Booster Club Fundraiser Ideas That Work
Sandra Pfau Englund
Jan 08, 2020
Raising money for the students at your school is always important. Government tax funding usually doesn’t cover all the costs of a great education system. So, it's essential for parents, administrators, and teachers to all pitch in on fundraising. One of the best, and structured, ways to raise money is by creating a booster club. All you have to do is incorporate, obtain your tax exemption, get an EIN, and register with your state. A booster club then allows your group to raise funds for your school with all the benefits of making charitable donations for donors. The primary goal of a booster club is to raise support for the school, including extra funding, so let's take a look at the top booster club fundraiser ideas.
Community Fundraising Ideas for Booster Clubs
1. Membership fees must comply with law
One of the top booster club fundraiser ideas is to accept membership fees. However, it's important to note that while you may charge membership fees, it is vital to understand the laws regulating that revenue. Thus, for more information to ensure you comply with all laws, take a look at experts in the field, such as Parent Booster USA.
2. 5K Fun Runs bring together your community
Do you want to get everyone in your community involved in one of your fundraising ideas for booster clubs? Well, a 5K walk/run might be the right fundraiser for you. Recruit a team of volunteers who will help you plan this kind of fundraiser. Then, charge all participants for walking/running the race. You'll need to get the necessary permits for the route, but a 5K fun run is great because it involves your entire town. So, take a look at these tips for planning your fun run for great success.
Digital Fundraising Ideas for Booster Clubs
3. Charity auctions with or without an event
Have you ever considered an online charity auction? It's one of the best booster club fundraiser ideas, done conveniently online. Sure, you can combine an online auction with a fundraising event (e.g., sporting match, dinner, etc.), but it's also a great stand-alone fundraiser. So, all you have to do is get a charity auction platform, auction items, and then promote away. Remember, travel, spa, and sports items do very well in this fundraiser. Check out these dos and don'ts for an auction.
4. Email flash fundraiser for one day only
Yes, email still works. In fact, one-third of online fundraising comes through email. For a flash fundraiser, pick a day where you're going to blitz your donor base through email. For success, you'll want to ensure you have a compelling story and a sense of urgency for the funds. And don't forget to include videos and photos for your flash fundraiser. Also, remember that while you will get responses to this fundraising idea through email, you will want to also share across social media. Set a financial goal and tell everyone that you need the funds by the close of the day.
Sports events for booster fundraiser ideas
5. Championship event fundraiser for your booster club
Playing sports is a big part of school life, and it can serve as the center for fundraising events. As a result, one of the most fun (and competitive) booster club fundraising ideas is a fundraiser tied to a championship. Perhaps your students have made the cut at the national level, state, or local levels. Or, maybe it's the last game at your school before vacation. Whatever the reason, select a game that is special and then raise money around it. Ask all parents to get involved and promote your event on social media. When people arrive to see the game, you can charge an admission fee for entrance to this special game.
6. Raise money with a pitch-a-thon
Everyone likes a little bit of competition. Therefore, with that in mind, one of our other excellent booster club fundraising ideas is a pitch-a-thon. It's easy to get one together during any time of year. Before any sporting event at your school, get the crowd motivated by inviting anyone to throw the fastest baseball pitch. But, you're not limited to baseball. See who can kick a soccer ball the farthest or throw a football. You can plan it yourself, or work with a third-party partner to help you prepare it. However, charge participants and attendees to this fun event.
Creative fundraising with no selling or asking for money
7. Shoe drive fundraiser
Finally, one of the most creative booster club fundraising ideas is a shoe drive fundraiser. You can raise school and team spirit by having different grades and classes compete against each other. All your booster club has to do is collect gently worn, used and new shoes. And, once the event is finished, you get a check. Not only will this fundraiser raise funds for you, but it's a socially responsible fundraiser. Meaning, you support the planet and also micro-entrepreneurs working to help themselves out of poverty.
