Are you a high school cheerleading team in need of new uniforms, equipment, or money for competitions? Fundraising can be fun and satisfying – all while bringing your squad closer together.
This article will share nine fundraising ideas perfect for high school cheerleading teams. Whether you rally around for a car wash, sell spirit wear, host a talent show, or try something else entirely.
This list has plenty of options to help you raise funds and foster team spirit within your community. So, let’s put those hands in and start brainstorming!
1. Car Wash Fundraiser
The car wash fundraiser is a tried-and-true method for high school cheerleading teams to raise money – all while getting a little wet!
To set up this event, select a location with both easy access to water and plenty of space, such as the school parking lot or a local rec center. Collect supplies like soap, sponges, buckets, and towels. Make signs that can be seen from far away.
Decide whether you will have one price for everyone who gets their car washed or if people should just pay what they want after seeing how good their vehicle looks!
Have team members and other volunteers sign up for shifts so that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. And, of course, don’t forget to crank up some tunes while you work – maybe even do a few cheers when a particularly dirty car drives in!
2. Spirit Wear Sale
Planning a spirit wear sale for your high school cheerleading squad is an awesome way to raise money while boosting team morale and showing off your unique style. Start by designing custom cheerleading-themed clothes like hoodies, T-shirts, or hats—think catchy slogans or cool personalization, such as the names of each team member.
You can work with a local print shop or online service to create top-notch merch that will appeal to everyone from students to parents to supporters who’ve never set foot in the bleachers.
Get the word out about your spirit wear sale through social media (don’t forget Snapchat and Instagram!), morning announcements at school, and flyers plastered all over campus.
Then, set up a table at upcoming school events (sporting competitions are perfect) where people can actually buy this stuff—and rock it right then and there if they want! Watch both your fundraising goals and team spirit skyrocket as orders roll in.
3. Online Crowdfunding Campaign
If you want to raise money for your cheerleading team, an online crowdfunding campaign could be the way to go. Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter let you create a page dedicated to your fundraising goal.
To set up your campaign, explain exactly what you’re raising money for and why people should support you – try to make it as compelling as possible! You can also add photos or videos of your team in action to help show donors how awesome you are.
Share the link to your crowdfunding page on social media, through email newsletters, and anywhere else you can think of – the more eyes see it, the better!
Don’t forget to ask your teammates’ friends and family members too. Because everything’s done online, people from all over can chip in – they just need some type of debit or credit card.
4. Bake Sale
Planning a bake sale is a great way for your cheerleading squad to show off their cooking skills while also raising money. To pull it off, pick a date and find a space—like at school events or local fairs—that you can use.
Figure out who’s baking what among your team members; the more variety (brownies! Cake pops! Rice Krispies treats!), the better.
To make sure lots of people come by, advertise over social media as well as with posters and by telling everyone you know.
Decide how much everything will cost before the day of the sale—and don’t forget to mention that all funds raised will go toward supporting your group.
With everyone pitching in and lots of tasty baked goods, there’s no way you won’t meet your goal (and have fun in the process)!
5. Silent Auction
Silent auctions are a fun way to raise money. Ask local businesses and individuals to donate items, then hold an event where people write down bids for those items on sheets of paper.
If you want to organize one for your high school cheerleading squad, reach out to places in your community—like stores or restaurants—and ask if they’d be willing to give gift cards, products, or special experiences (think behind-the-scenes tours or meet-and-greets).
You can promote the auction at school too, maybe by announcing it during games or other events lots of people attend.
At the actual auction, set up tables with all the stuff people can bid on. Each should have its own sheet where folks can write down what they’re willing to pay for it without having everyone else know what that amount is.
When time’s up, collect papers and payments from winners before thanking everyone who donated things because they helped your cheer team!
6. Community Workout Class
A community workout class would be a great way for your cheerleading squad to raise money. You could partner with a local fitness studio or instructor to host a special exercise session that’s open to the public.
To set this up, reach out to fitness studios in your area and ask if they’d be willing to help you host a charity workout class. Advertise the event on social media, through posters at school, and on local community websites so people know about it and can sign up.
On the day of the class, your team members can pitch in by checking people in as they arrive, directing them around the space, and talking about what your cheerleading squad hopes to accomplish.
You can even sell tickets there or set up online registration ahead of time. That way, folks will be able to see how much money you’ve raised (and who all is coming!) while promoting health and wellness in your community!
7. Talent Show Fundraiser
The talent show fundraiser is a great opportunity to raise money for your high school cheerleading team while showcasing the diverse talents in your school community.
To organize this event, start by picking a date and finding a venue big enough to house both performers and audience members. Reach out to students, teachers, and local residents to see if they'd like to take part. You never know who might have a hidden talent for singing, dancing, magic, or comedy!
Promote your event through social media as well as posters dotted around school – don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth advertising either.
You can sell tickets at the door at an affordable price; if you're expecting lots of interest, consider using online platforms, too. To make extra cash, set up stalls selling snacks such as popcorn and candyfloss (cotton candy) plus drinks like soda pop.
Collect funds from ticket sales either on the day or via online pre-sales – whichever works best for you when it comes to hitting those fundraising targets!
8. Fundraising Raffle
If you want to raise money for your high school cheerleading team, holding a fundraising raffle can be both fun and lucrative. To get started, ask local businesses if they’d be willing to donate prizes – such as electronics, gift certificates, sports equipment, or even cold hard cash – after explaining the reason behind your fundraiser.
Once you’ve secured some booty, create eye-catching tickets for the event. Set a date for when you’ll do the drawing and promote the heck out of it through social media as well as traditional means like flyers or word-of-mouth (or text).
The more potential buyers know about your awesome raffle, the more likely they are to purchase tickets.
Finally, hold your drawing: announce the lucky winners and collect money from ticket sales. Voila! You’ve just helped your squad reach its goals financially.
9. Cheerleading Clinic for Kids
The cheerleading clinic for kids is an awesome opportunity for younger children in the community to get a taste of cheerleading's excitement and spirit.
To host this event, pick a date, book a venue, and enlist team members who are keen on coaching the clinic. Promote it through social media, flyers at local schools, and by telling everyone you know that parents love creative ideas for entertaining their kids!
Charge each child a fee at the door that covers your costs, plus some extra money for your team.
During the clinic itself, teach basic cheers and cheer routines. But also plan games, crafts, and other fun activities that aren't only about stunts or jumps. Make sure to highlight inclusivity and teamwork throughout the day.
It will be an unforgettable experience for both kids who participate and high school team members who organize it – not to mention a successful fundraiser!
Bottom Line
Overall, raising funds for your high school cheerleading team has benefits beyond covering costs: it encourages squad members to work as a team and develop leadership skills while also winning support from the local community.
By holding events such as car washes or selling branded clothing, you can have fun with your fellow cheerleaders while helping them reach the overall target.
Make sure you plan things carefully, spread the word effectively about what you are doing – and enjoy yourselves!
With commitment and keenness, there is every chance not only that you will hit your fundraising goal for cheerleading activities but that along the way you will create memories you won’t forget. Keep up the good work – both in terms of cheering and fundraising!