This is About Your MissionFundraising is about finding more fuel for your club or organization. We simply can't do what our mission calls us to do without money.As a youth sports club, a school, or a not-for-profit, even if you think you're all set, the reality is: there are people we could and should be serving, who we can't reach without capital.In the USA, youth clubs are funded primarily through membership or registration fees (bottom up). Some clubs get sponsorships, many do fundraisers, some offer additional clinics and camps. Every Club needs money for one really good reason: not everyone who should play can afford to pay. There is a lot of talented kids out there that we really want playing soccer, but they can't afford to pay even modest fees. In Europe, the big networks fund football (soccer) clubs. Money flows down from big pipes into smaller pipes and eventually ends up in the form of subsidized play, resident camps, and so on. In the USA, money flow up from individual wallets. That means some just can't afford soccer. How Are Organizations Raising Money Today?Our options are limitless. The strength of our imagination is the only limiting factor - and that can be stretched by exposure to new ideas. What kinds of ideas do you have for fundraising? Please leave a comment in the comment's section below so everyone can benefit from our collective experience. David DejewskiCoach / Club President / PodcasterHere are a few ideas that I've run across over the years:IdeaApproximate $ ValueAdditional BenefitsAsk Members for DonationsVaries - based on financial well being of donors and perceived strength of the missionCan be an opportunity to deepen relationshipsCar WashA few hundred dollarsTeam building and funCamps / ClinicsVaries, but start at $10 / player+ relationship and skills building+ possible new opportunities for players + strategic alliances to bring more value / resources to the mission. Custom Balls and GearPennies to dollars per item+ get more gear that people will use + promotional materialSpiritWearVaries on items - tens to thousands+ promotion and prideTournamentsVaries by type and region - hundreds to tens of thousands+ promotion of the sport+ fun for kids and parentsAgreements with local restaurants$150 - $250 per 2 hour block+ easy+ potential gathering placeMulch Sales$5k to $20k depending on organization and local market+ hard work+ lots of logistics+ team buildingCandy, Popcorn, etcSpread on each item - usually pennines to a few dollars per sale+ easy to understand. + get's members out into the communitySelling Discount Subscriptions to local and national business specials and discounts$1,500 - $25,000 - depending on organization size and participation+ relationships with local businesses+ good will in the community+ savings for members+ exposure in local economy+ ease of sales via text, social media, email, and face-to-face+ reporting and tracking of progressAsk members for donationsCar WashCustom Balls and GearSpiritwearTournamentsAgreements with local restaurantsMulch SalesCandy, Popcorn, etcSelling Discount Subscriptions to local and National Business specials and discountsSee the full table with approximate dollar value and additional benefits on an iPad or a computerGet Your Own Fundraiser Manager PlatformBuilding Good Will in the CommunityAll organizations need to get along well with others. If you run a not-for-profit, chances are you have a collection of people who support your cause and want the best from the community around them. By bringing the best that local businesses offer to your membership, both your membership and local businesses should benefit. With a fundraiser like this, you are doing a service in your community by promoting a healthy economy. The more people use the discounts we've served up for them, the more money they save on things they would normally buy and the more revenue local businesses will realize. This is a win for you (you get to keep 70% of the sale of each sub...
