The fundraisers that work best for sports teams use the team itself: a bottle drive, a skills clinic for kids, a tournament, a sponsor, or team apparel sold to families and fans. Pick one or two, set a specific goal like paying for jerseys or a tournament fee, and tell supporters exactly what their money buys.
Need team jerseys and apparel for the spring season? We make custom team jerseys and apparel in Canada with no minimum order. Design work is free, names and numbers are included, and your team sees a mockup before you pay. Start your free design here.
Easy Fundraisers for Any Team
- Bottle drive. Most provinces have deposit returns, and a team with a truck can clear a neighbourhood in a Saturday morning.
- Car wash. Old-school, but a parking lot and a sign still work in summer.
- Pancake breakfast or barbecue at a home game or tournament.
- Restaurant night. Many local restaurants give a share of the evening's sales to a team that fills the room.
- Online crowdfunding for a specific goal, shared by every player's family.
Fundraisers That Use Your Sport
- Skills clinic for kids. Your players coach; parents pay a small fee.
- One-day tournament. Charge an entry fee per team and run a barbecue beside it.
- Sponsor a player or a jersey. Local businesses or family members cover a player's season. See our guide to getting a team sponsor.
- Sell team apparel to fans. Hoodies, toques and shirts in team colours sell to parents, partners and grandparents, and every sale is also advertising.
Raffles and 50/50 Draws: Check the Licence First
Raffles and 50/50 draws are popular, but they're lotteries, and in Canada lotteries need a licence. In Ontario, 50/50 draws are licensed by the AGCO, often through an approved electronic raffle platform; other provinces have their own gaming regulators. Check eligibility before you sell a ticket.
Make It Work: Set a Goal
"Help us raise money" raises less than "help us buy our jerseys for the spring season." Pick one goal, say what it costs, and post updates as you get closer. Supporters give more when they can see where it goes.
FAQ
What is the easiest fundraiser for a sports team?
A bottle drive or a restaurant night: little setup, no inventory and no licence.
Do you need a licence for a 50/50 draw?
In most provinces, yes. In Ontario, 50/50 draws are licensed by the AGCO. Check with your provincial gaming regulator before selling tickets.
Conclusion
The best team fundraisers are simple and specific: one or two ideas, one clear goal, and supporters who can see what they paid for. If that goal is new jerseys, a sponsor and a fan apparel sale often cover the whole order.
Ready for spring? Tell us your colours and logo, and we'll send a free mockup of your custom team jerseys and apparel. No minimum order, made in Canada, and about 4 weeks to your door once approved, so order by February for an April start. Start your design.
Fundraising with custom school shirts · Custom hoodies and sweaters
