When your group needs to raise money—whether it’s for a sports team, school club, or community project—choosing the right fundraiser makes all the difference. The best team fundraising ideas do two things at once: bring in money and build team spirit. Here’s a list of tried-and-true options that get results without burning everyone out.
1. Sports-Themed Fundraisers
Perfect for athletic teams, but fun for any group:
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Car wash in uniforms – A classic. Wear team gear, play music, and advertise well.
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Skills clinic – Host a youth clinic teaching basics in your sport. Parents love it.
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Home run derby / 3-point contest – Sell entry tickets and prizes for winners.
2. Food-Based Fundraisers
Food sells—and people rarely say no:
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Bake sale with a twist – Add themes (holiday cookies, tailgate snacks, or international treats).
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Pancake breakfast – Partner with a local diner or community center.
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Food truck night – Coordinate a few trucks and take a percentage of sales.
3. Event-Based Team Fundraising Ideas
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Trivia night – Teams buy entry tickets; local businesses donate prizes.
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Fun run or walkathon – Each team member collects pledges per mile.
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Talent show – Entry fee for participants, tickets for spectators.
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Silent auction – Teams gather donations and run it at a school or community event.
4. Creative Service Fundraisers
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Yardwork day – Teams take bookings for raking leaves, shoveling snow, or mowing lawns.
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Pet wash – Like a car wash, but furry friends get pampered instead.
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Holiday help – Gift wrapping, tree pickup, or decorations setup.
5. Online Fundraising Options
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Crowdfunding campaigns – Platforms like GoFundMe or Givebutter are easy to share.
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Peer-to-peer fundraising – Each team member sets up their own page linked to the main campaign.
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Social media challenges – Fun, shareable stunts tied to small donations.
6. Product Sales That Still Work
Selling can feel old-school, but done right, it’s effective:
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Team merchandise – Branded shirts, hats, or hoodies.
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Discount cards – Local businesses offer deals; the team keeps a cut.
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Seasonal items – Pumpkins, poinsettias, or cookie dough kits.
Tips to Maximize Success
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Make it social – Fundraising should be fun, not a chore.
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Tap community support – Businesses often donate venues, food, or prizes.
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Promote like crazy – Flyers, social media, and word of mouth go further than you think.
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Celebrate results – Share updates on how much was raised and how it will be used.
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