Unique High School Cheer Fundraising Ideas for This Year

Being part of a high school cheer squad is awesome. You get to show your school spirit, perform amazing stunts, and build lifelong friendships. But let's be real, all that cheering comes with a price tag. Think uniforms, travel costs for competitions, those sparkly bows – it adds up fast! Coming up with enough money can feel like a huge challenge. That's where smart fundraising comes in. This guide is packed with 21 unique and doable high school cheer fundraising ideas to help your team reach its goals. From creative events to simple sales, we've got the inspiration you need to boost your bank balance. Ready to find out how to make your fundraising a success? Let's jump into some fantastic high school cheer fundraising ideas that'll get your squad cheering all the way to the bank!

21 Awesome High School Cheer Fundraising Ideas

Get Your Game On: Fundraising Events

Want to rally the community and raise some serious cash? Think events! A bake sale is a classic for a reason. Everyone loves a sweet treat, and you can get team members and their families involved in the baking. Consider a "Dance-a-thon" where people pledge money for every hour someone dances – get your school's dance club in on this for extra fun! Pancake breakfasts are another crowd-pleaser. Who can resist a stack of fluffy pancakes on a Saturday morning? You can even get local businesses to donate supplies to cut down on costs.

Creative Ways to Collect Cash

Beyond events, there are tons of other ways to bring in funds. Selling merchandise with your team logo is always a hit. Think t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles – things people actually want to buy and show off. A "Cheer Camp for Kids" is a fantastic idea. Offer a fun day of cheerleading basics for younger kids in your community for a small fee. It's a win-win: they have a blast, and you raise money. Don't forget about online options! Setting up an online store to sell your merchandise or running a crowdfunding campaign can reach a wider audience.

• Bake Sale
• Dance-a-thon
• Pancake Breakfast
• Merchandise Sales (T-shirts, Hoodies)
• Cheer Camp for Kids
• Online Merchandise Store
• Crowdfunding Campaign

Think Outside the Box

Looking for something a little different? How about a talent show? Charge an entry fee for performers and sell tickets to the audience. A car wash is a tried and true method, especially on a sunny weekend. Get the whole team involved with sponges and soap! You could even organize a "themed basket raffle." Each basket has a different theme (movie night, spa day, sports fanatic) and people buy raffle tickets for a chance to win. Don't underestimate the power of asking directly! A letter-writing campaign to local businesses or even setting up a donation jar at school events can bring in unexpected contributions.

Tips for Rocking Your High School Cheer Fundraising

Plan It Out: Don't Just Wing It

Okay, so you've got some killer fundraising ideas. Awesome! But before you jump in, take a breath and make a plan. Think about setting a realistic fundraising goal. How much money do you actually need? Then, map out a timeline. When do you want to hold your events or start your sales? Don't forget to assign roles to team members. Who's in charge of the bake sale? Who's going to design the merchandise? Getting organized from the start will save you a ton of headaches later.

Spread the Word: Make Some Noise!

You can have the best fundraising idea in the world, but if no one knows about it, you won't raise much. Get the word out! Social media is your friend. Create eye-catching posts with all the details. Don't forget to tap into your school's resources. Can you get an announcement in the school newsletter or on the morning announcements? Reach out to local media too. A small blurb in the community paper can make a big difference. And good old-fashioned flyers still work! Put them up around school and in local businesses.

Keep it Fun and Say Thanks

Fundraising shouldn't feel like a chore. Make it fun for everyone involved! Play some music at your events, add some friendly competition, and keep the energy high. And most importantly, remember to thank your supporters! A simple "thank you" goes a long way. Consider sending thank-you notes, posting shout-outs on social media, or even having the team perform a special cheer for your biggest donors. Showing appreciation makes people feel good and more likely to support you again in the future.

Making the Most of Your High School Cheer Fundraising Ideas

Track Your Dough: Where's the Money Going?

Alright, you're raking in the cash – that's fantastic! But don't just let it sit in a giant pile (tempting as that sounds). It's super important to keep track of where every dollar is going. Create a simple budget and stick to it. Know how much you need for uniforms, travel, competition fees, and all those other expenses that pop up. Being transparent about how the money is being used builds trust with your donors. No one wants to feel like their hard-earned cash is vanishing into thin air. Think of it like this: you wouldn't let your star flyer go up for a stunt without a spotter, so don't let your funds float around without a plan!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (and the Fundraising Easier)

Fundraising isn't a solo sport. Get everyone on the team involved! When everyone contributes, the workload feels lighter, and you'll likely come up with even more creative ideas. Hold brainstorming sessions, assign tasks based on people's strengths, and celebrate your successes together. Plus, when potential donors see the whole team working hard, they're more likely to open their wallets. Remember that time Sarah organized that killer car wash and raised a ton? That's the kind of team spirit that leads to fundraising gold.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask (and Ask Again Nicely)

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective. Don't be shy about asking for donations! Reach out to local businesses – you'd be surprised how many are willing to sponsor a high school team. Send personalized letters or emails to friends and family explaining your fundraising goals. And if at first you don't succeed, try again! Just make sure you're not being a pest about it. Keep your requests polite and explain why you're fundraising and what the money will be used for. A little bit of persistence can go a long way.