Team Fundraising Ideas to Get You to Your Goal

When someone wants to raise funds, one of the first things we suggest is to assemble a fundraising team. If you’re already on a sports team or any other kind of team, you’re halfway there. Teams of all shapes and sizes use our free platform to raise funds. Whether you’re looking to cover travel costs, buy new equipment, or donate money to a cause outside your team such as an environmental charity, team crowdfunding is the most effective way to reach your fundraising goal. Here are some great team fundraising ideas to get your team started.

Start a team fundraiser

Get your fundraiser moving

Whether you’re planning an extreme challenge to raise awareness of your cause or holding a more laid-back event, sports fundraising can help you access the funds you need to improve your life or someone else’s. Some information on sporting fundraisers are:

  • Fundraising for sports teams is a billion-dollar industry that creates around 8,823 new jobs each year, according to IBIS World.
  • It’s becoming more popular—sports fundraisers are growing at a rate of 1.4% per year, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
  • The Huffington Post reported that parents spend almost $700 a year to cover costs for youth sports teams.

Popular fundraising ideas for teams

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. 

charity

1. Host a clinic

Whether it’s football 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. Whether it’s sport, art, singing… put your expertise out there for people to benefit from. You could do it in person or offer it over Zoom.

2. Organise an exercise class

Get people moving for a good cause. Organise 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 spinning 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, and Skate-A-Thon!

4. 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? Fiona managed to raise more than £11k for Tower Hill Stables by running 20 miles a day in Christmassy outfits.

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.

5. Create something you can give

As well as raising funds, get your team together to make something for your fundraiser that relates to your cause. A few examples we’ve seen are a can sculpture for your local food pantry, brown bags full of food, clothes, and hygiene products for people in need. You can even engage your donors and ask them to get involved by contributing to your creation.

Examples of teams raising funds on GoFundMe

We’ve seen countless groups come together to raise funds for causes they believe in and have witnessed the power that teamwork can bring to a crowdfunding endeavour. Explore some of our favourite team fundraising campaigns for ideas and inspiration.

1. QUB Camogie Travel to the Ashbourne Cup Weekend

Camogie is a fast paced team sport rooted in Irish culture. The QUB team is an all female club and they ‘defied expectations’ to reach the All Ireland Championship Semi Finals. They started this fundraiser to get them to the cup weekend as the sport is self funded – and managed to raise more than £3k. 

2. England Under 20 Women’s Lacrosse Team

This team managed to get all the way up to competing in the Lacrosse World Championships in Hong Kong – and decided to fundraise to help the team get there faster, together. Lacrosse is a self funded sport and so the team started a GoFundMe so that those who wanted to support their journey could. They also put in other team efforts to their fundraising, including selling merch and running training camps. They managed to raise almost £10k. 

Fundraising team, assemble

Your team might be surprised at the power of your combined social networks and fundraising skills. Hold a team meeting, brainstorm ideas, and assign fundraising roles. And if you haven’t already, start your fundraiser today and get your team on track for success. For more information about fundraising with a team, check out our team fundraising page.

Start a team fundraiser