Cheer fundraising is the backbone of keeping cheerleading squads thriving, whether they’re rallying school spirit at football games, basketball matches, or competing on a national stage. From uniforms and props to travel and competition fees, the costs of cheerleading can add up quickly.
That’s why hosting creative and profitable fundraising events is essential for supporting your squad and achieving your cheerleading goals. Whether you’re looking to fund new practice gear, cover travel expenses, or save for a major competition, this ultimate guide of 31 cheer fundraising ideas will help you lead your team to success—without breaking the bank.
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What Is Cheer Fundraising?
Cheer fundraising is the process of raising money to support a cheerleading squad’s essential needs. From uniforms and pom-poms to travel expenses and competition fees, cheerleading can come with a hefty price tag. Hosting cheer fundraising events allows squads to cover these costs while fostering teamwork and school spirit.
A cheerleading group isn’t just about spreading energy and morale at games—it’s about dedication, practice, and representing your school or community in the best possible way. However, achieving these goals requires funding for essentials like travel, lodging, practice spaces, props, costumes, and even makeup for performances.
Since these expenses can add up quickly, hosting strategic and creative cheer fundraising events is a must. These campaigns allow squads to engage their communities, raise awareness for their goals, and secure the funds needed to thrive.
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Top 31 Cheer Fundraising Ideas
Running a successful cheerleading team involves multiple costs that aren’t always easy to manage. Raising money through innovative cheer fundraising ideas can help cover these expenses while strengthening your team’s connection to the community.
Below, we’ve gathered 31 creative cheer fundraising ideas that are easy to organize, fun to participate in, and sure to help your squad raise the funds they need to shine!
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Lollipop fundraising is a sweet and simple way for cheerleading squads to connect with their community while raising funds for essential needs like uniforms, travel, and competitions. The low cost of setup and high profit margin make it a perfect choice for any cheer team.
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How It Works:
- Set up a lollipop stand featuring an array of options like color blasters, mega-rounds, sports pops, and sweet pops.
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- Collaborate with local suppliers for lollipop inventory or involve cheerleaders to design creative lollipop packages.
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- Choose a high-traffic community space, like a park or outside a school, for maximum visibility.
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- Charge a nominal fee per lollipop to keep it affordable yet profitable.
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
This fundraiser is perfect for drawing a crowd and raising funds quickly. Popcorn and peanuts are affordable to source, and their universal appeal makes them a big hit, especially during school events or sports games.
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How It Works:
- Set up a popcorn and peanuts stand in a busy public area like a school entrance, park, or theater.
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- Offer gourmet popcorn flavors like salted caramel, cheese butter, tangy tomato, or hot chili alongside classic options.
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- Include variations of peanuts, such as cream onion, salt & pepper, or cheese garlic, for added variety.
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- Price servings affordably to attract more customers and meet your fundraising goals.
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Cookie dough fundraising is a crowd-pleaser and aligns perfectly with the holiday season when baked goods are in high demand. It’s a cost-effective way to bring in significant funds while involving the entire team.
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How It Works:
- Source wholesale cookie dough from local bakers or have cheerleaders and their families bake cookies at home.
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- Set up a stand at a school event, park, or community center, offering cookie dough boxes at a fixed price.
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- Add a special touch by gifting buyers an extra lollipop or candy bar with larger purchases.
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Candy bar fundraising is a surefire way to excite your community while boosting your cheer team’s funds. Candy’s universal appeal and low price point make it easy to sell, and the variety of flavors ensures something for everyone. This fundraiser also allows your team to showcase their spirit and enthusiasm in a fun and engaging way.
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How It Works:
- Choose a community-friendly location such as a park, footpath, or even the front yard of a team member.
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- Partner with a local vendor to source an assortment of candy bars in various flavors and shapes.
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- Decorate your stall to make it inviting and festive, with posters, banners, and lights.
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- Offer discounts for bulk purchases like candy tubs or boxes, encouraging customers to buy more.
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- Engage your cheerleaders to interact with customers and promote team spirit.
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Candle fundraising is a creative and high-demand option, especially during the holiday season. Scented candles are loved for their versatility—they’re perfect for gifting, decor, and relaxation. Cheer teams can tap into the festive spirit and community goodwill while raising significant funds.
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How It Works:
- Partner with a local candle supplier or have team members create handmade candles for a personal touch.
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- Set up a stall at a community hub like a school entrance, market, or holiday fair.
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- Offer a variety of scents like cinnamon, lavender, vanilla, or festive blends like peppermint and pine.
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- Add thoughtful extras like handwritten holiday wishes or decorative packaging to boost appeal.
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- Keep the pricing competitive and include bundle deals for multiple purchases to increase sales.
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Unique DIY Cheer Fundraiser Ideas
6. Spirit Nights
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Spirit nights are a fantastic way to bring your community together while raising money for your cheerleading team. These events are simple to organize and often involve partnerships with local venues, making them a win-win for everyone involved.
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How It Works:
- Partner with a local restaurant, coffee shop, or community venue willing to donate a percentage of their sales for a night.
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- Promote the event through social media, posters, and word-of-mouth to encourage attendance.
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- Add a cheerful twist by having your squad perform a short routine or lead a cheer to engage attendees.
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- Charge a nominal entry fee or sell themed merchandise like T-shirts or pom-poms to raise extra funds.
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7. Coupon Books
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Selling coupon books is an easy and effective fundraising idea that offers value to your supporters while raising money for your squad. Everyone loves a good deal, making this a popular choice for cheer teams.
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How It Works:
- Partner with a local coupon book company or create your custom book featuring deals from local businesses.
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- Promote the coupon books to your community, emphasizing the savings they’ll receive while supporting a good cause.
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- Encourage your cheerleaders to sell books door-to-door, at events, or online for maximum reach.
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- Offer special perks for top sellers, like a small prize or shout-out, to keep motivation high.
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8. Pie-A-Face
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Pie-A-Face is a hilarious and interactive fundraiser that never fails to draw a crowd. It’s low-cost, easy to organize, and allows your team to engage directly with supporters in a fun way.
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How It Works:
- Set up a booth at a pep rally, game, or community event.
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- Charge participants a small fee for the chance to “pie” their favorite cheerleader or coach.
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- For higher donations, let the top contributors choose who they want to pie.
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- Use whipped cream or other skin-safe materials to ensure safety and minimize cleanup.
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9. Silent Auction
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A silent auction allows you to raise significant funds while offering your community members a chance to bid on unique and valuable items. It’s a sophisticated yet exciting way to fundraise.
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How It Works:
- Collect donations of auction-worthy items like gift cards, handmade crafts, or tickets to local events from businesses and supporters.
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- Display the items at a venue or online platform and allow attendees to place bids anonymously.
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- Set a deadline for bids, announce winners, and collect the funds.
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- Promote the event heavily to attract bidders and maximize revenue.
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10. Raffles
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Raffles are a crowd favorite at sporting events, games, or community gatherings. They’re easy to organize, require minimal setup, and offer exciting incentives for participants.
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How It Works:
- Solicit donations for prizes from local businesses, such as gift cards, products, or services.
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- Sell raffle tickets at school events, games, or online.
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- Host a live drawing during a halftime show, pep rally, or other high-visibility event to build excitement.
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- Consider offering a 50/50 raffle or other unique prizes to make the event even more engaging.
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11. Ice Cream Sales
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Ice cream sales are a sweet and simple way to raise funds while bringing smiles to your supporters. This classic idea is perfect for all ages and works great during warmer months or school events.
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How It Works:
- Partner with a local ice cream distributor or purchase wholesale to maximize profits.
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- Set up a stand at a community event, school function, or park on a sunny day.
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- Publicize the event in advance through social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to ensure people come prepared.
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- Organize a rotation of cheerleaders and parent volunteers to run the booth efficiently.
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12. Pledge Challenges
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Pledge challenges bring out the competitive spirit in your community while raising money for your squad. These events encourage participants to back a challenge with a donation, making them engaging and productive fundraisers.
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How It Works:
- Select fun and achievable challenges like jump rope marathons, shooting hoops, or running laps.
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- Promote the challenge and allow supporters to pledge a specific amount per completed task.
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- Set up an online platform to collect pledges or host an in-person event to encourage donations.
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- Celebrate the completion of the challenges with a small awards ceremony or team shout-out.
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13. Walk-A-Thon
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Walk-a-thons are timeless fundraisers that allow your team to stay active while raising money. They’re inclusive, easy to organize, and perfect for involving friends, family, and the community.
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How It Works:
- Choose a location like a local park, school track, or scenic route for your walk-a-thon.
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- Ask supporters to sponsor cheerleaders with per-mile pledges or flat donations.
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- Host the event on a weekend or after school to maximize attendance.
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- Create a festive atmosphere with music, snacks, and small prizes for participants.
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14. Cheerleaders’ Fashion Show
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A fashion show combines entertainment with fundraising, making it an exciting event for cheerleaders and their supporters. It’s a unique way to showcase your team’s style while raising money.
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How It Works:
- Partner with local boutiques or retailers to provide outfits for the show.
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- Find a venue, such as a community center, school gym, or studio space, to host the event.
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- Charge an admission fee for attendees and consider selling snacks or drinks for additional funds.
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- Add a touch of glamour by incorporating themed music, lights, and decorations.
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15. Holiday Candygrams
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Holiday candygrams are a festive and heartwarming way to spread joy while raising funds. They’re especially effective in schools, where students love sending sweet notes to their friends.
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How It Works:
- Choose holiday-themed candies (like candy canes or chocolates) and create festive note cards for personalized messages.
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- Set up a sales booth at school or during events to take orders for candygrams.
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- Work with school staff to schedule delivery days and times.
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- Have your cheer team deliver the candygrams, spreading cheer and building school spirit.
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16. Color Runs
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Color runs are vibrant, high-energy events that engage the whole community while raising money for your squad. They combine fitness, fun, and creativity, making them a standout fundraiser.
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How It Works:
- Set a date, preferably a holiday or weekend, to maximize participation.
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- Charge a registration fee for participants.
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- Set up color-spraying stations along the course for participants to get doused in color as they run.
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- Sell color packets at the event so participants can throw color on each other for added excitement.
- Include a photo booth or costume contest for runners to boost engagement and raise additional funds.
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17. Discount cards
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Discount cards are popular fundraising tools because they offer real value to supporters while keeping costs low for your squad. Everyone loves saving on everyday purchases.
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How It Works:
- Partner with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts on services like dining, car washes, or retail shopping.
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- Print the discount cards with deals and logos from participating businesses.
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- Sell the cards to friends, family, and the community at a marked-up price to raise funds.
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- Consider partnering with a local printer to reduce production costs and keep the fundraiser profitable.
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18. Baskets of Cheer
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Baskets of Cheer bring together spirit and utility, offering themed gift baskets filled with goodies that supporters can enjoy while raising funds for your team.
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How It Works:
- Create themed baskets featuring school merchandise, cheer squad items, or seasonal goodies.
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- Partner with your school or local businesses to source spirit wear or other items for the baskets.
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- Sell the baskets at school games, tournaments, or community events.
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- Promote the baskets on social media to reach a wider audience and maximize sales.
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19. Dog Wash
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A dog wash fundraiser combines community service with a fun activity, making it a perfect choice for pet-loving cheer squads. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
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How It Works:
- Set up a dog wash station in a park or community area.
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- Ask for donations from pet owners, suggesting a minimum of $10 per wash.
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- Encourage cheerleaders or pet owners to bring towels, shampoos, or other supplies to reduce costs.
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- Add extras like baked dog treats or refreshments for pet parents to increase engagement and funds.
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- Promote the event locally through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth.
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20. Hair And Makeup Lessons
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Cheerleaders are pros at creating show-stopping hair and makeup looks, and this fundraiser lets them share their skills while raising money.
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How It Works:
- Organize a workshop where your cheerleaders teach participants how to achieve stunning hair and makeup looks.
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- Provide sterile applicators or ask participants to bring their own supplies for hygiene.
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- Offer step-by-step tutorials on popular styles and techniques.
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- Charge a participation fee for attendees and capture photos of their transformed looks to share on social media.
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21. Barbeque Stand
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A barbecue stand fundraiser combines delicious food and community engagement, making it a fun and profitable way to raise funds for your cheer squad.
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How It Works:
- Set up a barbecue stand in a high-traffic community area, such as a park or school parking lot.
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- Offer freshly grilled items like burgers, hot dogs, or kebabs at affordable prices.
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- Allow people to bring their seasoned food for grilling at a small fee.
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- Promote the event on social media and through flyers to attract more attendees.
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22. Email Campaign
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Email campaigns are cost-effective, simple, and efficient for reaching a large audience. They work well for generating donations from friends, family, and the wider community.
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How It Works:
- Write a compelling email explaining the purpose of your fundraiser and how the money will support the cheer squad.
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- Include a donation link and suggest specific gift amounts.
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- Send the emails to your contact list and encourage recipients to forward them to others who might be interested in supporting your cause.
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23. Cheer Clinic
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A cheer clinic not only raises funds but also inspires younger kids to join your squad in the future. It’s a win-win for your team and the community.
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How It Works:
- Organize a one-day or weekend cheer clinic where your cheer squad teaches younger kids basic cheerleading moves and routines.
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- Use school facilities to keep costs low.
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- Charge a registration fee and include snacks or a small gift for attendees.
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24. Pumpkin Decoration
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A pumpkin decoration event taps into the festive spirit of Halloween while providing a creative and interactive way to raise money.
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How It Works:
- Host a pumpkin-carving or decorating event where kids can create their own masterpieces.
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- Charge a participation fee that includes a pumpkin, carving tools, and materials.
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- Provide light refreshments and play Halloween-themed music to make it a memorable experience.
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25. Cheerleaders’ Car Wash
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A car wash fundraiser is a classic and effective way to bring the community together while raising money for your cheer squad.
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How It Works:
- Set up a car wash in a school parking lot or other accessible area.
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- Charge a small fee per car and offer optional add-ons like interior vacuuming for additional donations.
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- Promote the event through social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
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26. Refreshment Bar
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A refreshment bar at school events or sports games provides convenience to attendees while helping your cheer squad raise funds.
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How It Works:
- Set up a stall selling drinks and snacks like sodas, water, chips, and popcorn.
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- Offer combo deals or discounted bundles to encourage more purchases.
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- Promote your refreshment bar during the event with signage and announcements.
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27. Dance A Thon
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Dance-a-thons are high-energy events that align perfectly with the spirit of cheerleading, making them engaging and fun for everyone involved.
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How It Works:
- Host a dance-a-thon where participants dance for as long as they can while raising funds through pledges or entry fees.
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- Add fun elements like costume themes, music battles, or dance competitions to keep things lively.
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- Use a P2P crowdfunding platform to collect pledges online.
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28. Bake Sale
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Bake sales are simple to organize and highly profitable, offering a variety of homemade treats that appeal to all age groups.
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How It Works:
- Ask team members and their families to bake their favorite treats to sell.
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- Set up a stand at a school event, park, or community center.
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- Offer a variety of items like cookies, cupcakes, and brownies at reasonable prices.
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29. Craft Fair
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A craft fair fundraiser showcases creativity while offering unique, handmade items for sale to the community.
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How It Works:
- Host a craft fair where your squad or local artisans can sell handmade items like jewelry, artwork, or clothing.
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- Charge a small fee for vendor tables and collect a percentage of sales.
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- Promote the event through social media and local advertisements.
30. Cheer-A-Thon
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
Cheer-a-thons allow your squad to showcase their talent while raising funds in a dynamic and entertaining way.
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How It Works:
- Host a cheer-a-thon event where your squad performs continuous routines, cheers, and stunts.
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- Collect pledges from supporters based on the duration or number of cheers performed.
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- Include interactive activities like games or giveaways to keep the audience engaged.
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31. Pancake Breakfast
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Why It’s Great for Cheer Teams:
A pancake breakfast fundraiser combines delicious food with a community gathering, making it a crowd-pleasing event.
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How It Works:
- Organize a breakfast event where your squad serves pancakes, coffee, and other breakfast items.
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- Charge an entry fee and offer additional items like baked goods for sale.
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- Include live performances or music to enhance the atmosphere.
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Pro Tips for Successful Cheerleading Fundraisers
Cheer fundraising ideas are fantastic ways to support your squad’s goals, whether funding uniforms, travel, or competitions. But the success of any fundraiser depends on careful planning, organization, and execution. Here are some practical tips to ensure your cheerleading fundraising events are as profitable as possible.
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1. Build a Strong Team
Cheerleaders, their families, coaches, and community members should work together to ensure your fundraiser’s success. Leverage relationships with local businesses for sponsorships and in-kind donations.
Pro Tip: Assign specific roles to each team member, such as promotion, setup, and logistics, to streamline the process.
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2. Set Clear Goals
Define your fundraising goals at the start of the season. Determine how much money your squad needs for the year and break it into achievable milestones.
Pro Tip: Space out multiple fundraisers throughout the year, leaving enough time to organize and collect funds effectively.
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3. Leverage the Right Tools
Use digital fundraising platforms to make it easy for supporters to contribute. These tools allow online and mobile donations, simplifying peer-to-peer fundraising efforts and increasing contributions.
Pro Tip: Choose platforms that offer real-time tracking so your team can monitor progress and stay motivated.
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4. Evaluate and Improve
After each fundraiser, take the time to review its success. Identify what worked well and what can be improved for future events.
Pro Tip: Hold a team meeting within a week of the fundraiser while details are still fresh. Use software analytics to assess the results and refine your approach.
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Cheer Up and Raise Funds!
Cheerleaders play an integral role in boosting school spirit and bringing communities together. With these 31 creative fundraising ideas and practical tips, your squad is sure to raise the money needed to achieve your goals.
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Ready to turn your cheer fundraising dreams into reality? Contact Midland Fundraising for expert support and inspiration to ensure your next event is a resounding success.
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