Running a sports team can be expensive — between uniforms, equipment, tournament fees, and travel costs, the expenses can quickly add up. That’s why finding the best fundraisers for sports teams is essential to keep your program thriving without burdening players or parents. Whether you’re coaching a youth soccer team, managing a school basketball club, or leading a community baseball league, the right fundraising idea can make all the difference.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best fundraisers for sports teams that are easy to organize, fun to participate in, and guaranteed to bring in funds fast.

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1. Team Car Wash

A classic favorite, car washes remain one of the best fundraisers for sports teams. All you need is a busy parking lot, some supplies, and your team’s energy. Promote the event with flyers, social media posts, and local ads. You can even offer extra services like tire cleaning or interior vacuuming for additional donations.

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2. Spirit Wear and Merchandise Sales

Selling custom T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and water bottles featuring your team logo is one of the best fundraisers for sports teams because it combines profit with pride. Players, families, and fans love showing support while helping raise money. Online platforms like Bonfire or Teespring make setup easy and risk-free.

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3. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding is a modern, hassle-free way to raise money quickly. Platforms like GoFundMe or Snap! Raise make it simple to share your story online. This digital approach is one of the best fundraisers for sports teams with large followings, as donations can come from friends, relatives, and fans across the country.

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4. Restaurant Fundraiser Nights

Partnering with local restaurants or cafes is one of the easiest and best fundraisers for sports teams. Many restaurants donate a portion of sales from a specific night to your cause. Promote the event on social media and encourage everyone to dine out and support your team.

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5. Raffle or Prize Drawings

Raffles are always exciting and effective. Gather donated prizes from local businesses—such as gift cards, electronics, or event tickets—and sell raffle entries at games or community events. It’s one of the best fundraisers for sports teams because it builds excitement and encourages participation from the wider community.

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6. Sports Skills Camp

Turn your players’ talent into a teaching opportunity. Hosting a youth skills clinic or training camp is one of the best fundraisers for sports teams that also gives back to the community. Charge a small registration fee and let your athletes mentor younger kids while raising money for team expenses.

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7. Concession Stand Sales

If your team regularly hosts games, setting up a concession stand is one of the most reliable best fundraisers for sports teams. Selling snacks, drinks, and team merchandise during matches can generate steady income throughout the season.

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8. Fun Run or Fitness Challenge

A community fun run or fitness challenge promotes health, team spirit, and fundraising all at once. Participants can register online and collect pledges per lap or mile completed. This makes it one of the best fundraisers for sports teams that encourages physical activity and community support.

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9. Sponsor a Player Program

Reach out to local businesses or supporters to “sponsor” a player or team position. Sponsors can donate in exchange for having their logo displayed on uniforms, banners, or team websites. This personalized approach is one of the best fundraisers for sports teams that builds long-term partnerships.

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10. Silent Auction or Gala Night

For larger programs or travel teams, hosting a dinner event or silent auction is one of the most profitable best fundraisers for sports teams. Auction items could include donated services, sports memorabilia, or vacation packages. Add entertainment and a short presentation about your team’s goals to engage donors emotionally.

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Final Thoughts

The best fundraisers for sports teams combine creativity, community involvement, and teamwork. Whether you choose a small local event or a large online campaign, the key is participation and enthusiasm. Encourage your athletes, parents, and supporters to take part — when everyone works together, fundraising becomes not just successful but enjoyable.

Start planning today and use these best fundraisers for sports teams to help your team reach its goals, strengthen unity, and celebrate every victory—on and off the field.

Introduction

Submitting a Walmart Donation Request is a great opportunity for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to receive financial or in-kind support from one of the world’s most generous corporate donors. However, even well-intentioned organizations sometimes make errors that can reduce their chances of approval. With thousands of requests received every year, Walmart carefully reviews each one, and small mistakes can easily lead to rejection. To help you succeed, here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when completing your Walmart Donation Request—and how to make your application stand out instead.

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1. Submitting Without Checking Eligibility

One of the most frequent mistakes applicants make is submitting a Walmart Donation Request without verifying eligibility. Walmart only accepts requests from certain types of organizations, including:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

• Recognized public or charter schools.

• Faith-based organizations providing community services.

• Government agencies or community departments.

If your group does not meet these requirements, your request will be automatically denied. Always confirm that your organization fits within Walmart’s approved categories before starting the application process.

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2. Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Another common issue is submitting incomplete applications. Missing details—such as incorrect contact information, absent EIN numbers, or vague project descriptions—can cause automatic rejections.

When completing your Walmart Donation Request, double-check that:

• All required fields are filled out correctly.

• Your organization’s legal name and tax ID match official records.

• You include a clear summary of your project’s purpose and expected outcomes.

Accurate, detailed information demonstrates professionalism and increases your credibility.

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3. Ignoring Walmart’s Focus Areas

Walmart prioritizes funding projects that align with its core values, such as hunger relief, education, community engagement, and sustainability. Many requests get rejected simply because they don’t fit these areas.

Before you apply, review Walmart’s giving priorities and tailor your Walmart Donation Request to show how your initiative supports one or more of them. For example:

• If your organization helps feed families, highlight how your program contributes to hunger relief.

• If your project involves students, focus on educational benefits.

Showing alignment with Walmart’s mission dramatically improves your approval chances.

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4. Submitting Requests Too Late

Timing is another major factor. Many nonprofits wait until right before their event to submit their Walmart Donation Request, leaving little time for review.

Walmart’s local community grants operate on an annual cycle, with limited budgets at each location. Submitting early in the year—or at least two to three months before your event—gives you a much better chance of success. Once local funds run out, applications are often declined even if they meet all criteria.

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5. Being Too Vague About the Impact

When applying for any corporate donation, clarity is key. Walmart wants to see that its contribution will make a measurable difference. Avoid generic statements like “We need help supporting our community.”

Instead, provide concrete examples and outcomes:

• “This $1,000 donation will help us provide 500 meals to low-income families.”

• “Walmart’s support will allow us to purchase 200 backpacks for underprivileged students.”

Specific goals show accountability and make your Walmart Donation Request stronger.

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6. Forgetting to Say Thank You

One often-overlooked mistake happens after the donation is received—forgetting to express gratitude. A simple thank-you letter, email, or social media acknowledgment goes a long way.

By showing appreciation, you demonstrate professionalism and establish goodwill for future collaborations. Many organizations that maintain good relationships with local Walmart stores receive repeat support year after year.

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7. Not Following Up Professionally

If you don’t hear back after a few weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up. However, some applicants either never follow up or send multiple impatient emails. A polite, single follow-up message after 6–8 weeks is best.

Check your online portal for updates before reaching out. If you contact your local store, maintain a professional tone and express appreciation for their time and consideration.

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Conclusion

Submitting a Walmart Donation Request is an excellent opportunity to secure funding or resources for your community project—but it requires attention to detail and a strategic approach. Avoiding common mistakes like incomplete information, vague goals, or poor timing can make the difference between approval and rejection.

By aligning your mission with Walmart’s priorities, submitting early, and communicating professionally, you can build a strong partnership that lasts well beyond one donation. Remember: every well-prepared Walmart Donation Request brings your organization one step closer to making a bigger impact in your community.

Nestled just 50 miles east of Miami, Florida, lies the enchanting district of Bimini in the Bahamas. Comprising two main islands, North Bimini and South Bimini, this tropical paradise boasts a rich history that weaves together myth Bimini, exploration, piracy, literary fame, and modern science. From the legendary Fountain of Youth to Ernest Hemingway’s fishing expeditions, Bimini’s past is as fascinating as its turquoise waters.

The First Inhabitants and Early Exploration

The name Bimini comes from the Lucayan language, meaning “two islands” or “the twins.” The Lucayan people, indigenous to the Bahamas, thrived on the islands’ natural resources, especially marine life. Tragically, their population was decimated in the late 15th century when the Spanish arrived, enslaving many to work in mines on Hispaniola.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus likely sailed past Bimini, though records suggest he never landed. In 1513, Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish Governor of Puerto Rico, explored the island while searching for the mythical Fountain of Youth. While he never found it, his arrival marked the beginning of Bimini’s enduring legend.

The Fountain of Youth Legend

The myth of the Fountain of Youth is forever tied to Bimini. Stories from the Arawak and Taíno people described a spring of eternal youth located in a land called Beimini or Beniny. Today, curious visitors explore the Healing Hole, a mineral-rich spring on North Bimini, or visit a freshwater well on South Bimini that is also linked to the tale. Though historians dispute its authenticity, the legend continues to enchant travelers.

Pirates, Rum-Runners, and Prohibition

Bimini’s strategic location along the Gulf Stream made it a maritime hotspot. During Prohibition (1920–1933), the islands became a hub for rum-runners smuggling liquor into the U.S. The most famous was William “The Real” McCoy, who transported top-quality whiskey. Although the phrase “the real McCoy” predates this era, his operations gave the saying fresh notoriety. This period cemented Bimini’s reputation as a daring and adventurous hideout.

Literary and Cultural Icons

Bimini has long attracted writers, activists, and cultural figures.

• Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini from 1935 to 1937, fishing and writing works like The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream. His stay at the Compleat Angler Hotel added to its legendary status until the building was tragically lost in 2006.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Bimini in 1964, drafting parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in its serene environment.
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr., U.S. Congressman, had his ashes scattered in Bimini’s waters in 1972.
• In 1987, a photograph of U.S. presidential candidate Gary Hart on a Bimini dock with Donna Rice made headlines, influencing political history.

These stories showcase Bimini as more than an island—it is a stage where history, literature, and politics intersect.

Mystical Connections: Atlantis and the Bimini Road

In 1968, divers discovered the Bimini Road, a submerged rock formation that sparked speculation about links to the lost city of Atlantis. Psychic Edgar Cayce had predicted in 1938 that Atlantis would rise near Bimini in the late 1960s, fueling intrigue. While scientists explain the formation as natural beachrock, the mystery still draws explorers and dreamers alike.

Settlement and Modern Population

Bimini remained sparsely settled until 1835, when five families of formerly enslaved people relocated from New Providence. This small group laid the foundation for the island’s modern community. Today, just under 2,000 residents live across North and South Bimini, preserving the islands’ close-knit atmosphere despite growing tourism.

Attractions and Landmarks

Bimini offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and adventure:

• SS Sapona Shipwreck – A World War I-era ship that later became a rum warehouse, nightclub, and now a popular dive site.
• The Dolphin House – An artistic structure built by Ashley Saunders, decorated with shells, glass, and tiles.
• Bimini Museum – Located in Alice Town, featuring artifacts and exhibits that tell the island’s story.

Science and Conservation

Since 1990, the Bimini Biological Field Station (Shark Lab), founded by Dr. Samuel Gruber, has studied sharks, rays, and marine ecosystems. It has become a world-renowned hub for marine research and conservation, helping protect the delicate environment that makes Bimini unique.

Modern-Day Bimini

Today, Bimini is celebrated as both the “Gateway to the Bahamas” and the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Tourists flock to its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and thriving marine life. Activities include big-game fishing, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling wrecks, and exploring natural springs.

Yet, Bimini faces challenges. The construction of large-scale resorts, such as the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, has raised concerns about environmental impact. Conservationists, including Jean-Michel Cousteau, have warned that unchecked development could endanger the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Conclusion

From the indigenous Lucayans and Spanish explorers to Hemingway, King, and modern conservationists, Bimini’s story is one of legends, adventure, and resilience. Its history blends myth with reality, making it one of the most intriguing destinations in the Caribbean. Today, as Bimini balances tourism with preservation, its charm remains timeless—just like the mythical Fountain of Youth it is forever linked to.

Would you like me to also create a shorter, travel-blog style version of this article (around 800–1000 words) for casual readers, or keep it in this encyclopedic, detailed style?

Fundraising Ideas for School

It’s no secret that public schools are underfunded, and there is a spending gap between wealthier districts and low-income areas. In fact, the wealthiest districts spend three times more per pupil than low-income district schools.

Spelling Bee High School Fundraising Ideas

There are many reasons why a spelling bee is a great fundraising idea for schools, including:

• Friendly competition among students
• Educating students
• Highly affordable to host the event
• Community involvement

You can combine a spelling bee fundraiser with a pledge campaign. Students can get family and friends to pledge funds accurately for every word they spell. You can print certificates online and request donations from local businesses for prizes for the winners.

Walk-a-thon

A walk-a-thon is an excellent event for students of all ages, and there are many ways to host one. Color runs have become highly popular over the years, and platforms such best school fundraisers as MyFunRun are making it easier and easier to do. They offer all the digital materials, personal fundraising pages, and pre-registering participants.

Students are not the only ones who can participate. Family, friends, and community members can all participate in the walk-a-thon. You may even switch things up, do a zombie run, and see the community show up in their best outfits and spooky makeup. There are no limits to what you can do with this school fundraising idea – have fun with it.

Prom Dress Drive

The best way to host a prom dress drive is a couple of months before prom or homecoming season. Shopping for the perfect dress can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Instead, reach out to the community through social media posts and send notes home with the students. Ask them if they have gently used dresses of all sizes to donate for the prom dress drive. You can also approach second-hand clothing stores and see if they can part with dresses!

Hand out pamphlets to local businesses and the community with information on the event, such as date, time, location, and whether it will be a cash or card-only event. Remember to have private facilities for students to try on the dresses and hanging racks for easy displays. To guarantee attendance, sell tickets to the event. This is also a great way to maximize profits and know how many volunteers you’ll need.

Cook-Off

What better way to get the students involved in the school fundraiser than a cook-off? Kids can pay a small fee to enter the competition, and attendees pay to be taste testers. In addition, tasters will make donations for the foods they love the most, and the winner will be crowned by the amount of money they raise.

Students can make simple but tasty meals such as chili, mini burgers, tacos, and baked goods for those with sweet teeth. These meals are easy to make and won’t need much kitchen space. These high school fundraising ideas don’t have to be the “typical” event. Spice things up with live music, host fundraising raffles, and sell drinks to get the most out of the event.

Lip Sync Showdown

Consider lip sync showdown if you’re looking for a unique high school fundraising idea. The kids have a lot of fun choosing a song, practicing, preparing dance moves, and performing their favorite songs. Friends, family, and the community will be privileged to see the lip-sync showdown by paying an entrance fee. The winner can be determined by how loud the applause is.

School Carnival

School carnivals require all hands to be on deck as they are involved in events. There are games to create and run, lots of fair food to make, and entertainment to plan. Carnival games and booths to consider are:

• Cornhole
• Mini Golf
• Ring toss
• Picture booth
• Tattoo booth
• Face painting

A school carnival fundraiser will require student committees, parents, guardians, and volunteers to participate in planning the event. First, browse company websites such as Rode Island Novelty to find bulk carnival prizes that everyone will love at a low cost. Then, maximize profits by charging admission tickets and charges per activity. These are very popular Fundraising Ideas for School.

Pajama Day

Pajama Day is a simple and effective way to raise money for school fundraiser ideas. The costs are low because there is not much to organize. Have each student pay a small fee to come to school in their pajamas. This fee can be as low as $1 or $2.

Add more fun to the day by letting the students watch a movie during lunch in the cafeteria and having a prize for the class that participates the most.

Principal Challenge

Involving the principal is a fantastic and fun way to raise money for your school. Principals are typically known to have serious and authoritative reputations. While fundraising for your school, this exciting fundraiser will influence pupils’ perspectives and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Ideas for prizes include:

• Sliming the principal
• Principal kissing a pig
• The principal gets pied in the face
• Principal colors their hair in their school’s colors

Schools set fundraising goals that students must attempt to meet. The fundraising target must be realistic for the students to see the results.

A class wins the prize when they reach a certain amount. The school gets to watch the hilarious act of the principal facing their demise if they reach the specified target.

Prospect Research

Performing prospect research, you will better understand who in your school can donate and will most likely donate regularly. In addition, through research, you can find the parents or guardians who participate in philanthropic work and may see what you are doing in your school that is worth donating to.

Specific wealth indicators will help you determine who to approach:

• Profession
• Foundation affiliations
• Real-estate and assets

Prospect research is most effective in affluent communities and allows you to change your marketing tactics to target the right people.

Field Day

Field days are ideal for the spring semester, when the weather is warmer and kids want to enjoy themselves outdoors. They are perfect for younger elementary school children.

This fundraising opportunity can have several activities for the students and their families to enjoy.

• Tug-of-war
• Water games
• Dodgeball
• Bounce house
• Obstacle courses
• Potato sack race

To make money, charge for both general entrance and individual game participation. Concession stands and a donation booth can be set up for additional fundraising opportunities.

Fundraising Ideas for School

It’s no secret that public schools are underfunded, and there is a spending gap between wealthier districts and low-income areas. In fact, the wealthiest districts spend three times more per pupil than low-income district schools.

Spelling Bee High School Fundraising Ideas

There are many reasons why a spelling bee is a great fundraising idea for schools, including:

• Friendly competition among students
• Educating students
• Highly affordable to host the event
• Community involvement

You can combine a spelling bee fundraiser with a pledge campaign. Students can get family and friends to pledge funds accurately for every word they spell. You can print certificates online and request donations from local good fundraising ideas businesses for prizes for the winners.

Walk-a-thon

A walk-a-thon is an excellent event for students of all ages, and there are many ways to host one. Color runs have become highly popular over the years, and platforms such as MyFunRun are making it easier and easier to do. They offer all the digital materials, personal fundraising pages, and pre-registering participants.

Students are not the only ones who can participate. Family, friends, and community members can all participate in the walk-a-thon. You may even switch things up, do a zombie run, and see the community show up in their best outfits and spooky makeup. There are no limits to what you can do with this school fundraising idea – have fun with it.

Prom Dress Drive

The best way to host a prom dress drive is a couple of months before prom or homecoming season. Shopping for the perfect dress can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Instead, reach out to the community through social media posts and send notes home with the students. Ask them if they have gently used dresses of all sizes to donate for the prom dress drive. You can also approach second-hand clothing stores and see if they can part with dresses!

Hand out pamphlets to local businesses and the community with information on the event, such as date, time, location, and whether it will be a cash or card-only event. Remember to have private facilities for students to try on the dresses and hanging racks for easy displays. To guarantee attendance, sell tickets to the event. This is also a great way to maximize profits and know how many volunteers you’ll need.

Cook-Off

What better way to get the students involved in the school fundraiser than a cook-off? Kids can pay a small fee to enter the competition, and attendees pay to be taste testers. In addition, tasters will make donations for the foods they love the most, and the winner will be crowned by the amount of money they raise.

Students can make simple but tasty meals such as chili, mini burgers, tacos, and baked goods for those with sweet teeth. These meals are easy to make and won’t need much kitchen space. These high school fundraising ideas don’t have to be the “typical” event. Spice things up with live music, host fundraising raffles, and sell drinks to get the most out of the event.

Lip Sync Showdown

Consider lip sync showdown if you’re looking for a unique high school fundraising idea. The kids have a lot of fun choosing a song, practicing, preparing dance moves, and performing their favorite songs. Friends, family, and the community will be privileged to see the lip-sync showdown by paying an entrance fee. The winner can be determined by how loud the applause is.

School Carnival

School carnivals require all hands to be on deck as they are involved in events. There are games to create and run, lots of fair food to make, and entertainment to plan. Carnival games and booths to consider are:

• Cornhole
• Mini Golf
• Ring toss
• Picture booth
• Tattoo booth
• Face painting

A school carnival fundraiser will require student committees, parents, guardians, and volunteers to participate in planning the event. First, browse company websites such as Rode Island Novelty to find bulk carnival prizes that everyone will love at a low cost. Then, maximize profits by charging admission tickets and charges per activity. These are very popular Fundraising Ideas for School.

Pajama Day

Pajama Day is a simple and effective way to raise money for school fundraiser ideas. The costs are low because there is not much to organize. Have each student pay a small fee to come to school in their pajamas. This fee can be as low as $1 or $2.

Add more fun to the day by letting the students watch a movie during lunch in the cafeteria and having a prize for the class that participates the most.

Principal Challenge

Involving the principal is a fantastic and fun way to raise money for your school. Principals are typically known to have serious and authoritative reputations. While fundraising for your school, this exciting fundraiser will influence pupils’ perspectives and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Ideas for prizes include:

• Sliming the principal
• Principal kissing a pig
• The principal gets pied in the face
• Principal colors their hair in their school’s colors

Schools set fundraising goals that students must attempt to meet. The fundraising target must be realistic for the students to see the results.

A class wins the prize when they reach a certain amount. The school gets to watch the hilarious act of the principal facing their demise if they reach the specified target.

Prospect Research

Performing prospect research, you will better understand who in your school can donate and will most likely donate regularly. In addition, through research, you can find the parents or guardians who participate in philanthropic work and may see what you are doing in your school that is worth donating to.

Specific wealth indicators will help you determine who to approach:

• Profession
• Foundation affiliations
• Real-estate and assets

Prospect research is most effective in affluent communities and allows you to change your marketing tactics to target the right people.

Field Day

Field days are ideal for the spring semester, when the weather is warmer and kids want to enjoy themselves outdoors. They are perfect for younger elementary school children.

This fundraising opportunity can have several activities for the students and their families to enjoy.

• Tug-of-war
• Water games
• Dodgeball
• Bounce house
• Obstacle courses
• Potato sack race

To make money, charge for both general entrance and individual game participation. Concession stands and a donation booth can be set up for additional fundraising opportunities.

Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

Whether your team needs funds for traveling or new gear, plenty of fundraising ideas will help you meet your fundraising goals.This article covers 10 fundraising ideas for sports teams of all ages that are guaranteed to bring your supporters together. 

1- Exercise Class

An exercise class is a great way for the community to get active alongside local athletes. What’s more, an exercise class can be tailored to fit the needs of any sports team. For example, if you are fundraising for a basketball team, you can incorporate dribbling into the class! Team members can lead fundraising opportunities for sports teams the exercise class and provide expert guidance throughout the lesson. 

2- Bingo Night

A sports-themed bingo night can be perfect for your sports team to fundraise. Planning is easy and allows supporters to enter the competitive spirit while supporting their local sports team. Having themed prizes available for winners to increase engagement and bring in more supporters. 

3- 5k Walk Or Run 

While a 5k Walk or Run requires a lot of planning and helping hands, this tried, true fundraiser is perfect for an active audience. Promoting healthy lifestyles while supporting a local sports team is a great way. Moreover, you will not have to search hard for volunteers, as your team members can fulfill those roles!

4- Karaoke Night 

A karaoke night is the perfect fundraiser for sports teams looking for an unconventional way to raise funds. It is a fundraising event that any supporter can participate in, as it does not require participants to get active. You can also sell refreshments or partner with a local restaurant to increase your fundraising potential. 

5- Field Day 

Let your supporters showcase their athletic skills by hosting a Field Day fundraiser. You can set up games, including tug-of-war, sack race, and obstacle course, for participants to enjoy. Your sports team members can also take the sidelines by running the events and playing referee. Having prizes for winners can build excitement and bring in a larger crowd. 

6- Car Wash 

Perfect for warm weather, a car wash is a tried and true fundraiser that can bring in profits while making a splash. Your team can set up at your school parking lot so community members can easily stop by and show support. Don’t forget to make signs and have team members stand on the street to grab drivers’ attention!

7- Pancake Breakfast 

Like a barbeque, pancake breakfasts are great fundraising ideas for sports teams. Ask your school or local fire hall to host your pancake breakfast and spread the word on social media. Team members can put their cooking skills to the test by serving pancakes and other refreshments to the community. 

8- Football Tailgate 

In exchange for donations, supporters can attend a tailgate before the big game, which includes music, games, and refreshments.

Your team can also sell merchandise and have raffle baskets available to increase profits. 

9- Mow Lawns for Donations

If you want to raise funds for a male high school sports team, consider mowing lawns for donations! This fundraising idea benefits both the sports team and the community. Older community members will love supporting their local sports team while crossing something off their to-do list. 

10- Bag Groceries For Donations

This is a simple fundraiser that any sports team can do. Ask your local grocery store if your team can bag groceries in exchange for donations. This allows your team to interact directly with the community and reach a wide range of people. The busier the local grocer, the better!

Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

Whether your team needs funds for traveling or new gear, plenty of fundraising ideas will help you meet your fundraising goals.This article covers 10 fundraising ideas for sports teams of all ages that are guaranteed to bring your supporters together. 

1- Exercise Class

An exercise class is a great way for the community to get active alongside local athletes. What’s more, an exercise class can be tailored to fit the needs of any sports team. For example, if you are fundraising for a basketball team, you can incorporate dribbling into the class! Team members can lead the exercise class and provide expert guidance throughout the lesson. 

2- Bingo Night

A sports-themed bingo night can be perfect for your sports team to fundraise. Planning is easy and allows supporters to enter the competitive spirit while supporting their team fundraiser ideas local sports team. Having themed prizes available for winners to increase engagement and bring in more supporters. 

3- 5k Walk Or Run 

While a 5k Walk or Run requires a lot of planning and helping hands, this tried, true fundraiser is perfect for an active audience. Promoting healthy lifestyles while supporting a local sports team is a great way. Moreover, you will not have to search hard for volunteers, as your team members can fulfill those roles!

4- Karaoke Night 

A karaoke night is the perfect fundraiser for sports teams looking for an unconventional way to raise funds. It is a fundraising event that any supporter can participate in, as it does not require participants to get active. You can also sell refreshments or partner with a local restaurant to increase your fundraising potential. 

5- Field Day 

Let your supporters showcase their athletic skills by hosting a Field Day fundraiser. You can set up games, including tug-of-war, sack race, and obstacle course, for participants to enjoy. Your sports team members can also take the sidelines by running the events and playing referee. Having prizes for winners can build excitement and bring in a larger crowd. 

6- Car Wash 

Perfect for warm weather, a car wash is a tried and true fundraiser that can bring in profits while making a splash. Your team can set up at your school parking lot so community members can easily stop by and show support. Don’t forget to make signs and have team members stand on the street to grab drivers’ attention!

7- Pancake Breakfast 

Like a barbeque, pancake breakfasts are great fundraising ideas for sports teams. Ask your school or local fire hall to host your pancake breakfast and spread the word on social media. Team members can put their cooking skills to the test by serving pancakes and other refreshments to the community. 

8- Football Tailgate 

In exchange for donations, supporters can attend a tailgate before the big game, which includes music, games, and refreshments.

Your team can also sell merchandise and have raffle baskets available to increase profits. 

9- Mow Lawns for Donations

If you want to raise funds for a male high school sports team, consider mowing lawns for donations! This fundraising idea benefits both the sports team and the community. Older community members will love supporting their local sports team while crossing something off their to-do list. 

10- Bag Groceries For Donations

This is a simple fundraiser that any sports team can do. Ask your local grocery store if your team can bag groceries in exchange for donations. This allows your team to interact directly with the community and reach a wide range of people. The busier the local grocer, the better!

Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Whether you are a school looking to raise money or on a fundraising journey for a school you love, you’ll need to know the best fundraising ideas for schools in 2025 to maximize your funding. Hosting a fundraiser for schools is an excellent way for staff, parents, students, and teachers to come together for the good of the community and its school.

However, getting people excited about a fundraising event can be challenging when you have the same ideas each year. Since the pandemic swept through in 2020, fundraisers have had to think outside the box for unique ways to make money with exciting virtual fundraising ideas. This shift from in-person to virtual became a huge success, but you need the best fundraising ideas for schools to get the job done.

Explore the many profitable school fundraising ideas and why you need them!

1. Bake Sale
Who doesn’t love a bake sale? Bake sales are one of the most popular—and delicious—ways to raise much-needed funds for schools. They’re also a great fundraiser ideas for schools opportunity to get the parents involved and to show off their baking skills.

To raise money for your cause, ask the parents at your school to prepare a yummy treat to sell. Children can participate by helping their parents bake these treats or selling baked products at lunch or recess.

You can take it a step further with a raffle, where one prize winner can win a beautifully designed and baked cake of their choice from a local bakery willing to provide a voucher.

2. Talent Show
Showcase your school’s many talents with a talent show! Let there be various categories, such as singing, dancing, and comedy. Get local businesses to sponsor prizes for each category and the grand prize of the best winning act at the night’s end.

Prizes can range from:

A local pizza restaurant sponsored a pizza for the winner and 2 of their friends
Tickets to see a movie at the theater
Mall vouchers
Charge a small participation fee and a spectator entry fee. And don’t forget to put together a panel of judges!

3. Guessing Jar

Guessing jars is a cost-effective and easy fundraising idea for schools. All you need is a clear jar, which you can fill with candy, beads, marbles, paper clips, or anything else that will fit in the jar. To increase your potential fundraising opportunities, have several jars in various sizes and allow participants to pay to guess each jar’s contents.

Keep the jar in a busy school area like the primary office for a few weeks. Parents, teachers, and students should be encouraged to enter their estimates into the competition for a small cost.

Allow multiple entries per person, with each try costing them. Let participants pick up the jar and turn it around to look closer.

Ensure you have enough prizes for each winner and runners-up for each jar you have. When the fundraiser ends, the closest guesser receives the candy jar.

4. Virtual Parents Party
Sometimes, parents and guardians need adult time, too! A virtual parent’s party involves virtual cooking classes, happy hour, or live streaming of a local musician’s concert. In addition, you can host an art party, such as painting with a twist. These events are hosted online via Zoom, and parents purchase the tickets. You will mail the items to the attendees’ homes a couple of weeks before the event and have a scheduled itinerary.

To prevent the virtual parent party from getting too crowded, you can set up virtual rooms and divide the groups. After a specific time, switch up the people in the room and keep the entertainment going.

5. Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands takes high school fundraising ideas to the next level. There may be many talented students in your school who would love the opportunity to share their talents. This fundraising idea is easy because you have all the means to host the event: the PA system, venue, and teachers and volunteers who can help.

Charge a small fee for each band to enter and an admission fee for attendees. Involve local celebrities to be judges for the event, such as the local weatherman or radio host, to participate. In addition, you could ask local business owners to be judges and help sponsor the event. There are countless opportunities to reach your fundraising goals.

6. Dog Wash

Not everyone takes their pups to the groomers, and many find bathing their dogs tedious. So why not host a dog wash fundraiser? The kids will love spending time with your furry best friend, too. Post about the fundraiser to local groups and encourage parents, guardians, teachers, and community members to bring the pups for a good wash by student volunteers.

Purchase all the supplies and use the school’s parking lot as the venue. Ensure plenty of kiddie pools to bathe the dogs, hoses, towels, and tasty treats. To take your fundraiser a step further, have music, some food trucks, and sell drinks.

7. School Dance

School dances are just as exciting as prom or homecoming. Students get to go out and shop for new outfits and let loose with their friends. It’s a simple fundraising idea that everyone will love, and almost all the proceeds go back into the school. In addition, students pay a small attendance fee, and you can request donations for décor, food, and drinks from parents and guardians.

Put together a student committee for the dance and have them select a fun theme, such as a masquerade ball, under the ocean, or a Hollywood theme. There is no need to spend a fortune on expensive photo booths or décor. Instead, the committee should be tasked with finding an inexpensive solution.

8. Discount Card Fundraiser

A discount card fundraiser can involve the entire community. Students sell discount cards in their neighborhood, and the donors receive coupons or special offers from local businesses, such as restaurants. These discount cards cost around $10-$20 but can save the purchaser hundreds of dollars.

Making discount cards to sell for a school fundraiser is reasonably straightforward. In addition, it draws a lot of attention to small businesses, and many business owners are happy to get exposure.

9. Car Wash

Car wash fundraisers have proven to be excellent ways to raise funds for local charities, including schools. They are also a fantastic way to get the community involved while students have fun washing cars. The school’s parking lot can be used to set up the car wash.

Partner with local businesses to sponsor cleaning materials and supplies in exchange for free advertising on the day of the car wash.

Get your local radio station to advertise the school’s fundraising efforts. Have loud music for entertainment and snacks available for individuals to purchase while they wait for their cars to get cleaned.

Assign shifts to students to wash cars, and designate a few students to collect money for the car washes and any extra donations. Set up an online donation page on the school’s website to receive additional contributions.

10. Auction off Parking Spots

Ask every high school or college student what their worst nightmare is, and they will all say that parking at school or on campus is the worst! On a busy day, students are likely to circulate the parking lot in the hopes of a spot becoming available.

For a successful fundraising idea, select a few parking spots the school won’t mind reserving for the winning students. Host a live auction or an online bidding war, and see how far students are willing to go for a parking spot reserved for them for the semester or school year.

11. AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is a minimum-effort way to raise funds for your school. The process is simple:

Register your school with AmazonSmile
Once your school has been accepted to the program, notify your student’s parents and the local community.
Shoppers can add your school as their chosen charitable organization and shop items that are eligible for AmazonSmile.
That’s it! Your school will then receive 0.5% of every eligible purchase they make. No fees or costs exist for your school and shoppers donating to you.

Fundraising Sites

Finding appropriate donors for your nonprofit’s upcoming fundraiser can be daunting. Many fundraising websites help nonprofits or charities like yours meet your fundraising needs. A fundraising website can help a nonprofit save valuable time and energy by giving you access to thousands of potential donors. If you want to raise money for your organization, you theshareway should look into fundraising websites for help. We have compiled a list of the leading fundraising sites that provide fundraising and donor management tools and resources.

But before you dive into the best nonprofit fundraising websites, you should consider what kind of fundraising best suits your nonprofit organization. There are different fundraising efforts designed to help nonprofits to raise more money. We have researched the best fundraising websites used for personal fundraising and for charities and have listed them below.

Most of the sites listed below offer two forms of fundraising: 

• Silent Auction 

A silent auction is a fundraising event where the host (your nonprofit organization) presents an item that guests place bids on. The highest bid receives the prize, while the host gets all the proceeds. Some fundraising websites below offer items or packages that a nonprofit organization like yours can auction off. 

• Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a fundraising strategy that encourages a public audience to donate to your organization. It has become popular in recent years due to the internet’s ability to reach a broad audience. In addition, certain fundraising websites, like the ones listed below, promote nonprofit organizations. Crowdfunding sites have become popular ways to collect online donations and to raise funds for a variety of causes. This type of site allows individuals and organizations to use online fundraising tools to reach

Best Fundraising Sites for Fundraising 

1- Charity Safaris

In need of an auction item that will grab an audience’s attention? Charity Safaris offers destination packages that guarantee an adventure of a lifetime. 

Charity Safaris is a fundraising website that donates hunting packages to charities and nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Nonprofits can use these fully funded hunting packages in live or silent auctions and keep the total proceeds. In addition, Charity Safaris coordinates with hunting outfitters to help guide the selected nonprofits and winners throughout the process. In the past, Charity Safaris hunting trips have raised $6000 in live auctions and up to $4500 in silent auctions. If you want to hold an auction, consider checking what packages Charity Safaris offers. Trip destinations include Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa.

2- Donation Match

DonationMatch is a fundraising website that helps nonprofit organizations secure in-kind donations. Its portal connects nonprofits to over 150 companies offering in-kind donations. DonationMatch simplifies the application process by enabling nonprofits to fill out multiple applications on its platform rather than redirecting them to each company’s website. Moreover, its algorithm can match nonprofit organizations with companies that best fit their funding needs. 

3- TheShareWay

TheShareWay is another fundraising website that helps nonprofit organizations find suitable donors. Its directory allows users to browse through countless donors who offer raffle items, food, beverages, and other in-kind donations. In their first two years of operation, TheShareWay connected thousands of nonprofits to businesses in the Bay Area. Today, its fundraising software helps nonprofits across the entire country. If you’d like to see what TheShareWay offers, you can sign up for free on their website. This fundraising website comes with exposure to companies that like to give.

4- TravelPledge

TravelPledge is a fundraising website that donates adventurous auction items to nonprofit organizations and charities. Since its conception in 2011, Travel Pledge has connected over 10 thousand nonprofit organizations to almost $100 million worth of donation items. Their auction items include trips to Italy, South Africa, Fiji, and beautiful beach destinations in the United States. To be considered, your nonprofit must sign up for free and tell Travel Pledge about your fundraiser. They will verify your nonprofit status and decide which excursions your organization qualifies for. 

5- LuxGive

LuxGive is a fundraising website that donates luxurious destination packages to nonprofit organizations. LuxGive offers various destinations, from Disneyland to Turks and Caicos. Some of their trips, like a safari adventure in South Africa, cover up to 10 guests. In addition, LuxGive allows nonprofits to select which package they want, enabling them to choose a package that will work best for them. After the item is auctioned off, LuxGive will contact the winner and take the reins from there. These trips sell for three times their worth, meaning your nonprofit can raise substantial funds. 

Get Help with A Fundraising Website

If you are looking for the top fundraising tools and want to create a fundraising page to raise awareness about your cause, there are many ways to go about it. Peer-to-peer fundraising is a popular way for individuals to ask for money from friends and family for a specific cause. So many fundraising efforts, like Facebook fundraising, take personal fundraising efforts and turn them into team fundraising efforts. As you are thinking about your next fundraising project, think about creative projects that are fun, exciting, and different. People love to participate in new and exciting events and share about them on their social media platforms.

Donation Requests

A well-known fact about Americans is that they are givers. This is particularly true regarding giving to nonprofits, charitable organizations, and worthy causes.

Patagonia

Besides manufacturing outdoor clothing and gear, Patagonia donates to organizations supporting the environment. Retail grants are offered to local NPOs around their stores, and media grants are offered to organizations that companies with online donation requests near me use media strategically. Their charitable program also includes corporate grants for nationally focused programs in the U.S. and Canada and international assistance in 20 other countries. 

Most contributions are by invitation only, but organizations can apply for international grants through the respective country portals. Learn more about their funding on their website.

Athleta

The Women’s Sports Foundation and Athleta hosts the Power of She Fund. “Our vision is for girls and women of all ages to unlock limitless possibilities through the power of sport and movement…”

They provide grants to organizations focusing on girls and women’s sports. The Move Together donation supports organizations that foster a multigenerational connection in women’s sports communities. The Wellness for All grant is for programs that improve inclusivity and accessibility for female BIPOC communities.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is one of the companies willing to donate to fundraisers, particularly as it pertains to their three key pillars:

Children and families – support organizations focused on enhancing their lives and opportunities for learning and growth.

Service members and first responders—help with reconnecting with family, receiving education, and embarking on new careers.

The environment—investing in commodities and resources to minimize carbon footprint and protect our planet.

Boeing

Boeing supports its employees and the causes they care about by matching their donations to eligible nonprofits. Boeing also offers charitable grants to selected organizations that align with its values and goals. If you are interested in applying for sponsorship from Boeing, you can submit an online request with a written proposal. 

Macy’s

Macy’s is committed to supporting its employees and the communities they serve by matching their donations and volunteer hours to qualified nonprofits. Macy’s also provides grants to organizations in areas such as arts and culture, education, environmental sustainability, HIV/AIDS, and women’s issues.

In 2020, Macy’s donated more than $7.6 million to deserving charities.

JP Morgan

JP Morgan Chase is committed to investing in the well-being of animals, people, and communities. By 2023, the company plans to donate $1.75 billion to various causes, such as animal welfare, civic activities, community development, education, medical research, human and social services, and more. You must follow their grant application guidelines to apply for a grant from JP Morgan Chase.

Wegmans

Wegmans has a diverse donation plan that supports various causes and initiatives. In 2020, the company and its employees gave back to the community in many ways: 

hunger relief programs

scholarships to employees

supporting community-wide donations and events

providing meals to people in need

Grant requests can be made through Wegman’s online request form.

Cracker Barrel

The Cracker Barrel supports nonprofits whose cause is the U.S. armed forces, veterans, and active service members. Causes in alignment with Cracker Barrel’s value system can apply for financial and in-kind donations on their website.

Clif Bar

The Clif Family Foundation funds organizations that improve community health, protect the environment, and strengthen the food system. The foundation looks for projects that address at least two of these issues. You can apply for grants from the foundation here. The foundation also offers sponsorship and product donations to community-oriented events through the Goody Bag program.

Sony

Sony partners with nonprofit organizations offering monetary and in-kind grants. The qualifying nonprofits must focus on education and culture, community outreach and civic well-being, environment, and disaster respite. 

Albertsons

The Nourishing Neighbours Campaign funds organizations that work on hunger relief nationally. Applications are considered all year, and requests for proposal invitations are sent out every fall. Find out more information on their grant page.

Big Lots

The Big Lots Foundation accepts donation requests from nonprofit organizations concentrating on housing, healthcare, education, and hunger relief. It operates in the areas where it has stores and distribution centers. It provides gift cards and in-kind donations. You can visit its website to get more information and apply for aid.

Final Thoughts

Many companies are ready and willing to donate to fundraisers and give to uplift the well-being of their communities and environment. Several are mentioned here, but it is also worth noting that most of these companies graciously give in many other ways.