Summer Fundraising for Sports & Activities: How to Make the Most of the Off-Season

Summer may feel like a break for students, but for coaches, group leaders, and teams, it’s a golden opportunity. Whether you’re gearing up for fall sports, band season, or leadership retreats, summer fundraising can help your group get ahead, without the last-minute stress when the school year begins.

At Snap! Raise, we know that planning ahead is key to a successful season. Here’s how to make your summer fundraising efforts count.

Why Fundraising in Summer Works

✅ Less Competition for Attention

During the school year, your message competes with homework, events, and other fundraisers. Summer gives you a clearer lane to reach donors who are eager to support while they’re feeling more relaxed (and, maybe, more generous).

✅ Early Funds = Less Stress Later

Need uniforms? Equipment? Travel funds for camp or pre-season tournaments? Raising money over the summer helps you hit the ground running in the fall.

✅ Re-engage Returning Supporters

The off-season is a great time to reconnect with your past supporters, especially if your team had a strong season or impactful experience. Celebrate that momentum while inviting them to be part of your next chapter.

5 Smart Summer Fundraising Strategies

1. Launch an Online Fundraiser

Going digital means no door-knocking, event planning, or volunteers required. Tools like Snap! Raise make it easy to collect donations, share your story, and track your progress from anywhere, even if your team is scattered for summer break.

Pro tip: Include a compelling video or photos from last season to spark emotion and show the real impact of donations.

2. Use Social Media Creatively

Summer is a great time for content. Post behind-the-scenes training clips, countdowns to the season, or “Throwback Thursday” wins from last year. Encourage athletes or participants to share the fundraiser with their followers for extra reach.

3. Offer Summer-Themed Incentives

Create fun challenges for donors:

• Donate $50 and get a shoutout during practice
• Top donors enter to win team merch or a signed ball
• Every $100 donation = 1 water balloon that Coach gets hit with (yep, people love this)

4. Highlight Summer Goals

People love to give when they know exactly what they’re helping with. Be specific:

• “We’re raising $3,000 to send 20 kids to summer cheer camp.”
• “Help us buy new helmets before our August training starts.”

5. Partner with Local Businesses

Restaurants, gyms, or community centers may be more available in summer to support your team, whether through donations, fundraiser nights, or in-person campaign promotions.

Make Summer Count

Summer fundraising isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building momentum, connection, and confidence going into a new season. With the right approach, your team can turn a few weeks of focus into a year’s worth of impact.

Ready to launch your summer campaign? Let’s make it happen before the first whistle blows.