When it comes to raising money for your football team, not all fundraisers are created equal. Some generate quick returns with minimal effort, while others require more planning and coordination to be successful. Whether you’re fundraising for new uniforms, travel costs, or equipment upgrades, choosing the right strategy can make a big difference in reaching your goals. Below is our ranking of 10 football fundraiser ideas based on overall effectiveness, effort required, and return potential.
If you ever need more ideas, we’ve got 20 football fundraising ideas, multiple certain to be great fits for your program.
1. Teamfi Calendar Fundraiser
Taking the top spot is the Teamfi calendar fundraiser. It combines simplicity, low overhead, and high return, making it the most effective option on the list. Each athlete claims dates on a calendar, with donors contributing the corresponding dollar amount ($1 for the 1st, $31 for the 31st). The system scales easily across teams and produces hundreds per athlete. Bonus: Teamfi doesn’t take a cut, maximizing what your team keeps.
2. Teamfi Crowdfunding Campaign
Digital crowdfunding through Teamfi is a close second. With a built-in platform tailored for sports teams, athletes share personalized links via text and social media. Contributions are tracked in real-time, and donation pages are optimized to convert. With zero platform fees and no door-to-door sales, it’s an efficient way to raise thousands without the hassle.
3. Liftathon Fundraiser
This classic weight room challenge motivates athletes and supporters alike. Donors pledge money per pound lifted or for total participation. It’s competitive, high-energy, and aligns perfectly with off-season training goals. It also creates great photo opportunities to share on social media and thank supporters.
Note: The top three—calendar, crowdfunding, and lift-a-thon—are all excellent options. Many teams combine two or even all three over the course of a season for maximum impact.
4. Game Day QR Code Donations
Print QR codes on signage or programs to make it easy for fans to give during games. Pair it with a quick speech or scoreboard message during halftime, and it becomes a low-lift way to collect hundreds in a single night.
5. Apparel Sales
Branded team gear like t-shirts, hoodies, and hats is always in demand. A pre-order model helps reduce risk and ensures your team earns money on each item sold. Partnering with a local vendor can boost profits and foster community support.
6. Golf Outing Fundraiser
A well-organized golf scramble can bring in serious money from parents, alumni, and sponsors. While it requires more planning and upfront costs, sponsorships, raffles, and auctions can push total earnings into the thousands.
7. Car Wash
Tried-and-true, a team car wash still works. Set up in a high-traffic area, promote in advance, and bring energy. While it won’t raise as much as a digital campaign, it’s a great community-facing option.
8. Restaurant Night
Partner with a local restaurant for a fundraising night where a portion of sales goes back to your team. Easy to plan, especially with local chains, but revenue depends heavily on turnout.
9. Raffle Fundraiser
Selling raffle tickets can be effective with a valuable prize, but legality and logistics vary by state. It’s worth considering donated items or big-ticket experiences.
10. Bake Sale
Great for younger levels or booster clubs, but not a high-dollar fundraiser. Consider pairing with another event to increase earnings.
Final Thoughts:
The best football fundraiser ideas are the ones that combine ease, scalability, and clear community support. Whether you go digital with Teamfi or stick with tradition like a lift a thon, the key is choosing what works best for your team.
