FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs?

Navigating fundraising for sports-related nonprofits can be complex. This complete guide offers proven grants, sponsorship options, and creative ideas, backed by industry expertise.

Top 5 grants for Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation Grant

Major League Baseball Players Association

Up to $50,000

Foundation

Supports youth baseball and softball programs, including capital projects and baseball/softball programs. Open to nonprofits and school districts.

Apply

USA Football Grant Program

USA Football

Up to $1,000 in equipment credit

Private

Provides football equipment to youth, middle school and high school programs. Aims to help create safer play environments.

Apply

Good Sports Equipment Grant

Good Sports

Varies (equipment donation)

Foundation

Provides sports equipment, apparel, and footwear to youth organizations in need. Focuses on organizations serving youth between 3-18 years old in disadvantaged areas.

Apply

USTA Facility Services Grant

United States Tennis Association

Up to $4,000

Private

Supports tennis facility enhancements, renovations, and new construction projects. Open to nonprofits, schools, and parks & recreation departments.

Apply

Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Grant

The Skatepark Project (formerly Tony Hawk Foundation)

Up to $25,000

Foundation

Supports the creation of public skateparks in low-income communities. Focuses on projects that demonstrate strong community involvement and support.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs efforts.

Youth Sports
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Youth Sports
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Youth Sports
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Youth Sports
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Youth Sports
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%
3% credit card processing fee + thirs party payment processor fee

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

Up to 6.9% + 30¢ per transaction

Up to 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction

Platform fees
$0
Service fee not disclosed but contracted on per fundraiser basis; Donors can choose to cover the transactional fees
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
Two plans are available and billed annually $125/month if last year revenue < $100K $200/month if last year revenue $100K+
7.5% platform fee if optional tips are disabled
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
N/A
4.1/5
4.8/5
4.6/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
N/A
4.2/5
4.6/5
4.5/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
N/A
3.9/5
4.8/5
4.6/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Sports Teams, Leagues and Clubs.

1

Fantasy League Fundraiser

Create a custom fantasy sports league where participants pay an entry fee to join. A portion of the entry fees goes to the organization, while the rest forms the prize pool. Enhance engagement with weekly challenges, merchandise rewards, and exclusive content for participants.

2

Athlete Meet-and-Greet Gala

Organize an exclusive gala event featuring meet-and-greet sessions with renowned athletes. Include a silent auction of sports memorabilia, a gourmet dinner, and interactive sports-themed activities. Offer tiered ticket prices for different levels of access and experiences.

3

Customizable Team Gear Marketplace

Launch an online marketplace where fans can design and purchase customized team merchandise. Offer a wide range of products from jerseys to accessories, allowing customers to add personal touches. Partner with local artists for unique designs and allocate a percentage of each sale to the organization.

4

Corporate Team-Building Sports Challenge

Develop a series of sports-themed team-building events for corporate clients. Offer packages that include professional coaching, customized challenges, and branded merchandise. Conclude with a charitable tournament where companies compete for a cause.

5

Community Sports Equipment Drive

Organize a city-wide sports equipment collection drive. Partner with local schools, community centers, and sports retailers to set up collection points. Refurbish donated equipment and distribute it to underprivileged youth programs. Host a community sports day to showcase the impact and raise additional funds.

6

Augmented Reality Stadium Experience

Develop an AR app that enhances the in-stadium experience for fans. Features could include real-time player stats, virtual meet-and-greets, and interactive games. Offer premium subscriptions with exclusive content and experiences, with proceeds supporting the organization.

7

Seasonal Sports Clinic Series

Host a series of seasonal sports clinics led by professional athletes and coaches. Cover different sports each season, offering participants the chance to learn from experts. Include merchandise, photo opportunities, and exclusive content access in the ticket price.

8

Limited Edition Collectible Card Set

Create a high-quality, limited edition set of collectible cards featuring current and legendary athletes from your sports organization. Include rare, autographed cards to drive value. Partner with a renowned card manufacturer and offer exclusive pre-order packages to boost initial sales.

9

Sports Tech Innovation Challenge

Launch a competition inviting tech startups and innovators to develop solutions for sports-related challenges. Partner with tech companies and venture capitalists as sponsors. Culminate in a pitch event where finalists present their ideas, with winners receiving funding and implementation opportunities.

10

Virtual Charity Run/Walk Challenge

Organize a virtual run/walk event where participants can join from anywhere in the world. Integrate with popular fitness apps for easy tracking. Encourage team formations, offer themed challenges, and provide digital medals and leaderboards. Partner with sports brands for prizes and sponsorships.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising ideas for sports teams in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, sports teams are leveraging innovative fundraising strategies to boost their financial support. The most effective ideas include: 1. Virtual Reality (VR) Fan Experiences: Offer exclusive VR tours of training facilities or virtual meet-and-greets with players. 2. Gamified Fundraising Challenges: Create mobile apps with donation-linked fitness challenges or sports trivia contests. 3. Livestream Charity Events: Host online auctions or Q&A sessions with star players, coaches, or sports celebrities. 4. Personalized Merchandise Campaigns: Launch limited-edition, customizable team gear with proceeds going to the organization. 5. Community Sports Days: Organize inclusive events where fans can participate in activities alongside team members. These methods tap into the latest technology trends and fan engagement strategies. According to a 2024 survey by the Sports Philanthropy Network, teams using these innovative approaches saw an average 35% increase in donations compared to traditional methods. Remember to clearly communicate your fundraising goals and the impact of contributions to maximize supporter engagement and donations.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can sports clubs use social media for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">In 2025, social media remains a powerful tool for sports clubs' fundraising efforts, with new features and strategies emerging. Here's how to maximize its potential: 1. Utilize AI-powered Content Creation: Leverage AI tools to generate engaging, personalized content that resonates with your audience and drives donations. 2. Implement Social Commerce: Use in-app shopping features on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to sell team merchandise directly to followers. 3. Host Virtual Fundraising Events: Organize live-streamed charity matches or training sessions, encouraging real-time donations through platform-specific features. 4. Create Augmented Reality (AR) Filters: Develop team-branded AR filters that unlock when users donate, increasing engagement and visibility. 5. Leverage Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with micro-influencers in your sport or local community to amplify your fundraising message. Recent data from the Digital Giving Index shows that sports organizations using these strategies saw a 42% increase in online donations compared to the previous year. Remember to tailor your approach to each platform's unique audience and features for maximum impact.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best online platforms for track and field team fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">For track and field teams looking to optimize their fundraising efforts, choosing the right online platform is crucial. Here are the top recommendations for 2025: 1. Zeffy: Offers a comprehensive, user-friendly platform with zero platform fees, making it ideal for maximizing donations. It's particularly well-suited for track and field teams due to its customizable campaign pages and integrated event management features. 2. RallyUp: Known for its versatile fundraising options, including peer-to-peer campaigns and virtual races, which align well with track and field events. 3. Snap! Raise: Specializes in youth sports fundraising, offering team-specific features and robust social sharing tools. 4. GiveLively: Provides a free platform with text-to-donate capabilities, perfect for on-the-spot donations during meets. 5. Classy: Offers advanced reporting and analytics, helping teams track and optimize their fundraising performance over time. According to the 2024 Sports Fundraising Technology Report, teams using these platforms saw an average increase of 28% in online donations. When selecting a platform, consider factors such as ease of use, mobile responsiveness, and integration with your existing systems to ensure the best fit for your team's needs.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can sports leagues implement sustainable fundraising strategies for long-term success?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Implementing sustainable fundraising strategies is crucial for sports leagues' long-term success. Here are key approaches for 2025 and beyond: 1. Develop a Recurring Giving Program: Encourage supporters to make regular, automated donations. According to the Nonprofit Recurring Giving Benchmark Study, donors who set up recurring gifts give 42% more annually than one-time donors. 2. Create an Endowment Fund: Establish a fund that provides ongoing financial support through investment returns. This ensures a stable source of income over time. 3. Implement Corporate Partnership Programs: Forge long-term relationships with businesses aligned with your league's values. These partnerships can provide consistent financial support and in-kind donations. 4. Diversify Revenue Streams: Combine traditional fundraising methods with innovative approaches like cause marketing, social enterprise initiatives, or licensing agreements. 5. Invest in Donor Stewardship: Develop a comprehensive stewardship program to maintain and strengthen relationships with donors, increasing retention rates and lifetime value. By focusing on these sustainable strategies, sports leagues can build a robust financial foundation. The 2024 Sports Philanthropy Outlook report indicates that leagues implementing these approaches saw a 30% increase in overall funding stability over a three-year period.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the latest trends in corporate sponsorships for amateur sports clubs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Corporate sponsorships for amateur sports clubs are evolving rapidly in 2025, with several emerging trends: 1. Purpose-Driven Partnerships: Companies are seeking alignment with clubs that demonstrate strong community impact. The 2024 Sports Sponsorship Barometer shows a 40% increase in sponsorships tied to social responsibility initiatives. 2. Digital Asset Sponsorships: Sponsors are increasingly interested in digital properties like club apps, virtual events, and social media content, offering new revenue streams beyond traditional physical advertising. 3. Data-Driven Sponsorships: Clubs leveraging data analytics to demonstrate ROI to sponsors are securing 25% higher deal values, according to the Amateur Sports Sponsorship Report 2024. 4. Micro-Sponsorships: Smaller, more targeted sponsorship packages are gaining popularity, allowing a broader range of local businesses to support clubs. 5. Sustainability Focused Partnerships: Companies are keen to associate with clubs demonstrating environmental responsibility, with eco-friendly initiatives attracting 30% more sponsorship interest. To capitalize on these trends, amateur sports clubs should focus on showcasing their community impact, developing digital assets, and demonstrating clear value to potential sponsors. Clubs adopting these strategies reported a 35% increase in sponsorship revenue in the past year.</div>