Cheerleading isn’t cheap. Uniforms, shoes, bows, camp, competition fees, travel and mats add up quickly, and most squads rely on fundraising to keep costs manageable for families. The good news is that a well-run fundraiser doesn’t have to take over your season. With a clear goal and a simple plan, a squad can raise real money in a few weeks.
This guide covers how to plan a fundraiser, then gives 12 ideas that are quick to organize and suit school, recreational and all-star teams.
Start With a Plan
Set a specific goal
“Raise money” isn’t a goal. “Raise enough to cover camp fees for 20 athletes by June” is. Work out what you actually need to pay for, add a small buffer for unexpected costs, and share the number with families. People give more readily when they know exactly what their money is for.
Check the rules first
Before you start, check with your school, booster club or gym about:
- Which fundraisers need approval, and from whom
- Whether there are limits on selling food on school property
- How money must be collected, recorded and deposited
- Any local or state rules on raffles, which are often treated as a form of gambling and may need a permit
A five-minute conversation with your athletic director or booster treasurer can save a lot of headaches.
Divide the work
Fundraisers fall apart when one parent does everything. Assign clear roles: a lead organizer, a money handler (ideally two people who count cash together), a social media person and a volunteer coordinator. Give athletes age-appropriate jobs too. Fundraising is a good lesson in teamwork.
12 Fast and Easy Fundraiser Ideas
1. Gift-wrapping station
Lots of people dislike wrapping presents. Ask a local shop or community center if your squad can set up a wrapping table in December, around Mother’s Day or before graduation. Charge a set fee per item or ask for donations. Supplies are cheap, and a squad in uniform draws attention.
2. Car wash
It’s a classic for a reason. You need a location with water access (a gas station, fire station or school parking lot), buckets, sponges, towels and big, bright signs. Run it on a warm weekend morning and post the time and place online a few days ahead.
3. Mini cheer clinic
Host a two- or three-hour clinic for younger children taught by your athletes, with coach supervision. Teach a simple cheer, a short dance and basic jumps, then finish with a performance for parents. Charge a per-child fee. Families love it, and it doubles as recruitment for future squads. Keep the skills basic and safe: no stunting or tumbling for participants unless qualified coaches are leading it on proper mats.
4. Spirit wear sale
Sell T-shirts, hoodies, hats or bows in team colors. Use a print-on-demand or pre-order system so you only pay for what’s already sold. Check your school’s rules on using logos and mascots before you print anything.
5. Stadium seat cushions
Bleachers are hard. Branded seat cushions or blankets sell well before football season or a big home game, especially if you set up a table near the entrance.
6. Bake sale with a twist
Pair a bake sale with a home game or school concert, when the crowd is already there. Theme it (team-color cupcakes, or “pick your player” cookies) to make it more fun, and label anything containing common allergens.
7. Walk-a-thon or dance-a-thon
Participants collect pledges from family and friends for each lap walked or each hour danced. It costs almost nothing to run. Use a simple pledge sheet and collect the money promptly after the event.
8. Restaurant night
Many local restaurants will donate a share of the evening’s sales to a team when customers mention it. All you have to do is promote the night. Ask for the arrangement in writing so everyone knows the terms.
9. Raffle or prize draw
Raffles can raise a lot, but they’re the idea most likely to come with legal requirements, so check your local rules first. Ask local businesses to donate realistic prizes, such as a restaurant gift card, a gift basket, a free haircut or a season pass, and sell tickets at games and events.
10. Sponsorship banners
Local businesses often like supporting youth sport. Offer a sponsorship package: a banner at home games, a logo on the back of practice shirts or a thank-you post on social media. Prepare a one-page sheet that explains what the squad needs and what the sponsor gets.
11. Cheer-grams
Around Valentine’s Day or homecoming, sell short personalized cheers or candy-grams delivered at school. Squad members perform a quick chant for the recipient. It’s silly, memorable and very low-cost.
12. Recycling and collection drives
Some areas run bottle and can deposit schemes or textile recycling programs that pay per bag or pound. Collecting from neighbors over a few weekends can bring in steady money with almost no upfront cost.
Making Your Fundraiser a Success
Promote early and often
Announce the event at least two weeks ahead. Use your school newsletter, social media, flyers and word of mouth, and post a reminder the day before and the day of the event.
Make it easy to pay
Accept both cash and a card or mobile payment option if your organization allows it. You’ll lose sales if people can only pay in cash.
Keep careful records
Log every amount collected, count money with two adults present, and deposit it promptly. Share a short summary with families afterwards. Transparency builds trust for the next fundraiser.
Say thank you
Send thank-you notes or posts to every sponsor, donor and volunteer. A team photo with a handwritten note goes a long way, and it makes people much more likely to help again next season.
The Bottom Line
The best cheerleading fundraisers are simple, fun, and matched to your community. Pick one or two ideas that suit your squad, set a clear goal, share the work and thank everyone who helps. You’ll cover more costs and build stronger team spirit along the way.