Whether you’re on a large team or part of a small group, there are many ways you can get together with your teammates to raise funds for a cause you believe in. From friendly competition to creative group efforts, explore some successful ways that we’ve seen teams work together to fundraise.
1. Host a clinic
Whether it’s soccer or robotics, your team has a specific set of skills that others want to learn. Use those skills to your advantage by hosting a clinic. Charge an entry fee via a donation to your fundraiser and ask businesses to sponsor scholarships.For inspiration, learn about how Darin organized a community baseball clinic to raise money for his friend Robert’s cancer treatment.
2. Organize an exercise class
Get people moving for a good cause. Organize an exercise class and ask participants to donate at the door. If you ask a venue to host your class, tell them why you’re raising money – they may be willing to sponsor the event and give you the space for it.
From Crossfit to Soulcycle to yoga, the options are endless. You can also use a local park or sports facility to hold an outdoor event – just be sure to check with your local authority first.
3. Host an -a-thon
Most of us are familiar with walkathons, but why not put your own spin on it? Brainstorm an event that fits your cause and team, find a venue, pick a day and time, and ask participants to secure pledges. If people don’t want to pledge a certain amount, give them the option of a flat-fee donation. We’ve seen teams host a Swim-A-Thon, Read-A-Thon, Skate-A-Thon, and Spin-A-Thon!
4. Hold a competition
Sometimes a little friendly competition motivates people to donate more. It can be as intense as bodybuilding for a good cause or as laid back as a bocce ball tournament. Your idea doesn’t need to involve traditional sports, either! Get creative with an activity, like the team that competed in a gingerbread build-off challenge for charity. Have people donate a fixed amount to participate and consider creating a fun trophy for the winner.
5. Take on a challenge
What better way to show your dedication for a cause than by taking on a major challenge that raises money at the same time? In honour of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s most famous fundraising heroes, Jackson Okerlund ran across Canada and raised over $44,000 for Cancer Research.
Extend this idea across your entire team and take on a challenge together. Whether it’s a local 10k race that you can run as a group or an event that you can divide and conquer, taking on a challenge as a team is a great way to generate engagement and show that you stand united for a cause.
6. Offer unusual rewards
Sometimes we see teams offer rewards to their supporters as an incentive to donate. For example, wrestling champion AJ Mendez offered to mention donors in tweets and the JFK Library offered custom calendars.
Think about something your team is able to offer to your donors, such as a free coaching session, a piece of team merchandise, or a shoutout on your social media. Offering interesting rewards is a fun way to connect with your audience and make your campaign stand out.
