The Pre-Summer Fundraising Playbook for Cheer, Dance, and Band Programs

If you lead a cheer team, dance team, or school band, March and April are the perfect times to plan your pre-summer fundraising. Summer camp deposits, choreography clinics, band trips, and travel expenses are approaching quickly. Programs that start planning now are the ones that enter summer prepared and avoid last-minute stress.

Why is Spring a good time to fundraise for cheer, dance, and band programs?

March sits in a strategic window:

• Competition season is wrapping up or slowing down
• Summer camp registration is open
• Families are budgeting for upcoming expenses
• Energy is still high before end-of-year burnout

Program-specific timing examples:

• Cheer teams: preparing for summer stunt camps and choreography
• Dance teams: funding summer training and new uniforms
• Band programs: planning for summer band camp or travel

Launching a fundraiser now ensures funds are in place before payments are due.

What should cheer, dance, and band programs fundraise for before summer?

Common pre-summer fundraising goals include:

• Summer camp registration
• Choreography or clinic fees
• Band camp expenses
• Competition travel and hotel costs
• Uniforms or costumes
• Instruments or equipment
• Team gear and spirit wear

Clearly communicating the purpose of the fundraiser increases donor participation. When supporters understand exactly what their donation funds, they are more likely to give.

What are the biggest fundraising mistakes spirit programs make?

Mistake 1: Waiting Until Expenses Are Due
When teams wait until the last minute to start fundraising, it creates pressure for everyone involved.

• Families may feel rushed to contribute
• Leaders are forced to manage fundraising during a busy part of the season
• Supporters have less time to participate

Starting in March or April gives your program time to plan and communicate the fundraiser clearly.

Mistake 2: No Clear “Why” Behind the Fundraiser
Sometimes programs launch a fundraiser without clearly explaining what the money will support.
Supporters may not understand:

• What the money is being used for
• Why the expense matters
• How their donation helps participants

For example, a message like “Support our cheer team!” is much less effective than:
“We’re raising funds to send our team to summer stunt camp and bring in new choreography for next season.”

Specific messaging helps supporters feel connected to your program’s goals.

Ready to get started now in preparation for all your summer needs? Submit the form below to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fundraising for Cheer, Dance, and Band Programs

When should cheer, dance, or band teams start fundraising for summer expenses?

• Most spirit programs begin planning their pre-summer fundraiser in March or April
• This allows teams to raise funds before major expenses like summer camps, clinics, band trips, uniforms, and travel costs are due
• Starting earlier also gives families time to share the fundraiser with supporters

What do cheer, dance, and band programs usually fundraise for?
Common goals include:

• Summer camp registration
• Choreography or clinic fees
• Band camp expenses
• Competition travel and hotel costs
• Uniforms or costumes
• Instruments or equipment
• Team gear and spirit wear

Clearly communicating what the fundraiser supports helps increase participation and donations

What makes a successful cheer, dance, or band fundraiser?

How do digital fundraisers work for school teams?

• Teams can share campaigns with supporters through email, messaging, and social media
• Supporters can donate online
• Teams can track progress throughout the campaign
• Simplifies fundraising for coaches and directors while expanding the network of potential donors

How can cheer, dance, and band programs make fundraising easier?

• Plan campaigns before expenses are due
• Clearly explain the purpose of the fundraiser
• Use digital tools to communicate with supporters
• Set a realistic fundraising goal
• Keep families and participants engaged throughout the campaign