Sports bring people together — and that community spirit makes them perfect for fundraising. Whether you’re supporting a school team, youth league, or nonprofit organization, creative sport fundraising ideas can help you raise money while keeping things fun and active.
Here are some tried-and-true (and a few unexpected!) ideas to get your next sports fundraiser off the ground.
1. Walkathons, Runs, and Bike-A-Thons 🚶♂️🚴♀️
Athletic events like walkathons and bike-a-thons are classic fundraisers for a reason: they’re easy to organize and scalable.
- Participants collect pledges or pay registration fees.
- Offer T-shirts, medals, or swag bags as incentives.
- Create team-based fundraising goals to boost engagement.
Pro Tip: Add a virtual participation option to increase reach.
2. Golf Tournaments ⛳
A golf fundraiser is an excellent option for schools, nonprofits, or corporate teams.
- Host at a local course and secure hole sponsors.
- Add contests like longest drive, hole-in-one, or closest to the pin.
- End with a dinner, auction, or raffle to maximize revenue.
Pro Tip: Offer digital scoring and mobile bidding to keep everything seamless.
3. 3-on-3 Tournaments and Sports Challenges 🏀⚽🏐
Smaller-scale competitions can attract local athletes and families alike.
- Host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, soccer shootout, or volleyball challenge.
- Charge a team entry fee and award prizes to winners.
- Invite local businesses to sponsor or donate snacks and drinks.
Pro Tip: Keep brackets short and fun — this is about fundraising, not pro-level competition.
4. Sports-Themed Raffles and Auctions 🎟️
Sports gear, event tickets, and experiences make great raffle or auction prizes.
- Signed memorabilia
- Season tickets or game-day packages
- Private coaching sessions or meet-and-greets
Pro Tip: Pair raffles with live events like games or tournaments to boost participation.
5. “Coach for a Day” or VIP Experiences 🏅
Give donors or students a once-in-a-lifetime experience:
- A fan can “coach” the team for a game.
- Offer sideline passes, locker room tours, or honorary captain spots.
- Auction off experiences during special events.
This type of fundraiser creates powerful emotional connections and higher bids.
6. Fitness Challenges and Virtual Events 💪
Not every sports fundraiser has to be in person.
- Host a virtual step challenge or fitness streak fundraiser.
- Use leaderboards and social media to keep participants engaged.
- Encourage participants to secure pledges per mile or per day of activity.
Pro Tip: Virtual events can expand your reach beyond your local community.
7. Sports Clinics and Camps 🏈🎾🏐
If your organization has skilled coaches or players, hosting clinics or camps can generate significant revenue.
- Offer short skills clinics for kids or adults.
- Charge a registration fee and provide branded merch.
- Secure sponsorships from local sports stores or gyms.
Final Thought
Sports and fundraising are a natural match. With the right sport fundraising ideas — from tournaments and raffles to clinics and challenges — you can raise money, build community, and make your next season or project a big win.
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Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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