Online fundraising is an effective way to raise funds for your team. In our guide, we’ll explore some cheerleading fundraising ideas to help your team succeed.
Starting a GoFundMe for your cheer team or your own cheerleading expenses is a great way to offer people an easy way to support you. Having an online fundraiser you can point people to during any fundraising event or general fundraising efforts has proven to help people collect even more donations than if they were to run an event alone.
GoFundMe is a safe, trusted fundraising platform used by many sports teams and individuals to raise money for good causes.
Why fundraising is essential for cheerleading squads
Cheerleading is an excellent team sport that fosters camaraderie, but it can come with some hefty financial challenges. Starting a fundraising campaign will help you reach your fundraising goals.
Common financial challenges cheerleading teams face
When starting a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign for your cheerleading financial needs, do your best to outline upfront what the funds will go to support. For example, it might be:
- High costs of uniforms and accessories: Cheerleading uniforms, shoes, pom-poms, and other accessories are expensive. These items are essential for cheerleaders to look and perform their best.
- Travel expenses: Competing in local, regional, and national events means a lot of traveling. Costs for transportation, hotels, and meals can accumulate fast.
- Coaching and training fees: High-quality coaching and attending cheer camps are crucial for skill development, but can be costly.
- Competition fees: Entering various competitions requires paying entry fees, which can be a significant expense.
Benefits of fundraising for cheerleading teams
Team fundraising can have numerous benefits beyond the financial results. Successful cheerleading fundraisers can also provide:
- Inclusivity: Ensures all team members can participate, regardless of their financial background.
- Quality training: Helps maintain high standards of training and performance.
- Team bonding: Boosts team unity and garners community support.
- Skill development: Provides opportunities for team members to develop organizational and leadership skills.
Top cheerleading fundraising ideas
Whether you’re a member of the cheer squad or a dedicated booster club supporter, there are plenty of fundraising ideas to help raise funds for your team.
1. Community events and peer engagement activities
- Car wash and dog wash events: Organize regular car and dog wash events in busy areas, like a school parking lot. Get the whole cheerleading team and their families involved. Promote these events on social media and with local ads to draw in more people. A car wash fundraiser is a fun way to engage with the community, and don’t forget to use plenty of sponges.
- Spirit nights: Team up with local eateries to host fundraising nights. Spread the word through school channels and social media. Add performances or mini cheer clinics during the event to attract more attendees. These events can help boost team spirit and community involvement.
- Pep rally: Host a pep rally before major sporting events, such as a football game, to build excitement and collect donations.
2. Cheerleading telegrams
- Offer community members, students, local businesses, or senior centers an opportunity to purchase a “cheerleading gram” to send to someone or receive themselves.
- These can be particularly popular around seasonal holidays, such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas. Candygrams are a popular choice, where members of the cheer squad take personalized candy gift boxes to lucky recipients.
- Keeping safety and security in mind, you could ensure telegrams occur in a public place.
- Be sure to bring a poster with a QR code or link to your GoFundMe fundraiser so that anyone who watches the cheer can donate in support.
3. Sales-based fundraisers
- Food sales: Sell popular items like popcorn, cookie dough, candy bars, and gourmet snacks. Set up booths at school events and local fairs. Make online ordering available for added convenience. A cookie dough fundraiser can be particularly successful.
- Branded merchandise: Create and sell items like DIY T-shirts, mugs, and water bottles with your team’s logo. Use print-on-demand services to keep costs low and design unique, seasonal items to boost sales. Consider setting up an online store for wider reach.
- Discount cards and coupons: Partner with local businesses to create discount cards and coupons that supporters can purchase. This is an easy fundraising method that also benefits the community.
4. Educational and skill-based fundraisers
- Cheer clinics: Host training sessions for younger cheer enthusiasts. Offer workshops on tumbling, stunts, and choreography. Charge participation fees and provide certificates or memorabilia.
- Hair and makeup lessons: Utilize the expertise of team members to teach hair and makeup techniques for performances. Hold workshops and individual sessions, including tips on maintaining a professional look during competitions.
- Gift wrapping services: Offer gift wrapping services during the holiday season. This can be done at local malls or school events, providing a convenient service for community members.
5. Interactive and event-based fundraisers
- Scavenger hunts: Organize themed scavenger hunts around the school or community. Charge entry fees and provide prizes for winners. Promote the event through local media and social platforms.
- Silent auctions and raffles: Collect donations from local businesses and community members. Offer enticing prizes like gift cards, experiences, and cheer gear. Host both online and in-person events to maximize participation.
- Bake sales: Organize bake sales with a variety of goodies. Encourage team members and family members to bake treats and set up booths at local events or outside local businesses.
- Fashion shows: Host a fashion show featuring the latest cheerleading gear and spirit wear. Charge an entrance fee and sell raffle tickets for additional fundraising.
- Movie nights: Set up a movie night at a high school gym or a local venue. Charge a small fee for entry and sell refreshments like popcorn and candy bars.
- Pancake breakfasts: Organize a pancake breakfast at a local restaurant or community center. Charge an entrance fee and offer additional fundraising products like raffle tickets or spirit wear.
6. Community or alumni cheer performance
- Host an opportunity for community members like youth, the elderly, or any alumni members of the cheer team to take part in a half-time performance.
- Invite participants to make a suggested donation to your GoFundMe fundraiser
- You can also provide an opportunity for them to purchase pompoms, t-shirts, hair ribbons or other accessories at a marked-up rate with a portion of proceeds going to your cause.
Start fundraising for your cheerleading team today
Fundraising is crucial for the success of your cheerleading team. It not only helps cover the costs of uniforms, travel, and competitions but also brings the team and community closer together. Whether through sponsorship, school fundraising events, or cheerleading telegrams, there are numerous ways to ensure your fundraising success.
With the right fundraising program and a well-thought-out template, your cheerleading team can raise a lot of money and achieve the best cheerleading experiences possible.
Get started with these fun and effective cheer fundraising ideas, and use GoFundMe to help you raise even more money.
