High School Sports Fundraising Ideas That Boost Profits
High school sports are getting more expensive, and fundraising shouldn’t be the hardest part of the season. Uniforms, travel, tournament fees, gear; it all adds up fast. And if you’re tired of the same fundraisers that melt in the heat, flop at the finish line, or leave parents overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
That’s why we created Fun Pasta Fundraising.
We’ve helped plenty of teams raise serious money with a product that’s healthy, shelf-stable, easy to distribute, and, best of all, fun to sell. Whether you’re new to fundraising or need fresh ideas that actually deliver, this guide shares the best strategies we’ve seen from two decades on the front lines.
You’ll find creative events, low-lift wins, and online options your team can launch in minutes. Let’s make this season your most successful one yet, without burnout, begging, or boring fundraisers.
The Must-Try Classics
Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that have stood the test of time, because they work. These tried-and-true fundraisers are simple to organize, fun to participate in, and can be adapted to any school or team environment. Even better, many of them can be repeated each season with fresh enthusiasm.
1. Host a Local Business Sponsorship Drive
One of the most effective ways to generate consistent fundraising support is through your local business community. Think beyond the bake sale, and consider approaching nearby restaurants, gyms, coffee shops, and service providers with a sponsorship package tailored to promote their brand while supporting your team.
Offer clear exposure:
- Banners displayed at games
- Logo placement on team jerseys or practice shirts
- Social media shoutouts from team accounts
- Mentions in game programs or email newsletters
2. Team Car Wash + Penalty Kick Challenge
Looking for a high-energy weekend event that gets everyone moving? Combine a classic team car wash with an engaging penalty kick challenge. Players can wash cars while donors test their soccer (or football) skills against your goalie for bonus donations or prizes.
It’s low-cost, high-margin, and an easy way to build school spirit, plus, parents and students love watching the action unfold!
3. Restaurant Spirit Nights
Partnering with local restaurants, like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, or Panera, can be a great way to earn a percentage of sales on a designated night. Promote the event through school newsletters, team social media, and word of mouth, and your team earns cash for every meal purchased.
Unique and Out-of-the-Box Fundraisers That Stand Out
Sometimes, all it takes to get your community buzzing is a fresh idea with a fun twist. They’re especially effective for drawing in people outside your immediate school circle while keeping things light and enjoyable for your team.
4. Easter Egg Scatter
Turn a traditional holiday into a fundraising opportunity with an Easter Egg Scatter. Your team sells packs of pre-filled eggs to families and then delivers and hides them in their front yards the night before Easter.
It’s a magical surprise for kids, and a great way for your team to earn while bringing joy to your neighborhood.
Pro tip: Promote it on social media a few weeks in advance, and include personalized messages or golden eggs for bonus value.
6. Skills Challenge Fundraiser
Want a crowd-pleasing fundraiser that doubles as a team-builder? Host a skills challenge! Athletes compete in timed or scored challenges like fastest sprint, longest throw, most goals in a minute, and supporters pledge donations for performance.
7. Parents vs. Players Game Night
There’s nothing quite as fun, or hilarious, as watching parents try to take on their teens in a friendly exhibition match. Whether it’s basketball, volleyball, or kickball, this event draws a crowd, sells tickets, and builds lasting memories.
Bonus: Add a concession stand, raffle prizes, or halftime contests to boost your revenue even further.
8. Community Yard Sale
When money is tight, ask your community to give in a different way. Invite team families and neighbors to donate items they no longer need, and organize a large yard sale in a school parking lot or church lot.
This fundraiser is especially impactful in economically challenged areas.
Fast Fundraisers for Busy Coaches and Boosters
Let’s be honest: coaches and boosters already wear too many hats. Between scheduling games, booking buses, ordering equipment, and managing players, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when fundraising gets added to the list. That’s why this section is all about high-impact fundraisers that don’t demand high energy to launch or manage.
9. 50/50 Raffles at Games
This one’s a no-brainer. A 50/50 raffle is simple, fast, and effective. Sell tickets at a home game, draw one winner who receives half the pot, and your team keeps the other half.
It works best during high-attendance games, think rivalry matchups, homecoming, or senior night. Volunteers can walk the stands, and winners love the real-time excitement.
10. Youth Sports Clinics or Camps
If your athletes have talent, and let’s face it, they do, put it to work in a skills clinic for younger kids. Run a half-day or full-day camp and charge an affordable fee. It’s a great way to raise funds while mentoring the next generation of players.
These events also build long-term community goodwill, because parents appreciate accessible coaching and positive role models.
11. Home Run Derby or Shoot-a-Thon
A well-run Home Run Derby or Shoot-a-Thon turns your team’s strengths into a crowd-pleasing event. Set up a leaderboard, offer a few prizes, and let players compete in front of fans and family.
12. Golf or Cornhole Tournaments
Want to tap into adult donors in a relaxed, social setting? Organize a golf scramble or cornhole bracket tournament. Invite local businesses to sponsor holes or donate prizes. Sell team entry fees and provide refreshments to boost revenue.
These events offer great ROI for your time, especially when they become annual traditions that your community looks forward to.
Online & Passive Fundraisers
We get it, some weeks you just don’t have the time or team bandwidth to host an event or coordinate volunteers. That’s where online and passive fundraising becomes a game-changer. These ideas work behind the scenes, often 24/7, helping your team earn money even when you’re not actively asking.
13. Online Donation Drives With Milestones
One of the best ways to bring transparency and urgency to fundraising is by showing donors exactly where their money goes.
Set up a landing page on PayPal, Donorbox, or your team website that breaks donations down like this:
- $20 = classroom supplies
- $50 = water bottles and first aid
- $100 = player registration or travel costs
- $500 = full uniform kit
14. “Adopt-a-Player” Campaign
This is a beautiful way to connect individual supporters to your athletes. With an Adopt-a-Player campaign, community members, local businesses, or alumni can choose to “sponsor” a student by contributing toward their fees or gear.
In return, offer:
- A thank-you video or card from the player
- Recognition on your team’s website or social media
- A small team gift or signed photo
This fundraiser is deeply personal and meaningful, and it creates a ripple effect of encouragement that travels far beyond the financial support.
15. Team Merch Store with Affiliate Revenue
Why not let your school pride work for you year-round? Using platforms like Bonfire or Printful, you can set up a branded team store that sells:
- Hoodies
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Water bottles
- Bumper stickers
The best part? Every purchase earns your team a percentage, and the merchandise ships directly to the buyer. No inventory, no pickup, no hassle.
Mistakes to Avoid & Lessons from the Field
We’ve seen a lot in 20+ years of fundraising, and while every team is unique, some mistakes are universal. If you want your fundraiser to be sustainable, successful, and stress-free, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Don’t Sell Low-Value Products
Sure, those tins of popcorn and overpriced wrapping paper might bring in some cash, but they often come at a cost: burnt-out parents and reluctant supporters.
People want to support your team, but not if they feel like they’re paying $20 for something worth $5.
Instead, choose products that:
- Offer genuine value
- Have practical use (like Fun Pasta!)
- Make people feel good about buying
We’ve learned that when your product is affordable, fun, and functional, it practically sells itself, and that makes the experience better for everyone.
2. Avoid Relying on the Same 10 Families Every Time
It’s easy to default to your most involved parents, but over time, that creates burnout and resentment. Plus, it limits your reach.
Instead:
- Broaden your donor pool with online campaigns
- Use events like raffles and yard sales to bring in neighbors and alumni
- Encourage players to ask extended family, friends, and social connections
The more people you involve, the lighter the lift for everyone.
3. Stay Away from Overly Restrictive Programs
Some fundraising programs tie your hands by limiting how you use the money. For example, if a student raises money but switches teams or can’t participate, their funds might not transfer. That doesn’t feel fair to families and can create tension.
Choose systems that:
- Let you pool funds
- Prioritize team equity
- Offer flexibility in how money is spent
That way, you build a team culture that’s about supporting each other, not only hitting individual goals.
What’s the Best Fundraiser for You?
Whether you’re coaching a varsity powerhouse or guiding a small-town team with big dreams, the right fundraiser makes all the difference. That’s why more teams are turning to fundraising options that are fun, profitable, and built to make life easier.
At Fun Pasta Fundraising, we turn team spirit into profit, with a product people love and a platform that takes the stress off your plate.
Our pasta is made in the USA, ships easily, doesn’t melt, and comes in unique shapes that spark smiles and boost sales. No inventory. No hassle. Just simple, fun, and successful fundraising.
Ready to start? Request info today.