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Sports fundraising ideas

Need a great fundraising idea for your team? Whether you're involved in football, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, badminton—or any other sporting activity—this list of fundraising ideas for sports teams will help you rally your community and reach your goals to ensure the success of your program.

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Used book sale


Reserve a space and ask your community to donate their gently used books for a cause. Set a price for each book and use scan-to-donate or Venmo to easily accept payments on the spot.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/used-book-sale
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Telethon


Livestream an engaging program from your fundraising page with information, entertainment, and impact stories to inspire viewers to donate. Task volunteers with accepting gifts over the phone and replying to comments and gifts on your supporter feed. Don’t forget to display a live thermometer so everyone can watch donations come in in real time!
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/telethon
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Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Golf tournament


Golf tournaments are an incredible way to build relationships and raise funds for your cause. Charge teams an entry fee, secure sponsorships, and enjoy a day on the green with your community.

Check out our guide to discover how to make your next golf tournament even more profitable.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/golf-tournament
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Auctions
Peer-to-peer

Envelope fundraiser


Distribute branded envelopes around your community and invite supporters to pick one up, insert a donation, and drop it off at a designated location. 

Spread the word with easy email marketing software. Share campaign details and send reminders as the deadline gets approaches. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/envelope-fundraiser
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Virtual scavenger hunt


For this totally remote fundraising event, charge a registration fee and ask participants to use their computer or mobile device to complete various challenges. Share instructions and updates and announce winners from a livestream hosted right on your event page.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-scavenger-hunt
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Events

Virtual concert


Ask local musicians or bands to perform for a livestreaming audience and invite viewers to make donations or purchase tickets to attend virtually right on your event page.

Make sure to feature a donation thermometer on your page to encourage viewers to make extra donations and get you closer to your goal as they enjoy the music.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-concert
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Oozeball tourney

Turn the sand volleyball court into a temporary mud pit. Ask participants to pay an entrance fee and create team fundraising pages where friends and family can show their support with donations.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/oozeball-tourney
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Karaoke night


Host an unforgettable night for your community to come belt out their favorite songs. Charge a small entry fee or accept donations for participation.

To encourage even more donations during the party, display mobile giving options and your progress toward your goal using live display.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/karaoke-night
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Pancake breakfast


There’s nothing like pancakes to bring a community together. Charge an entry fee for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, or ask a local restaurant to sponsor the event to make it even sweeter.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pancake-breakfast
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Reverse raffle

Unlike a traditional raffle, the last ticket holder gets the grand prize in a reverse raffle. Offer custom ticket types to feature various raffle items so participants have lots of options. 

Before you start planning, be sure to check for any state regulations on raffles where you live! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/reverse-raffle
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Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

Secret supper

Sell tickets to a dining experience where guests purchase tickets to a "secret" location revealed only hours before the event. Use a texting software to send updates to attendees and inform them of the location.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/secret-supper
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Shoe drive


Invite your community members to donate gently worn or newly purchased shoes that you can sell at a pop-up shoe drive.

Make transactions easy with scan-to-donate and multiple payment options, including Venmo.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/shoe-drive
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Holiday wreath sale


Partner with a local nursery to sell holiday wreaths made of fresh greenery. Create a fundraising page where supporters can purchase them with ease.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-wreath-sale
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Pages & forms

Basketball tournament

Host a basketball tournament between different schools, teams, or departments. Sell event tickets and offer drinks, snacks, and merch using Tap to Pay.

Step things up by challenging each team to see who can raise the most. Encourage them to create team fundraising pages to track their impact and build momentum toward game day.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/basketball-tournament
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Donut fundraiser


Some bakeries like Krispy Kreme sell their doughnuts at a discounted price to individuals and groups raising money for a good cause.

Create a fundraising page or donation form to promote your efforts and make it easier to sell your sweet treats with multiple payment options wherever you are.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/donut-fundraiser
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Events
Pages & forms

Legacy giving

Encourage supporters to make a planned gift to your organization (e.g., bequests, charitable trusts, or beneficiary designations) to leave a lasting legacy. Wealth screening software can help you identify the best donors to reach out to right in your CRM.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/legacy-giving
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Pages & forms

Movies in the park


Invite your community to enjoy a summer movie series in the park. Screen a classic or trending film somewhere scenic, and sell popcorn, drinks, and other refreshments.

Sell tickets online, check guests in with your mobile app, and offer easy payment options like scan-to-donate for on-the-spot donations.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/movies-in-the-park
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Events
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Pool or beach volleyball tournament

Turn your local beach or community pool into a sports arena with a pool volleyball tournament. To make this a high-value event, charge teams an entry fee and encourage them to raise sponsorship through their team fundraising pages.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pool-volleyball-tournament
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Beach Games

Plan an exciting beach competition including an Olympics-style championship for events like volleyball, surfing, and sandcastle making. 

Ask participants to pay a small fee to register and raise even more funds by selling cold drinks and ice cream.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/beach-games
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Events

Swim-a-thon


Swap your sneakers for a swimsuit or trunks and host a swim-a-thon to raise money for your cause. Set a route that feels achievable, and invite participants to create their own peer-to-peer fundraising pages to help you reach your goal.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/swim-a-thon
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Peer-to-peer

Fitness challenge


Participants commit to completing a certain number of workouts and collect pledges for each milestone achieved using personal peer-to-peer fundraising pages.

Watch as donations come in and friends and family share words of encouragement on the supporter feed.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fitness-challenge
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Scratch card fundraiser


Buy a batch of scratch cards from a wholesaler. Each circle hides a dollar amount, typically ranging from 50 cents to several dollars. Participants scratch off as many spots as they’d like—the total amount revealed is how much they’ll donate!

Collect cash or accept virtual payments on the spot with Tap-to-Pay, Venmo, and other convenient options.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/scratch-card-fundraiser
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Events

Pride-themed merch sale


Design and sell pride-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, buttons, stickers, and flags. To drum up excitement, create a custom donation form, event, or fundraising page that includes images of the available items.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pride-themed-merch-sale
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Events
Pages & forms

Pie-eating contest

Ask local bakeries and volunteers to contribute pies, then host a pie-eating contest with a ticket price for entry. Sell refreshments (including slices of pie!) to raise extra funds.

Use a range of fundraising event features, such as online registration, on-the-spot payments, and seamless check-ins.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pie-eating-contest
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Peer-to-peer
Events

Oktoberfest


Take inspiration from the popular German event and host your own Oktoberfest with carnival games, a haunted house, and plenty of beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

This fall festival idea is a great way to raise funds for your cause and give your supporters an exciting day out.

Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/oktoberfest
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Events
Pages & forms
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Frequently asked questions

Good fundraisers for sports teams are those that bring team members together with their community, such as car washes, bake sales, and tournaments. 

You can raise even more by partnering with a local restaurant to sponsor an event, selling team merchandise, and creating an online fundraising campaign to make it easy for more people to contribute.

Some of the best sports fundraiser ideas for individuals include quiz nights, online donation pages, car washes, merch sales, and securing sponsorships from companies.

Team fundraisers take many forms, but the most common type is peer-to-peer fundraising. With Givebutter's free team fundraising software, individuals or teams create their own fundraising pages and leverage their social networks to bring in donations from family members, friends, and other supporters. Introduce some friendly competition to see who can raise the most!

When asking for donations for your sports team, be clear about your goal and the impact that these funds will have on individual athletes and the program as a whole. Don’t forget to personalize your request by explaining what the team means to you and your community. 

You can also broaden your reach by asking through various channels, including social media, emails, texts, phone calls, and in-person conversations.

Sports clubs can raise money through fundraising events, merch sales, ticket sales, and other sports team fundraising ideas. Having the right fundraising platform (like Givebutter) makes it even easier to manage and maximize your efforts.

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