation form or online fundraiser you can point people to during any fundraising event or general fundraising efforts has proven to help people collect even more donations than if they were to run an event alone.
This is because having a link to use for QR codes or in your social media posts gives people more opportunity to donate beyond just buying a ticket to an event or giving cash at, say, a car wash.
Fundraising Ideas for Football Teams
There are many football fundraising ideas teams can choose from. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 14 football fundraising ideas we think will be useful year-round—especially during football season.
1. Car Wash and Barbecue Bash
Combine a traditional car wash with a barbecue event. Offer grilled food, music, and games while attendees wait for their cars to be washed. This fun event can be hosted in a school parking lot and creates a family-friendly atmosphere that boosts team spirit.
2. Bake Off with a Twist
Host a themed bake sale where each player bakes and decorates items based on a specific theme, such as footballs, team jerseys, or touchdowns. Invite the community for a small entry fee or a suggested donation to your team’s GoFundMe fundraising page.
3. Mystery Silent Auction
Add an element of surprise to the classic silent auction by wrapping a few items in plain boxes with only vague descriptions. Consider prizes like a custom football jersey or a private dinner hosted on the field.
4. Game Day VIP Experience
Want to turn your next game into an unforgettable night? Advertise a VIP experience. Offer prizes such as VIP seating at your football game, signed gear, custom merch with your team logo, or a meet-and-greet with football players. Reach out to local businesses or sports teams for special prizes and experiences.
Sponsorships and Community Support
5. Restaurant Night with ‘Celebrity’ Servers
Partner with local businesses like restaurants and have team members and coaches serve as “celebrity” servers for the night. Promote the event on social media, and ask for sponsorships, tips matching, or to donate a portion of proceeds.
6. Team Merchandise Pop-Up Shop
Set up a pop-up merch shop on game day or at local events to sell t-shirts, hats, and other gear. Include a QR code that links to your donation form and online fundraiser.
7. Coach for the Day
Offer the chance for a younger player or community member to be “Coach for the Day.” Hold a drawing or ask for donations to enter. Recognize the honorary coach at a Friday night football game.
8. Rent-a-Player Day
Organize a community service day where players help with yard work or run errands. This is a great opportunity to show appreciation and raise money from in-person supporters.
9. Themed Fun Run or Walkathon
Host a fun run or walkathon and encourage participants to wear team colors or football-themed outfits. Offer discount cards for local sponsors or prizes for best-dressed.
10. Skills Clinic and Mini-Tournament
Hold a youth football clinic followed by a mini-tournament. Charge a registration fee that includes a team jersey and snack. Include a donation page link in post-event thank-yous.
11. Football Trivia Night
Ask a local restaurant to host a football trivia night. Charge per team or person, and include questions about your football program or famous football players. This is a great opportunity to fundraise and have fun.
Don’t forget to include a QR code that links to your fundraiser on each table or score sheet.
12. Alumni Game with Halftime Show
Host an alumni football game and invite former players back. Include a halftime show featuring cheerleaders or a youth football team performance. Provide a suggested donation to attend.
13. Community Yard Sale and Sports Swap
Invite families to set up booths at a yard sale in your parking lot. Offer a sports equipment swap where people can donate or trade items. Great way to support the community with a good cause and raise funds.
14. Flag Football Tournament
Perfect for youth football fundraising. Have family members, coaches, and members of the community show off their skills with a flag football tournament. Make it more exciting with challenges like “kids vs adults.” Don’t forget to sell refreshments and collect donations!