Blog Summary: This blog outlines fast, practical fundraising ideas for cheer teams, including clinics, spirit wear, snack sales, raffles, scratch cards, virtual events, and DIY projects. It highlights both in-person and online options that help teams raise money for uniforms, travel, and other needs while keeping supporters involved.

When it comes to raising funds for your cheerleading team, the right fundraising strategy can make all the difference. Whether you're looking to cover the costs of uniforms, travel expenses, or equipment, it's important to choose the right approach to get your community involved. From creative in-person events to virtual options that reach supporters anywhere, there are plenty of cheer fundraising ideas to help you achieve your goals. Let's explore some of the most effective and engaging ways to raise money for your cheer team.

Key Highlights

• Creative cheer fundraising ideas that boost team spirit and involvement.
• Virtual and in-person options to reach a wider audience.
• A range of fundraising products that are easy to implement and deliver results.

Creative Fundraising Ideas for Cheer Teams

When you're brainstorming ways to raise funds for your cheer team, think beyond the typical car wash or bake sale. Try engaging your supporters in new and fun ways to create a memorable experience while raising money. Here are a few creative cheer fundraising ideas to consider:

1. Cheerleading Clinics or Camps
   Hosting a cheer clinic or camp is a great way to raise funds while sharing your team's expertise. Organize an event where younger or beginner cheerleaders can learn cheerleading techniques such as stunts, jumps, and tumbling from your experienced team members. Not only does this provide a unique experience for participants, but it also allows your team to build relationships with the community. You can charge an entry fee, and offering a package of additional items, such as custom spirit wear or food, will help you maximize profits.
    
2. Spirit Wear Sales
   Selling custom spirit wear is a straightforward and highly effective way to fundraise for your cheer team. You can offer t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and even accessories featuring your team's logo and colors. Partner with companies like Big Fundraising Ideas, where you can order top-quality custom apparel items that are sure to be popular with family members, friends, and alums. These items are easy to sell online or at local events, making them a great way to generate support.
    
3. Popcorn and Sweet Treats Sales
   Who doesn't love snacks? A Poppin Popcorn fundraiser, for example, is an easy way to raise money by selling a variety of popcorn flavors. With 16 different popcorn varieties to choose from, you can offer something for everyone, including gluten-free options, which can be an in-person event at local gatherings or games, or you can sell it online through your team's website. You can even pair it with other products, such as Heartland Sweet & Savory treats, which offer a mix of candies, chocolates, and nuts, providing your customers with more variety. These fun snacks are perfect for getting everyone in the community excited to support your team.
    
4. Raffles and Auctions
   Host a raffle or auction where you can sell tickets or bid on items donated by local businesses. Offer exciting prizes, such as tickets to local events, gift certificates, or team experiences like a private cheerleading lesson. Combining a raffle with an online platform allows you to reach a broader audience, and promoting the event on social media can help spread the word quickly.
    
5. Scratch Card Fundraiser
   If you're looking for a quick and effective way to raise funds, a Scratch Card Fundraiser might be the answer. This fundraiser allows participants to purchase a scratch card where they can "scratch" off a donation amount to pledge. With potential profit margins of up to 90%, this fundraiser is ideal for teams looking to meet short-term goals quickly. These fundraising cards are a great way to raise money during sporting events, school activities, or online campaigns.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Cheer Teams

In today's digital age, hosting virtual fundraisers can expand your reach and increase participation. Virtual events allow supporters to contribute from anywhere, making them a great option for teams with a wide fan base or those unable to meet in person. Here are a few virtual cheer fundraising ideas that can make a big impact:

1. Online Auctions
   An online auction is a fun and interactive way to raise funds from a broader audience. You can auction off donated items or unique experiences, such as a private cheerleading lesson with your team or a behind-the-scenes look at a practice session. Platforms like eBay for Charity or BidPal make it easy to organize your auction online.
    
2. Virtual 5K Run or Walk
   A virtual 5K run or walk is a great way to get your supporters involved from anywhere. Participants can run or walk on their own time and submit their results online. Encourage people to fundraise by collecting sponsorships or offering prizes for top finishers. You can tie this virtual event in with a custom merchandise sale, such as a cheerleading t-shirt or custom popcorn bag, to boost your fundraising efforts.
    
3. Donation Campaigns
   Sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective. Setting up an online donation page through platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving is a great way to collect funds quickly. Share your page on social media and encourage supporters to contribute. By offering rewards for different donation levels, such as shout-outs on social media or exclusive cheerleading videos, you can motivate your community to give generously.
    
4. Virtual Bingo Night
   Host a virtual bingo night that everyone can participate in from the comfort of their home. Charge an entry fee for each card and offer prizes for the winners. Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet can help you connect with participants, and you can make the event even more exciting by including cheerleading-themed bingo, where each space on the card features a different cheerleading move or team fact. For additional revenue, you can sell virtual “dabbers” (bingo markers) or offer exclusive merchandise, such as Yankee Candles Online, which make great prizes for winners.
    
5. Dance-A-Thon
   A virtual dance-a-thon is another way to engage your community. Set a goal for how long participants need to dance, and encourage them to get sponsors for each hour they dance. Stream the event online, so participants can share their progress and cheer each other on. You could even offer special recognition for those who raise the most money or dance for the longest time.

DIY Fundraising Ideas for Cheer Teams

DIY fundraisers are a great way to get your team members involved while keeping things personal. With a bit of creativity and team spirit, you can create memorable events that will bring in the donations you need. Here are a few DIY cheer fundraiser ideas:

1. Bake Sales and Cookie Dough Sales
   A Gourmet Cookie Jar fundraiser is perfect for teams who want to offer baked goods like cookies and brownies. You can sell pre-portioned cookie dough that supporters can bake at home. This type of fundraiser works well at community events or local sporting games. For a twist, you can include cheer-themed decorations or even create custom packaging with your team's logo.
    
2. Personalized Cheer Messages
   Offer personalized cheerleading videos or messages for a donation. These could be birthday shout-outs, motivational cheers, or congratulations messages. Your team can record these video messages and send them to donors, making it a fun and personal way to raise funds.
    
3. Cheerleader for a Day
   Host a “Cheerleader for a Day” event, where the highest bidder gets the chance to spend the day with your team. They could learn cheers, perform a routine, or even take part in a local cheerleading competition. This experience is a great way to connect with your community and raise money while offering something unique.
    
4. Custom Greeting Cards
   Another fun DIY idea is to create and sell custom greeting cards featuring your cheer team. You can design the cards to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or thank-yous. Sell these cards online or at local events, and use the profits to support your team's needs.

Big Fundraising Ideas is Your Partner in Success

At Big Fundraising Ideas, we offer a variety of tools and products designed to help cheer teams like yours succeed. From custom spirit wear to snacks and scratch cards, we provide everything you need to organize a profitable fundraiser. Whether you're hosting a raffle, selling gourmet popcorn, or running an online auction, our products make it easy to raise funds while keeping your supporters engaged and excited.

FAQs

1. How can I make my cheer fundraiser stand out?
Engage your community with unique events such as a cheerleading clinic or a virtual dance-a-thon. Incorporating products like popcorn or custom spirit wear can also help create excitement.

2. Are there virtual cheer fundraising options?
Yes, virtual auctions, donation campaigns, and 5K runs are all great ways to raise funds online.

3. How can Big Fundraising Ideas help my cheer team?
We offer a variety of fundraising tools, including custom spirit wear, snack sales, and scratch card fundraisers, to help you meet your goals.

4. What's the best way to raise money for cheer uniforms?
Spirit wear sales, sponsor-a-cheerleader programs, and raffles are all great ways to fundraise for uniforms.

5. Can I combine fundraising ideas?
Absolutely! Combining raffles with snack sales, auctions with donations, or selling custom merchandise alongside other events will increase your overall fundraising success.

By incorporating these unique and creative fundraising ideas, your cheer team will be well on its way to raising the funds needed to succeed. Start planning today, and get your community involved in supporting your team!

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He's helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.