Fundraiser Ideas for a Football Team

Raising money for local sports teams can be a challenge, but it is a necessary part of athletics on a small scale. Uniforms, banquets and team pictures all cost money, so fundraising is key for a successful season. Although technology has changed the way we do business in many ways, there are still some effective ways to raise money for local football teams that involve a little time and effort in the community.

  1. Discount Cards

    • Discount cards are a popular fundraiser for sports teams. These cards offer discounts at local restaurants, retail outlets like dry cleaners, amusement parks and more. Each discount card costs $3 from America's Fundraising Network (as of March 2010), and the members of a football team can sell them for as much or as little as they like. Cards that sell for $10 bring a $7 profit to the team, while cards that sell for $20 each bring a $17 profit per card. Order the discount cards online and sell them door-to-door, at football games or virtually anywhere.

    Concession Stands

    • Setting up a concession stand at each football game is an easy way for teams to raise money. Canned drinks cost about $5 per case of 24 at retailers like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Costco (as of March 2010), and football teams can sell each drink for 50 cents. That equates to a profit of about $7 per case. Chips and candy are also usually in high demand at football games. Buy these items in bulk at membership warehouses to help increase profits. Team volunteers at concession stands eliminate any cost in running them.

    Carwash

    • Carwashes are a staple for fundraisers, and they are an inexpensive way to raise money for a football team. Local businesses will usually support football teams and allow them to hold a carwash at their facility. Advertising is the biggest challenge in carwashes, but utilizing churches, schools, websites and word-of-mouth makes them more successful. A good way to raise money with a carwash is to hold it at the facility where the football team registration takes place.