Fundraising Ideas for Sports: The Top Winning Strategies for Your Team!

Sports teams are the heartbeat of communities, but keeping them running isn’t cheap. From new uniforms to tournament travel, costs are climbing fast. Even schools have problems paying for their teams, even going so far as requiring pay to play schemes just to be able to cover the costs of their sports teams. And with so may budget cuts both on a federal and local level, the money is just going to get tighter!

This is where sports fundraising can step up and give a major boost to teams and sports that need those extra dollars in order to continue playing. And while many communities like to give in support, there are fundraising ideas that really bring in the donations in ways that inspire rather than simply pleading for money. There are also some ways to even further increase those donations and ways to get donations from people that aren’t even in your own community. This article breaks down practical and proven ways to raise funds, spark engagement within your community and cover those rising costs all designed to help your team score big off the field using our fundraising ideas for sports.

Why Sports Teams Need Fundraising in 2026 and Beyond

Sports aren’t just about the game anymore or even the people playing the sport. Here are four key reasons your team needs to fundraise this year:

1. Skyrocketing Costs: Equipment, field rentals, and travel expenses are climbing year on year. For example, a single set of football pads can cost more than $300 per player!
2. Inclusivity Matters: Many families can’t afford a pay to play scenerio, but fundraising can dramatically help the game stay inclusive and gives every child the chance to be on the team.
3. Facility Upgrades: Many schools are already financially challenged, so often there are crumbling bleachers or outdated locker rooms. Donations can help fix that and improve safety standards and team pride.
4. Community Connection: A Donation drive rallies parents, neighbors, and local businesses which all come together to build a tighter knit support system and community.

Typical expenses add up fast. Here’s a quick look at what sports teams face:

• Uniforms: $50 to $200 per player
• Equipment: $500 to $5,000 per season
• Travel: $2,000 to $10,000 for tournaments
• Coaching/Training: $1,000 to $3,000 for professional staff
• Facility Fees: $1,500 to $7,000 for field or gym rentals

Most teams aim to raise $5,000 to $15,000 annually to cover these costs as many public schools simply don’t have the additional funds to cover these types of expenses any longer. So now into the future, team fundraising is going to be more and more essential for everything from baseball games to cheerleading.

Benefits of Fundraising Ideas for Sports: Why Your Team Should Start Now

A sports team isn’t just a group of athletes running around on a field, it’s a community built on connection, determination, and shared dreams. But keeping that community alive isn’t cheap. Between uniforms, equipment and travel, costs can pile up fast.

That’s where sports fundraising comes in. It’s not just a way to cover expenses, it’s a chance to boost team spirit, develop leadership skills, and bring everyone in your town together around a common cause. Done right, fundraising turns financial stress into opportunity.

Why Fundraising Matters

Fundraising is one of the fastest and most realistic ways for a team to bring in urgently needed funding. Going through the red tape or legal channels to get funding for anything is always time intensive and stressful, and trying to do this for a sports club or team is even more so. But what many don’t see, the benefits aren’t just financial. Fundraising teaches athletes skills they’ll use for life like leadership and hustle. They also see how their communities stand up and help out, fostering a deeper connection with their town and neighbors. Below, we’ll list out six solid reasons that go beyond just the financial benefit of team fundraisers.

6 Key Benefits of Fundraising for Sports Teams

• Slashes Costs for Families: Fundraising can cover 0 to 100% of expenses like $200 uniforms or $3,000 tournament fees depending on how well it does, seriously lessening the financial burden on parents and under funded schools and community centers.
• Boosts Team Spirit: Working together on a fundraiser, like holding a 5K fun run helps build friendships that come together in team spirit and can often last a lifetime.
• Engages the Community: Local businesses and neighbors love supporting their home teams. A fun fundraiser gets all types of people involved and strengthens community ties.
• Teaches Leadership: Players learn to pitch fundraising ideas to supporters and organize events giving them key life lessons they’ll use all of their lives. It also teaches them responsibility and how to work together as a sports team both on and off the field.
• Hones Marketing Skills: Creating flyers or social media posts for a donation drive brings out creativity and helps kids build sales skills that can be used for things like applying for college or a job, to helping to build their own local business someday.
• Delivers Measurable Wins: It’s one thing to get financed by a school, it’s quite another to plan a fundraiser and see the immediate results it can have first hand through their own effort.

The Bigger Picture

The benefits go beyond the bank account. When athletes sell tickets, run a raffle, or organize an event, they’re not only raising much needed dollars, they’re building a host of skills they can use over a lifetime. They learn leadership, teamwork, and even marketing basics all while doing it for something they care deeply about, their team. A car wash or a book drive isn’t just an event, it’s a real world hands on experience that teaches accountability and problem solving in a way most won’t even know they’re learning.

And don’t forget community impact! Neighbors who buy a ticket or show up for a pancake breakfast aren’t just donating, they’re investing in the team while enjoying some personal satisfaction for doing it. That builds long term support and keeps local sports alive.

Get Moving: Steps to Start Fundraising

Don’t wait for the next budget crisis. Pick one idea and roll with it. Here’s how to start:

• Choose a Fundraiser: Try a car wash or online donation drive, both are low cost and high impact.
• Rally the Team: Assign roles like flyer design or sponsor outreach to players while trying to match their natural abilities to ‘jobs’ the best suited for maximum effectiveness.
• Spread the Word: Post on Facebook, email parents, and hit up local businesses or even attend church masses to spread the word. The more people that know, the more that will show!
• Track Results: Log donations to see what works and what needs to be improved for next time.

A car wash takes one Saturday. A donation page can go live in 30 minutes using a platform like Paybee. What’s holding you back? Get your sports team together, pick an idea, and watch the benefits stack up, both on and off the field.

sports team - 3x

community members

members x 3

fundraising ideas - 2x

Top 26 Fundraiser Ideas for Sports: Quick, Medium, and Big Wins for Your Team

We’ve come up with 26 different fundraising ideas for sports that are all categorized by how easy they are for you and your team to pull off. Most are easy and quick wins, but we’ve also included a few intermediate and even higher end types of fundraising events to make sure you can get the financial support your team deserves. We’ve included why it’s a great idea and ways that you can make even more cash from each of our fundraiser ideas. So jot a few down and see which ones you and your team like the most.

Quick Wins: Low Effort Fundraising (1–2 Days)

Fast cash with little setup, and often raising between $500 to $1,500 quickly.

1. Car Wash in a Busy Lot

Car washes are a classic because they work. $10 per wash feels like a bargain to drivers, but with dozens of cars in a few hours it can all add up really fast! Teams often bring in $800 to $1,200 in a single day when they advertise enough.

Steps:

• Get permission for a busy parking lot.
• Gather buckets, soap, and sponges.
• Post on social media a week ahead.
• Divide players into wash, rinse, and dry teams.

How to make even more:
Offer premium add ons like vacuuming or waxing as an upsell. Sell prepaid “VIP wash cards” for multiple visits if you’re going to continue. Stream the event online so distant friends and family can donate too on your donation page.

2. Bake Sale at a Game

Why not take advantage of the people already showing up at your own games? If you play somewhere where food isn’t available, selling simple hot dogs and hamburgers with some chips and a can of soda can bring in quite a lot of cash!

Steps:

• Ask parents to bake or buy items.
• Set up at the entrance of the game.
• Promote on social media.
• Use colorful signs to attract buyers.

How to make even more money:
Bundle items like a “3 for $5” deal or sell themed cupcakes in team colors. Offer soda, coffee or hot cocoa to boost your per sale averages. You can even offer pre-order discounts to help cover costs!

3. Raffle with Local Prizes

Raffles are always a great way to take advantage of a crowd. Just think, they’re there for a sports event which means they’re probably also a bit competitive, and everyone likes to win. So offer a raffle game for a prize pulled right after your event.

Steps:

• Ask local businesses for gift cards or gear.
• Sell tickets at games and online.
• Draw winners publicly for transparency.
• Thank sponsors online.

How to make even more:
Bundle ticket deals like a 5 for $20 bundle. Run a “winner’s choice” raffle with multiple prizes. Take it online for a bigger reach.

4. Penalty Shootout Challenge

This can work with almost any sport, and it gives your spectators a change to compete and show off their own abilities. Charging $5 per shot can raise $600+ in a single afternoon when done correctly.

Steps:

• Set up a goal at practice or a game.
• Promote at school and online.
• Charge per shot or bundle deals (5 for $20).
• Track scores for bragging rights.

How to make even more:
Offer “star goalie challenges” at double the price. Give a prize to the top scorer, like team merch, to encourage repeat tries.

5. Team Gear Pop Up Sale

What better way for your fans to show their support than to be wearing some cool gear with your team’s logo? Hat’s and shirts are always great merch to sell, plus it even gets you a little publicity when it’s worn around town. And the fan can demonstrate their commitment to your team for all to see.

Steps:

• Collect or create team swag.
• Set up a table at games.
• Post on social media.
• Price items $5 to $15 for impulse buys.

How to make even more:
Bundle items like a “Fan Pack: hat + wristband = $20”. Offer exclusive limited edition gear with cool artwork on it to make it more special. Pre-sell online for guaranteed orders.

6. Lemonade Stand at Events

A $2 cup of lemonade or iced tea feels affordable, but crowds at a fair or tournament means $350+ in of extra cash in just a few hours.

Steps:

• Buy cups and lemonade mix.
• Set up near a busy event.
• Use bright signs to attract customers.
• Have players rotate shifts.

How to make even more:
Offer add-ons like cookies or pretzels or other cheaply made baked goods to drive up profitability. Brand the stand with team logos so everyone knows where the cash is going. Sell souvenir cups for $5 with free refills and your team’s logo proudly displayed.

7. Parking Lot Hot Dog Grill

Grilling hot dogs on an open grill fills the air and gets people’s mouth watering. And it’s cheap and easy to do and selling $3 hot dogs at a game can raise $500 to $800 with little setup and stress.

Steps:

• Borrow a grill.
• Buy hot dogs and buns in bulk.
• Get a permit if needed.
• Sell at home games.

How to make even more:
Offer combo meals like a hot dog + soda = $5. Add veggie dogs for variety and toppings for upsells like sauerkraut or onions. Partner with local grocers for donated supplies to bank even more.

8. 50/50 Raffle at Games

Fans love a chance to win some extra cash for themselves. Just offer a $2 ticket with half going to your team and the other half going to the big winner. This super simple idea can bring in $600+ per game.

Steps:

• Buy raffle tickets.
• Sell during the game.
• Announce winner at halftime or after the game.
• Share profits 50/50.

How to make even more:
Run the raffle at every home game and offer a second chance prize like team merch so more people buy. Sell bulk bundles of tickets like 20 for $20 to your supporters to boost gains.

Medium-Effort Fundraising (1 to 2 Weeks)

Requires planning but can raise $1,000 to $3,000.

9. Skills Clinic for Kids

Parents love skill building events and who better to teach than the people that actually play the game. It’s like a day care with sports training. Charging $25 to $50 per child for an all day clinic can bring in $1,200+ in a single afternoon.

Steps:

• Book a gym or field.
• Set $20–$50 entry fee.
• Promote at schools and online.
• Have players lead drills.

How to make even more:
Offer premium one-on-one training for an extra fee. Sell snacks, water, or team gear at the event. Create a “season pass” for multiple clinics.

10. Custom Merch Sale

No upfront cost with print-on-demand and online sales. Teams can clear $2,000+ selling water bottles, socks, or shirts at $15 to $30 and all with just a little tech savvy.

Steps:

• Choose a product (shirts, bottles).
• Use Printful or similar.
• Promote online and at games.
• Offer bundles.

How to make even more:
Create limited designs for each season. Run pre-order campaigns. Upsell with higher margin items like hoodies or special designs for variety and to keep supporters buying.

11. Peer-to-Peer Donation Drive

Each player raising even a hundred dollars from friends and family using crowdfunding campaigns can quickly add up to thousands when you have a whole team. And using an online peer to peer platform you can even get a few people that may not even be in town but are still looking to support your cause.

Steps:

• Use a free online platform.
• Give players a script to share.
• Post on social media and email.
• Reward top fundraisers.

How to make even more:
Add leaderboards with small prizes to encourage people to donate more. Encourage matching gifts from workplaces. Make videos so families can share with emotion.

12. Sponsor Banner Night

Local businesses love visibility, especially when it’s them supporting the local sports team. So give them a real chance at getting noticed, but of course for a donation. Charging $200 per banner can raise $1,000+ for one game if you can find the right sponsors.

Steps:

• List local businesses.
• Pitch banner or shoutout packages.
• Hang banners at games.
• Thank sponsors publicly.

How to make even more:
Bundle packages like a banner + online ad. Offer season long sponsorships for a small discount as per game prices. Add digital shoutouts during livestreams for an extra cost.

13. Team Calendar Sale

Fans love small keepsakes. Selling $20 photo calendars can bring in some serious money, plus you have the ability to throw in a few ads as well.

Steps:

• Take player/team photos.
• Use print-on-demand.
• Sell at games and online.
• Offer early-bird discounts.

How to make even more:
Add local business ads to the calendar for sponsorship. Sell autographed copies for higher price. Pair with holiday gift bundles.

14. Sports Trivia Night at a Local Pub

Combing sports and trivia in one event is a sure fire way to get noticed and raise than extra money. Just charging $10 to $15 per player to compete can net $1,500+ in one night. And you can even make it a cash prize so you don’t need to do much else but create the questions.

Steps:

• Partner with a local pub.
• Create themed questions.
• Charge per person/team.
• Promote widely.

How to make even more:
Offer bonus rounds for a $5 buy-in. Run a raffle or auction during the event to rake in as much as possible. Sell team merch at the door and all throughout the event.

15. Recycle Drive

Recycling pays! So why not show how eco-friendly your team is while also securing some funding. Collecting cans and bottles from community members can bring in $1,000+ easily as long as you get the word out.

Steps:

• Research local recycling programs.
• Collect at games or door-to-door.
• Promote the eco angle online.
• Cash in at the center.

How to make even more:
Partner with schools and businesses for bulk collection and drop off points for even more stuff. Run it monthly as a recurring fundraiser or offer pick-up service for donations if you have parents willing to do the driving.

16. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Although this is definitely a little more involved, ideas like this can really build community team spirit. And if done right, it’s not just team members families showing up, so is the community and a chance to bond. Charging $8 per plate can raise $1,400+ at a single breakfast if your marketing is on spec.

Steps:

• Rent a hall or community center.
• Buy pancake mix in bulk.
• Sell advance tickets.
• Serve breakfast with players helping.

How to make even more:
Add extras like bacon or fruit for premium plates and upsells. Sell raffle tickets during your breakfast. Offer “all-you-can-eat” options at a higher price.

17. Online Raffle with Big Prizes

Don’t want to personally deal with the public at large? Hold a virtual raffle with awesome prizes no one can resist like signed sports memorabilia or exclusive experiences tied to sports themes like private lessons from a golf pro.

Steps:

• Secure a high value prize or many.
• Use a platform like Paybee.
• Promote widely online.
• Announce winners live.

How to make even more:
Bundle tickets, offer multiple prizes, and livestream the drawing for more excitement. Partner with influencers to promote far and wide.

Big Projects: High Effort Fundraising (1 Month+)

Higher effort and more planning but can raise $5,000+.

18. Charity 5K Fun Run

A charity based 5k run is an excellent way to raise money and get people involved in something that’s pysically challenging and good for their body. Charging $15–$30 per runner can bring in $6,000+ with 400 participants so do everything possible to get your community involved!

Steps:

• Plan a route and secure permits.
• Promote at schools and online.
• Charge entry fees.
• Offer T-shirts for participation if your budget allows

How to make even more:
Add sponsor booths along the route where sponsors can sell their products or get exposure. Sell snacks, drinks, or merch along the way. Include a virtual run option for distant supporters if you’re using a platform like Paybee.

19. Gala or Auction Night

Big ticket events bring in big dollars. Teams can raise $7,500+ auctioning donated vacations, tickets, or memorabilia, and it can all be donated by your community. From parents that have some extra sports tickets to businesses in your community that are willing to donate some great prizes, these types of events are worth the time and work to put together if you’re looking to score big!

Steps:

• Secure a venue.
• Collect donated items.
• Sell $20 entry tickets.
• Host a lively event.

How to make even more:
Include both silent and live auctions. Add wine pulls, raffles, and sponsorships to make the night’s take massive. Sell VIP tables at premium prices.

20. Livestreamed Game or Relay

Turn your team’s stamina into a global event. Instead of just a simple livestream, build a challenge based experience that keeps people coming back to keep up with the stats, and of course donating as well.

Steps:

• Set up streaming gear.
• Promote widely.
• Collect pledges online.
• Share live updates.

How to make even more:
Add donation challenges that are short and playful like a coach singing on the stream if enough people pay a small fee. Or sell digital tickets for exclusive access and secure sponsors for live mentions.

21. Corporate Sponsor Package

Businesses will pay hefty fees to get in front of a targeted local audience. So sell them placement for their logo on things like your jerseys, banners and places on your website.

Steps:

• Create a pitch deck.
• Approach businesses.
• Offer logo placement.
• Thank sponsors publicly.

How to make even more:
Offer tiered sponsorship packages (Gold/Silver/Bronze) with more publicity at each level. Add perks like VIP event tickets and bundle them with online promotions or even the ability for them to sell their wares at each event!

22. Team Cookbook Sale

Cookbooks feel personal and can even be giftable. Selling them for $25 can raise $3,000+ with just 120 copies, and the whole team can pitch in.

Steps:

• Collect recipes from families.
• Use print-on-demand.
• Sell at games and online.
• Promote as holiday gifts.

How to make even more:
Offer signed “limited editions” where the entire team personally signs their own recipe page. You can even go digital for getting those extra sales in far away places. Pair with cooking demo nights to really stand out.

23. Sports Camp for Kids

Parents pay happily for youth sports summer camps, especially ones that will give them back tired out kids with big smiles on their faces! Charge $25 a kid to keep it affordable, just 4 kids is $100, so you can see how quickly this can make some serious money.

Steps:

• Rent a facility.
• Plan drills and activities.
• Promote to local families.
• Have players assist coaches.

How to make even more:
Sell snacks and merch at your camp. Offer extended day care for extra fees or a pick up service. Or create a “VIP camp package” with photos and certificates.

24. Crowdfunding for a Cause

Tying fundraising to a community cause drives donations and teams can rake in quite a bit all online.

Steps:

• Choose a compelling cause.
• Create a story-driven campaign.
• Promote via social media and email.
• Update donors regularly.

How to make even more:
Add matching gifts from bigger or corporate sponsors. Use video storytelling for an emotional pull while also offering donor recognition perks their name on banners or jerseys.

25. Alumni Game Night

Nostalgia is powerful and sometimes you have people that are still part of your community and played for your team back in the day. Charging $15 per ticket for an alumni vs. current players game can raise some serious money quick, especially when you use a few other of our ideas to bring in even more money.

Steps:

• Invite alumni to play.
• Promote to alumni networks.
• Sell tickets and concessions.
• Livestream for online donations.

How to make even more:
Sell alumni jerseys with names. Host a post game social with paid entry. Offer “VIP seating” for premium prices.

26. Shoe Drive Fundraiser 

Everyone has extra shoes sitting in closets and believe it or not, they’re worth money! Unlike a normal drive fundraiser that collects something to give to a charity, you are collecting shoes to sell and get paid by the pound or per pair. It’s eco-friendly and can bring in $1,000 to $3,000 with no upfront costs.

Steps:

• Partner with a shoe collection organization (like Funds2Orgs).
• Set up drop-off bins at schools, gyms and businesses.
• Promote on social media and through flyers.
• Arrange pickup once collection goals are met.

How to make even more:

Offer team pick ups for busy families (“We’ll collect your shoes for you”). Combine with an event like a car wash + shoe drive. Secure a sponsor to match funds raised if at all possible. Sell premium donated shoes like barely worn sneakers at a pop-up sale before sending the rest to the recycling partner.

Get Started Now

You don’t need a big budget to raise that additional funding your team desperately needs. Got a weekend? Try a car wash or bake sale. Got a month? Plan a 5K or gala. Pick one idea, rally your team, and start today.

Strategies to Make Your Campaign a Winner

Running a sports team sure isn’t cheap anymore, and the costs are surely not going down or away any time soon. So you really need to think seriously about your funding options and how to connect our fundraising ideas strategically so you can make the most with each effort. So make a plan so you don’t end up leaving money on the table. Smart strategies blend with clear goals, volunteer hustle and multi-channel promotions to maximize every dollar. Whether you’re washing cars or launching an online campaign, these steps will help you nail it.

Phases of Successful Team Fundraising

Every great fundraiser follows three phases: planning, execution, and follow up. Each phase is very important and there for a reason, so understand how to do things correctly so you don’t keep worrying about funding.

1. Set Clear, Realistic Goals

Set a clear goal of what you need to continue playing without the financial headaches. For example, know you need $2,000 for new jerseys then pick an idea that fits your timeline, and assign roles to volunteers to get it done. Be specific!

• Steps: Clearly list out all of your expenses like $800 for equipment and then set an overall goal of what you need to continue competing. Share the goal with your team and the community so everyone is clear on how close the goal is getting.
• Why It Works: Donors give more when they know where their money’s going and for what.

2. Recruit and Coordinate Volunteers

You can’t do it alone. Get players, their parents and even coaches if they have the time involved. The more people you have the easier it will be to get things done and even go bigger when the time is right.

• Steps: Hold a quick meeting and assign tasks like promotion, setup, cleanup and then create a schedule of when tasks need to be completed by. Make sure people are held accountable and someone is there to cover when someone doesn’t fulfill their duties.
• Why It Works: Clear roles keep everyone focused and energized.

3. Leverage Social Media Promotion

Social media can dramatically help your cause no matter how small you are. It gives any team a global voice and creating an effective social media strategy can be the difference of raising a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. X, Instagram, and neighborhood Facebook groups are your megaphone so get all your team members involved and start sharing your story!

• Steps: Create a hashtag like #TeamFund2025 and post updates with photos or videos of you and your team. Show your people who you are, and what it’s like to be on the team.
• Why It Works: Social media reaches beyond your immediate circle and gives others a sense of belonging to the team even if they aren’t members.

4. Combine Events and Online Campaigns

Mix in person and digital for bigger wins. This is truly the best of both worlds, especially when including things like a live auction, a raffle and other money making ideas. It also give the entire community a chance to get involved, think people at the old folks home watching and participating even though they couldn’t make it to the event personally.

• Steps: Pick an event and figure out how best to present it both live and online. With a platform like Paybee, you can even allow people to join in your auctions both in person and over the internet all seamlessly.
• Why It Works: Multi-channel campaigns tap different donor types, boosting total funds.

5. Follow up

Always be grateful and thank your donors, chances are you’ll need their support in the future as well, so build strong bonds with them. Share your results and let people know if you reached your goals or not, then track what worked and didn’t so future events can be more successful.

• Steps: Send out personal thank you letters, get all your team members to sign them to demonstrate how truly grateful you all are. This will make a huge difference when going back to them later for more funds if needed!
• Why It Works: People want to feel they’re doing a good thing and that they are seen just as much as your players. They’re giving you their hard earned cash, so show them the respect they desrve for supporting you and they will support you for years to come.

Promotion Tips for Maximum Reach

• Post Early and Often: Start promoting two weeks out on all your social media channels.
• Use Visuals: Share player photos or short videos and even some behind the scene stuff to get people to connect with you and your members on a personal level.
• Tap Local Networks: Email parent groups and community centers to expand your reach. You can even ask businesses to hang posters or hand out flyers.
• Create Urgency: Add deadlines like “Donate by Friday for a team shoutout!” so people know they need to act now.

Strategy Table

Component

Goal

Promotion

Measurement

Clear Objective

Set specific $ target (e.g., $2,000 for uniforms)

Share your goal on social media and use email and flyers

Track donations daily, adjust if needed

Volunteer Roles

Assign tasks (e.g., 10 players for car wash)

Announce roles in team chat, meetings

Check task completion, gather feedback

Social Media Push

Reach 500+ views on social media posts

Post daily with hashtags, go live

Monitor views, shares, and donations

Multi-Channel Mix

Combine event and online (e.g., 5K + GoFundMe)

Cross-promote on social, email, in-person

Compare event vs. online earnings

Athletes Involvement

Get 80% of players posting

Provide scripts, share player posts

Track player posts and funds raised

Future Trends in Sports Fundraising

A lot of future trends depend on technological advances that now, with AI, have been pushing the limits of fundraising. Everything from virtual events where you’re able to reach a global audience instantly, to new social media platforms, the philanthropic landscape is changing fast. So you can either embrace the future or get left behind. These are the top five trends we see changing the game and their impact.

Why Trends Matter in Sports Fundraising

Sports fundraising is no longer just about covering costs. The newest approaches:

• Tap into what people already care about, tech, community, and sustainability.
• Reach wider audiences online instead of relying on the local crowd.
• Save time with smarter planning tools.

By staying ahead of these trends, your team can do less “selling” and more connecting, while still bringing in the support you need.

5 Trends to Watch in 2026 and Beyond

1. Virtual Races and Events

Online runs, gaming tournaments or livestreamed relays let supporters join from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Why it works: Expands reach, lowers overhead, and feels modern.
How to start: Choose a platform like Paybee, Zoom, Twitch or YouTube Live to start. Then set up a donation page and begin promoting your event through all your communication channels. Keep tally on what is working and what isn’t, then tweak where you can to improve your results.

2. Eco-Friendly Merchandise

The world is slowly moving towards sustainability and environmental awareness. This means jumping on the Eco-friendly bandwagon now will position your cause as a progressive team of people that care about the world and their future. Teams are moving from plastic trinkets to sustainable items like bamboo shirts, reusable bottles, or eco-branded wristbands.
Why it works: Appeals to environmentally conscious donors, especially students and younger families.
How to start: Partner with a sustainable print-on-demand service and highlight the eco-benefits in your promotion.

3. TikTok & Social Media Challenges

Short videos, team dances, or creative “skill challenges” can quickly spread online and inspire micro-donations. You can even add complete games on platforms like YouTube and behind these scenes video of training and team meetings for an extra personal edge.
Why it works: Engages younger audiences and taps into viral sharing.
How to start: Create a 15-second video with a clear hashtag and link it to your donation page. Try to get all your players to post and share as often as they can to secure a wider reach.

4. AI-Powered Planning Tools

AI tools can do practically anything, including helping your team with all sorts of tasks. AI can help you narrow down which events would work best, help with coming up with budgets and expense reports and even give advice on what position your players should be playing to get the most wins.
Why it works: Saves time and increases efficiency with data driven insights rather than guesses.
How to start: Use free AI event planning or fundraising apps for sports teams to set goals, track your donations and adjust strategies in real time.

5. Local Business Sponsorships 2.0

Sponsorships aren’t new, but the packages are becoming more creative with the use of digital shout-outs and team TikTok features. You can even host a branded livestream with business mentions.
Why it works: Businesses gain visibility, and teams build long-term support.
How to start: Pitch local businesses with flexible options including jersey spots and featured posts on your team’s social channels so they can garner more reach.

Quick Steps to Get Started

• Pick one trend: Begin with a virtual event or social challenge for quick wins.
• Plan clearly: Set a goal, assign roles and choose one main platform.
• Promote daily: Share updates, videos, and stories to keep supporters interested.
• Show gratitude: Thank donors publicly on social media as it encourages others to join in.

Your team’s next win might not just be on the field, but in how you fund the journey to get there.

Final Thoughts

Sports fundraising is no longer something that comes in second place, with all the costs it’s now a priority and sadly we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon. Teams need creative ways to stay on the field, in the gym and connected to their communities. The good news? When you start fundraising using our information above, you’re not just scoring money, your building a support base around your team that strengthens bonds, teaches lifelong skills, and builds pride within your entire community. Whether it’s a car wash, gala night, or crowdfunding campaign, each fundraiser is an opportunity to grow your team both on and off the field. So if this is your first time, pick something that you know you and your team can create and do in a few days. Use some of our marketing tips to get you started and always make sure you start with a clear goal, track what works and what needs work and keep going. The more often you hold an event, the greater chance you’ll have of funding your team for the entire season and maybe beyond.

Common Questions &Answers

1. What’s the easiest fundraiser to start with?

A car wash or bake sale are great ones to start with as they’re low cost with an easy setup and they can provide instant cash flow.

2. Can fundraising really reduce “pay-to-play” costs?

Yes. Successful fundraisers can slash family expenses by 50 to even 100% making it much easier for everyone to be involved regardless of their family’s financial position.

3. How do we keep players motivated to participate?

Give each team member a role they’d actually enjoy doing. Creative kids make flyers, outgoing ones sell tickets and create content to share and so forth.

4. What’s a good way to thank donors?

The absolute best way would be to send personal thank-you notes signed by all the players while simultaneously posting public shoutouts on social media. Gratitude builds loyalty.

5. What if our first fundraiser doesn’t meet the goal?

That’s normal. While each team’s circumstances will differ, you need to track everything and ask if your goal was realistic, did you have enough product or services to reach the goal and did your players work as a team to succeed. Adjust your approach where you can to improve. Fundraising improves with practice and consistency.