My Favorite Fundraisers
Youth sports fundraising doesn't have to be awkward and torturous.
I think we’ve well established that youth sports are a financial racket. But in case you need reminding let me scream it from a mountaintop YOUTH SPORTS ARE INSANELY EXPENSIVE. Or you can simply check your bank account … if you dare.
When I think about the cost of youth sports, I almost get queasy. No really. It’s bonkers how so many parents (me included) robotically enter our credit card info for this “elite” clinic or this new unform or a million other things. Spend enough time in youth sports and robotically handing over gobs of money becomes just another reflex. Not to say you won’t have severe anxiety and panic once the credit card bills come.
I’ve also been thinking about the kids whose parents don’t have the means to robotically write check after check, the kids shut out of a system that has evolved into absurd levels of inequality. The solution, of course, is easy and logical. Make youth sports more affordable. Imagine that. While we wait and wait and wait some more for that to happen, I believe our kids should have some awareness about the cost of the sports they play and a deeper understanding about those left out. Hopefully they will be empowered to help.
Fundraising for youth sports is hell. I hate it so much. We reluctantly dove into that world in the last year to help pay for our son’s recent “once-in-a-lifetime” trip to Cooperstown, NY. The tourney cost, not to mention travel for the family was astronomical. I can’t share the number – it’s too depressing. It’s also incredibly awkward asking family and friends for money when they too have some sense of youth sports economics and know we are willing participants.
In any event, fundraising is an embedded part of youth sports especially as kids get older and start traveling. It’s not the sexiest topic but almost daily I see the question of “What are the best fundraisers?” asked in the various youth sports Reddit and Facebook groups I’m in. Below I offer my favorites.
While we mull over which fundraisers will earn the most for our kid’s next trip to a NATIONAL something something, I hope we also consider rethinking how and why we fundraise.
Sure, teams and leagues legitimately need funds for offsetting travel costs. But also, holding a fundraiser associated with a related organization or cause is an incredible. opportunity for these athletes to develop empathy. For example, there’s Soccer Without Borders, or scholarship funds for lower income families financially shut out or perhaps they opt for a non-profit related to a team member’s family. In other words, make money for yourself AND make money for others.
Make it clear that fundraising for an outside group is part of club culture. For most of the kids, planning and executing something rooted in altruism will have a much more profound impact on their life paths than the 19 extra burpees they were forced to do at the last practice. I get it sounds Pollyannaish and unrealistic, but it doesn’t have to be.
With that sentiment in mind, again, here are my favorite youth sports fundraisers:
Get Local Sponsors
Have the athletes write heartfelt letters asking local businesses for support. The kids will need to be creative in how they offer placement and pricing. Perhaps they suggest adding the company’s logo to their jersey, displaying a banner at home games, or even asking for a title sponsorship for a specific event like a hosted tournament.
Athlete Hustle: 9 | Money-Making Potential: 10
Earn Money on Everyday Purchases
FlipGive is an incredibly easy to use app that gives you cash back for shopping at your favorite clothing stores (Target, Macys, etc.) or eating at commonplace restaurants (Subway, Chilis, Starbucks etc.) or booking on the sites you use for travel (Vrbo, Marriott, Southwest, etc.) The options are endless. There are no jacked-up prices, either. You’re simply redirected to your shopping website of choice where you’ll earn up to 15% back. To truly maximize earning potential, it’s crucial that the whole team participant, and ideally other family and friends. The only issue drawback is that kids continue to be the recipient of what we buy them and don’t have to do much heavy lifting. Oh, and it takes at least a month to receive your payout, but it does arrive.
Athlete Hustle: 0 | Money-Making Potential: 10
Offer Private Lessons
You’ve invested countless dollars in hopes that your kid is developing all the skills that comes from playing sports, both leadership and athletic wise. Encourage your kid to pay it forward by offering lessons to younger kids. Their fee is sure to be significantly less than the professional outfits out there – and the students and teachers are bound to have a lot more fun.
Athlete Hustle: 10 | Money-Making Potential: 5
Super Bowl Squares
115 million people watch the Super Bowl; you’re likely to know a few of them. Have your kids write a heartfelt email to friends and relatives asking them to play, and make sure they include a quick explainer for the Super Bowl Square newbies out there. You can set the price per square to anything but $20 a square is common, and even after payouts will have you walking away with a nice boost.
Athlete Hustle: 3 | Money-Making Potential: 8
Used Book Fair
Let your kids share their old favorites with a new batch of kids. While selling books isn’t as profitable as other fundraisers, it’s a sweet way for the kids to showcase a more intellectual side, all while gaining a sliver of entrepreneurial experience.
Athlete Hustle: 7 | Money-Making Potential: 2
Yeti Cooler Raffle
I had zero clue what a money maker this would be. Step 1: Purchase a beautiful new Yeti (for a slight discount if you’re military or a first responder) Step 2:. Fill it with booze donated by parents. Watch the raffle ticket sales pour in.
Athlete Hustle: 1 | Money-Making Potential: 10
Work Concessions at an NFL or MLB Game
If we parents are going to have to do the heavy lifting, let’s make it a legitimate adventure. Many stadiums employ youth sports organizations federally registered as a non-profit (501C) to work concessions at sporting events like New England Patriots games. Don’t worry, it can be a one-off experience and you will be sufficiently trained. But be aware that this fundraiser will be rooted in parent labor as kids under 18 are typically not eligible to work concessions.
Athlete Hustle 0 | Money-Making Potential: 9
Trivia Night
Charge a decent entry fee and provide guests light bites and beverages. Then have the kids not only research and produce the questions, make them the game hosts. You can offer General Trivia, Sports Trivia, Barbie Trivia, any category you think would draw a crowd. Oh, and if your organization puts on a trivia night, please invite me!
There are a zillion fundraising more options like a Silent Auction, Car Wash, Chili Cook-off, and Hosting a Tournament. Really, the possibilities are endless if you and your child are willing to put in the work.