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Fundraising That Fits Your Busy Season

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Explore fast, effective fundraising ideas that won’t overwhelm your coaching staff or parent volunteers.

Between practices, games, and the demands of everyday life, finding time to fundraise for your youth sports team can feel like just another impossible task. But the reality is, most teams can’t afford not to fundraise—uniforms, travel, tournament fees, and gear all add up fast.

That’s why we’ve built this list of great fundraising ideas for sports teams that are quick to launch, easy to manage, and seriously profitable. Whether you’re a new coach, a seasoned team manager, or a parent trying to help out, these strategies are designed to work with your busy schedule—not against it.

We’ve also included expert-backed advice from Fundraising.com, a leader in the industry with over 25 years of experience helping teams just like yours meet and exceed their fundraising goals.

youth sports team

Easy Fundraisers You Can Launch in a Weekend

When time is short, you need ideas that work without a long planning phase or complicated logistics. These campaigns can be set up quickly and run with minimal oversight.

1. Katydids Chocolate Bar Sales

These gourmet chocolate bars are crowd-pleasers. You can sell them at games, through schools, or online. Fast setup, high margins.

2. Restaurant Night Fundraiser

Partner with a local eatery and get a percentage of sales donated to your team. No inventory, no hassle.

3. Pretzel Rod Fundraisers

Sweet or salty, these $1 or $2 snack fundraisers offer quick returns with minimal upfront planning.

4. Tumbler and Drinkware Sales

Popular and practical, customized tumblers make great gifts and team memorabilia.

5. Online Order-Taker Fundraisers

Use digital platforms to sell cookie dough, popcorn, or gifts. Parents share a link, and the platform handles the rest.

6. Smencils (Scented Pencils)

Fun, low-cost, and perfect for school-based teams. Easy to distribute and sell.

7. Text-to-Give Campaigns

Set up a keyword and number, and supporters can donate with a single text.

Fundraisers That Rally the Community

You don’t just need money—you need momentum. These ideas help you turn your supporters into superfans who want to see your team succeed.

8. Custom Sports Apparel

Sell spirit wear featuring your team’s logo. Great for parents, grandparents, and local fans.

9. Themed Game Night (White-Out, Pink-Out)

Create a special event around a home game. Sell shirts, snacks, or raffle tickets tied to the theme.

10. Team Car Washes with a Twist

Add a DJ, food trucks, or sponsor booths to make your traditional car wash a true event.

11. Silent Auction at a Local Business

Ask local businesses to donate items or gift cards, then hold an in-person or online auction.

12. Sponsor a Player Campaign

Let community members “sponsor” a player for a specific need—gear, travel, etc. Recognition can include shoutouts, photos, or thank-you letters.

13. Adopt-a-Jersey

Each donor funds a piece of your team’s uniform and gets their name printed on the inside tag or team banner.

14. Sports-Themed Trivia Night

Host at a school or community center. Charge a fee per team, and offer prizes donated by local sponsors.

youth sports team

Solutions for Big Expenses—Travel, Gear & Tournaments

These fundraisers go beyond small change. They’re built to bring in meaningful dollars when your team needs to hit a larger goal.

15. Online Crowdfunding Campaign

Platforms like GoFundMe or Fund Duel allow you to tell your story, upload media, and receive donations fast.

16. Team Calendar Sales

Feature team photos, action shots, and game schedules. Easy to print and sell locally.

17. Tournament Raffles

Sell tickets for items donated by local businesses—gift baskets, electronics, tickets to events.

18. Custom Coupon Books

Partner with local merchants to create discount books. Supporters get value, and your team gets cash.

19. Discount Cards for Local Businesses

Sell reusable cards offering discounts at restaurants or shops—popular with parents and neighbours.

20. Sell Spots on Team Banner or Website

Offer ad space to local sponsors who want visibility and community goodwill.

21. Fundraising with Famous Fortune Cookies

Each cookie contains a fun message or sponsor deal—unique and memorable.

Low-Effort, High-Impact Ideas for First-Time Fundraisers

Not everyone on your team has fundraising experience—and that’s okay. These ideas are beginner-friendly, stress-free, and easy to replicate season after season.

22. Cookie Dough Catalog Sales

Parents share catalogs or links—orders are managed online, and products are shipped directly.

23. Gabb Phone Fundraisers

Safe phones for kids with built-in parental controls—easy sell for sports families.

24. Cotton Candy Kits

Easy to package and sell at games or events. Fun, colourful, and great for younger teams.

25. Scratch & Help Cards

Supporters “scratch off” a donation amount and receive coupons in return. Low cost, simple execution.

26. DIY Snack Shack at Games

Sell snacks, drinks, or even hot dogs at home games. Keep costs low and margins high.

27. Birthday Gram Sales

Let team members send birthday messages or cards—especially fun in a school setting.

28. Ship-to-Home Fundraising

Digital fundraising stores handle everything, from orders to shipping—perfect for remote or spread-out supporters.

29. Eyeblack or Custom Face Paint

Sell team-themed face paint or stickers for game day—minimal cost, fun energy.

Why Fundraising.com Is the Right Partner for Your Team

If you’re looking for fundraising ideas that actually work—and a partner that’s with you every step of the way—Fundraising.com is your go-to.

We’ve worked with thousands of sports teams nationwide, helping them fund:

  • Uniforms and equipment

  • Tournament travel

  • Facility upgrades

  • Scholarship funds

  • Team events and banquets

     

Here’s why teams stick with us:

  • Custom Fundraising Plans
    We tailor each campaign to your goals, your sport, and your schedule.

  • Easy-to-Use Tools
    From online order takers to ship-to-home solutions, we handle the logistics.

  • Dedicated Support Team
    Our reps are available whenever you need advice, materials, or help troubleshooting.

  • Proven Product Lines
    From Katydids to cookie dough, our fundraisers deliver high margins and consistent results.

How to Get Started

Kick off your next season strong by choosing a fundraiser that fits your needs—and your timeline. Here’s how:

  1. Download our Free Sports Fundraising Guide – Packed with tips, templates, and top picks by sport.

  2. Schedule a Free Consultation – We’ll help you choose the perfect product mix and fundraising format.

  3. Start Fundraising in 24–48 Hours – With our ready-to-launch campaigns, you don’t have to wait weeks to get started.

Visit fundraising.com or call 1.800.443.5353 to talk with a fundraising specialist today.

Closing Thoughts

Fundraising doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right strategy and a trusted partner, you can raise what you need—without burning out your team or your community.

Choose a fundraiser that fits your season, supports your goals, and keeps your team focused on what matters most—playing the game.

Request a Free Guide