25 Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams in 2025

Are you looking for a way to raise money for your sports team, but unsure how to reach your fundraising goal?

With the high costs of jerseys, tournament travel, and league fees, finding sports fundraising ideas that are both simple, yet effective, can make a massive difference.

Below, you’ll find 25 easy fundraising ideas for sports teams, perfect for youth leagues, high school teams, or community clubs. Whether you're managing a little league baseball team or organizing a high school football fundraiser, these ideas will not only help you have a successful season, but bring your community together in the process.

1. Team Car Wash

A car wash is a classic for a reason! Car washes have minimal costs, are easy to organize, and can help bring the team closer together. They can be easily set up in a community center or school parking lot and with advertising on social media, through flyers, and in your local community pages, can draw a good crowd!

Collect donations from each car washed and assign players to wash and dry. For an extra donation, you can even offer a “deluxe wash” option!

To make the event more fun and draw extra attention, add music, signs, and matching t-shirts with your team logo!

2. Restaurant Profit Share Nights

Many restaurants are willing to host fundraising nights where a portion of the evening’s sales go to your team. It’s as simple as picking a date, spreading the word, and showing up with your supporters!

Chain restaurants like Chipotle or Panera often have fundraising programs, but don’t overlook your local spots, they might be even more generous and flexible (plus who doesn’t love supporting a local restaurant). Make sure to promote the event heavily beforehand to family and friends to boost turnout and donations.

As a fun way to include the players, have them take orders and help bring out food during the fundraising nights!

3. Team Merchandise

Selling team gear is a great way to raise money while building team spirit. You can create t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and even socks with your team’s logo or players last name and number.

Use a print-on-demand service to avoid upfront costs, or partner with a local printer to bundle orders. Promote the gear through your team’s social media, email outreach, and at games. Supporters love wearing their team pride and every purchase supports your cause, it’s a win-win!

4. Online Crowdfunding Page

Create a digital donation page using platforms like GoFundMe, Givebutter, or FundRazr to up your fundraising efforts. Make sure to include a compelling story about your team’s goals and how the funds will be used, whether it be for tournament dues, referee fees, or travel costs.

To spread the word about your fundraising campaign, share the link in emails, text messages, on social media, and with custom QR codes. Encourage players and parents to share the page with their own networks for maximum reach and chance to meet your team's goals.

Crowdfunding campaigns are both easy to make and easily shareable, making them an ideal choice as a sports fundraiser.

5. Snack Bar at Games

Running a concession stand at games can be a simple, but steady source of income for your sports team or league. Stock up on drinks, chips, candy, and healthy snack options that the whole family will love. Consider buying items in bulk to lower costs and increase profit margins.

To keep operations flowing smoothly, assign volunteers or create a rotating schedule for parents to help when the game is at an intermission. A well-run snack bar not only raises funds, it also makes the game day experience better for everyone.

6. 50/50 Raffle

One of the most popular ways to quickly raise funds without taking too much time to plan for is a 50/50 raffle. If you have not heard of a 50/50 raffle or are unsure how it works, basically raffle tickets are sold, whether that be at an event or game, and the winner of the raffle gets 50% of the pot, while the other 50% goes to the team.

It’s a crowd favorite because participants get the excitement of a possible win while supporting a good cause. Just be sure to check local raffle regulations and secure any necessary permits.

7. Mini Sports Clinic

Leverage the talent on your coaching staff and team by hosting a sports clinic for younger kids in your community. Players or coaches can teach basic skills, lead drills, and even run fun games.

Charge a small participation fee and encourage players to invite any younger siblings or family members. It’s a great way to give back, build local support, and raise money, all while engaging the next generation of athletes (possibly ones that will someday be on your team).

8. Team Sponsorship Banners

Offer local businesses a chance to sponsor your team in exchange for advertising space. This could be banners on the sidelines, logos on your website, or mentions in your social media posts.

Get creative and offer tiered sponsorship packages with different levels of exposure and perks. For example, with the highest tier you can offer advertising space, team merch, signed memorabilia by the team, and free snacks at every game.

Business owners love supporting local teams, especially when they get brand visibility in return!

9. Bake Sale

Bake sales never go out of style and for good reason. Set up a stand full of delicious treats at games, school events, or outside a popular local business to raise funds for your team or club.

Get your team involved by asking your team’s families to donate baked goods like cupcakes, brownies, or cookies. You can also offer combo deals (like 3 for $5) or include gluten-free or nut-free options to reach more buyers.

10. Coupon Books

An easy way to fundraise for your team, while encouraging support of local businesses is to offer coupon books. Reach out to local spots in your community and see if they would be willing to donate coupon cards that you can put into a book and sell for a flat rate.

These cards are attractive to buyers as it gets them supporting local teams and businesses at the same time!

11. Super Bowl Squares

Hosting a Super Bowl Squares game is one of the most fun and engaging sports fundraising ideas you can run in the winter. It’s simple to set up and doesn’t require much more than a printable grid and some football fans. Create a 10x10 square grid, with each row and column corresponding to the last digit of the score for each team. Sell each square for a set amount (like $10 or $20).

Once all the squares are purchased, randomly assign numbers 0–9 along the top and side. At the end of each quarter, the person whose square corresponds to the current score wins a cash prize. You can split the pot 50/50 or set fixed prize amounts and keep the rest for the team.

This fundraiser is exciting because it keeps participants invested throughout the game. Plus, it works well for football fans outside your team as parents, coworkers, friends, and neighbors are often happy to join in for the fun of it. Just make sure to be transparent about the rules, prizes, and deadlines.

12. Silent Auction

Silent auctions can be a great way to help with your team's expenses, and can be done either in person or online!

Ask local businesses for donated goods, services, or gift cards that participants can then bid on. These items can range anywhere from a bottle of wine to an entire vacation! Businesses are often eager to assist as it garners interest in their company, while supporting a good cause.

If you choose to have an in-person silent auction, be sure to display items attractively and bring in lots of attendees by spreading the word via email, flyers, and social media. If an online silent auction is preferred, platforms like 32Auctions or BetterWorld make it easy to manage and promote virtual auctions.

While this may seem to be a more time consuming option, the returns may be equally exponential!

13. Hit-a-Thon/Shoot-a-Thon/Goal-a-Thon

Events like these are fan favorites due to their exciting and competitive nature. Have players collect pledges from their family, friends, and community members based on how many hits, baskets, or goals they achieve during the event.

For example, supporters might donate $1 per hit in a baseball hit-a-thon or $5 for every three the athlete makes in a two minute span.

A Hit-a-Thon, Shoot-a-Thon, or Goal-a-Thon will not only motivate the athlete, but also serve as a fun way for supporters to get involved. At the same time, these events are a great way to connect your fundraising efforts with the sport that you are fundraising for, creating team spirit come game time.

14. Beach Clean Up

What better way to fundraise than while helping our environment at the same time?

Organize a team-wide cleanup day at a local beach or waterfront area (if you are not near a beach then a good alternative is a park cleanup) and invite community members to sponsor your efforts. Donations can be collected per bag of trash collected or as flat-rate contributions to support your team’s fundraising goals.

Be sure to promote the event on social media and even invite local news outlets to cover your team’s impact, as this can inspire others to do the same.

Not only does this fundraising activity help cover costs for your team, but it also helps teammates bond with each other and builds community goodwill, making it one of the most rewarding sports fundraising ideas out there.

15. Community Yard Sale

A quick way to raise money for your sports team is to hold a community yard sale. Ask your team’s families to donate gently used items, such as old furniture, clothing, and cookware. Be sure to choose a weekend with good weather and then promote it around town to generate interest.

Offer bundled pricing, and consider selling refreshments for extra income as well. What doesn’t sell can be donated afterward, so nothing goes to waste!

16. Team Breakfast Fundraiser

A pancake breakfast can be a cozy, family-friendly event that brings your community together and helps you reach your team's fundraising goal. This event can easily be hosted in a school cafeteria, church hall, or community center.

Charge a set ticket price for entry and offer unlimited pancakes, juice, coffee, and of course, syrup. Include raffles, music, or a short player presentation to make it more memorable and engaging.

17. Calendar Fundraiser

A fun, quick, and easy way to fundraise for your sports team is to create and sell a team calendar. It’s as simple as gathering the photos you want to use and ordering them from the distributor.

Get creative with the photos, but a few ideas are featuring your team’s best moments, player profiles, or fun themed photos. You can also add fun facts about the athletes on each page so that people can learn more about your team and players. Make sure to add in local holidays and game schedules so that supporters never miss out on the action.

These calendars make great gifts for family members and fans!

18. Local Restaurant Tip Jar

Partner with a local restaurant, coffee shop, or food truck to set up a special tip jar labeled with your team’s name and fundraising goal. Over the course of a week or weekend (or however long you keep it up), all of the collected tips go directly to your team’s fundraising efforts.

This low-effort fundraiser is a great way to reach supporters beyond your usual network, especially if you promote it on social media and display a sign that explains your team’s mission.

It’s one of the easiest fundraising ideas for sports teams and works especially well when paired with a themed event or busy dining hours.

19. Pickleball Tournament

With its rising popularity, a pickleball tournament is a fresh and fun way to raise money while bringing your community together. Rent local courts or partner with a community center to host a one-day or weekend long tournament.

To raise money, charge a team entry fee and encourage participation by offering prizes for winners, like gift cards to local shops or team merchandise.

You can also boost sign ups by dividing the event into two sections, one open to all ages and skill levels, and a second “Parent & Child” bracket where families can compete together. This inclusive approach makes the event feel more like a festival than a fundraiser, and it’s a great way to engage both the competitive crowd and those just looking to have a good time.

20. Run a 5k

Turn your next local 5K into a fundraising opportunity by having a coach, team parent, or even a group of supporters run for your team. Before race day, set up a donation page where friends, family, and community members can sponsor the runner with flat donations or pledges per mile or time completed.

Add some fun by having the runner wear team gear or a costume, and keep supporters updated with training progress and race-day photos. This is a low-lift but high-impact sports fundraising idea that adds a personal connection as people love donating when they know exactly who they’re cheering on!

21. Host a Carnival Day

Hosting a carnival day is a lively and family-friendly way to raise funds while giving your community a day to remember.

Set up classic carnival games like ring toss, dunk tanks, and sack races, charging a small fee for tickets or unlimited play wristbands. Add booths for snacks, face painting, raffles, and even team-branded merchandise to boost your earnings.

A carnival day is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a full-blown event that builds team spirit, draws in families from your local community, and helps generate buzz for your sports program.

22. T-Shirt Design Contest

One of the most fun and creative fundraiser ideas for sports teams is a t-shirt design contest.

This would consist of asking team players to submit their own t-shirt designs revolving around your team's mascot or the sport they play. Let the community vote on their favorite option, raising money by charging a set amount per vote. Ensure there is enough time for word to spread and votes to be cast, around two to three weeks would be perfect.

The winning design gets printed and sold as official team merchandise!

23. Trivia Night

A fun activity to raise money that could be done anytime throughout the week is hosting a trivia night at a local restaurant, school, or community center. Popular themes that would be crowd pleasers include: sports, local history, and fun facts about the team and players.

Charge teams or individuals a small entry fee and offer exciting prizes for the winners. You may also choose to add a raffle or silent auction during the night to raise even more money and give participants other opportunities to win!

24. Kickball or Dodgeball Tournament

Organizing a one-day community kickball or dodgeball tournament is an easy and active way to fundraise for your team. Invite families, friends, and local businesses to form teams and pay an entry fee.

Offer small prizes, snacks, and music to create a full event atmosphere and give participants a lasting memory. Everyone loves a big trophy, so be sure to find one that is just as grand as the event itself!

25. Sponsor a Player Campaign

Give supporters and community members the opportunity to sponsor individual players by donating to cover a portion or all of their season costs. In return, sponsors can receive things like thank-you notes, social media shout-outs, or team swag. You can even create a digital wall of appreciation on your team’s website for all sponsors of the team.