20 Cheerleading Fundraisers That Actually Raise Money

Cheerleading is all about teamwork, spirit, and representing your school or community with pride. But as any squad member, cheer coach, or parent knows, that spirit can come with a hefty price tag. From uniforms and camps to competition and travel fees, a single season can easily run between $700 and $1,000 for new members (and only slightly less for returning ones). 

Unfortunately, many school budgets don’t cover all these costs. The good news is, cheerleading fundraisers can be a powerful way to raise the money you need and build stronger team bonds along the way. 

But as many squads have learned, not all cheerleading fundraisers are a hit. Some require too much effort for too little return. To help you skip the trial and error, we’ve rounded up 20 fundraisers that actually raise money. They’re fun, creative ideas that’ll keep your squad cheering all year long. 

Community events and experiences

Cheerleading fundraisers can be a great way to bring people together. These community-based events not only raise money, but also build excitement and support for your cheer program throughout the community. 

1. Cheer clinic for kids

Host a clinic on a Saturday morning where your squad teaches cheers, jumps, and simple routines to younger students. Charge a registration fee and give participants the opportunity to perform for their parents at the end of the clinic or at an upcoming sporting event. Cheer clinics are a hit among kids and parents alike, and they’re a great way to inspire the next generation of cheerleaders. 

2. Cheer showcase

Host an evening or weekend performance featuring your routines. You can also include guest acts like the school band, dance team, or drama team. Sell tickets and snacks. This cheerleading fundraiser is a great way to raise money while giving your team valuable performance practice.

3. Cheer banquet

Celebrate your season with a festive dinner event that includes performances and awards. Charge admission, and include a raffle or silent auction to raise even more money.

4. Community pep rally

Host a spirit-filled pep rally at the school gym or community center. Include games, performances, and snacks to boost participation (and bring in more money). 

5. Family game night

Invite families to a fun evening of trivia, bingo, or board games at the school gym or community center. Charge a small entry fee and sell concessions. Add a “halftime” cheer performance for some extra energy and excitement.

Game day and school event fundraisers 

Game days are the perfect time for cheerleading fundraisers. The crowd’s already there, the energy is high, and everyone’s in the mood to show some school spirit. These cheerleading fundraisers fit naturally into your regular schedule and are relatively low effort. 

6. 50/50 raffle

50/50 raffles are a classic cheerleading fundraiser – because they work. Sell raffle tickets during football or basketball games, and announce the winner towards the end of the game. Half of the pot goes to the winner, and the other half supports the cheer program. It’s a simple (but effective) cheerleading fundraiser you can repeat all season long.

7. Spirit gear sale

Sell branded spirit wear like t-shirts, hats, and water bottles. Set up a table at games or take orders online. This cheerleading fundraiser will boost school pride and your budget.

8. Game day parking fundraiser

Coordinate with your school to help manage parking during home games. Direct cars to open spots while collecting small donations. Many fans are happy to contribute – especially when they know their support goes straight to the cheer team. You can even reserve premium parking space in advance in exchange for larger donations. 

9. Concession stand takeover

Partner with your school to run the concession stand for the evening. The squad can sell snacks and drinks and keep a portion of the profits. Put out tip jars and remind fans that every purchase directly supports your cheer program. 

10. Photo booth at games

Set up a simple photo booth at games or pep rallies with props like pom poms, megaphones, and foam fingers. Charge attendees a small fee to have their photo taken with the school mascot or the cheer squad. Use a Polaroid printer or digital uploads for instant delivery and a fun keepsake.

Seasonal cheerleading fundraisers

The calendar is packed with festive moments – from back to school events to holiday celebrations and community festivals. These festive cheerleading fundraisers tap into the spirit of each season, helping your team raise money while being part of the fun.

11. Holiday gift wrapping station

Set up a gift wrapping station at a local mall, school, or community center during the month of December. Offer differ price tiers based on gift size, and add festive ribbons and tags in your school colors for a special touch. This simple cheerleading fundraiser takes a chore off of busy holiday shoppers’ plates while raising money for your team. 

12. Easter egg fundraiser 

Offer families the option to have their yards “egged.” Your squad hides candy- or toy-filled plastic eggs overnight for the kids to find in the morning. Or, host a community egg hunt at the school or a local park. Charge a small entry fee, and you’ll raise funds while also spreading cheer.

13. Flower sale 

Partner with a local nursery or florist to sell flowers during the spring. You can set up a booth at a farmer’s market or school event or pre-sell floral arrangements online for pickup or delivery.  This spring cheerleading fundraiser will brighten people’s days, while supporting both your team and local businesses.

14. Halloween cheerleading fundraiser 

Embrace the fall season with a Halloween themed fundraiser. Organize a trunk-or-treat, pumpkin carving contest, or fall festival complete with games, prizes, and music. Your squad can also perform routines throughout the event. This type of cheerleading fundraiser builds school spirit and draws big community turnout.

15. Cheer-o-grams

Sell small goodie bags with candy and personalized notes that are delivered to students by members of the squad. Customize the grams by season. For example, you can sell “Boo-Grams” for Halloween or “Snowflake Shoutouts” during the winter. It’s a simple cheerleading fundraiser that is sure to spread smiles and spirit campus-wide. 

Easy, low-lift cheerleading fundraisers

Not every cheerleading team has the time to pull off an elaborate fundraiser. The good news is, raising money doesn’t have to be complicated to be successful. These easy, low-lift cheerleading fundraisers require minimal effort and can easily fit between school, practice, and competitions.

16. Car wash 

Host a car wash in a busy parking lot with fun, upbeat music. Offer premium washes for larger vehicles or donations above a certain amount. It’s a tried and true cheerleading fundraiser that’s sure to boost your budget. 

17. Restaurant night

Partner with a local restaurant that donates a percentage of sales from one evening to your team. Promote the event through the school newsletter, flyers, and social media. If the restaurant allows, have members of your squad stationed throughout to greet guests and remind them that a portion of their bill supports the team. This cheerleading fundraiser requires little effort but can bring in big returns. 

18. Raffle

Gather donated prizes from local businesses, such as gift cards, services, or themed baskets. Sell raffle tickets online or in-person (or both). Promote the event through your school community, social media, and businesses that donated prizes. This simple cheerleading fundraiser only requires a bit of planning, but it can bring in impressive results.

19. Team yard sale

Have cheerleaders and community members donate gently used clothing, gear, or household items for a community yard sale. Set it up in the school parking lot or football field. This low-lift cheerleading fundraiser is a great opportunity to declutter, connect with neighbors, and raise money. 

20. To-go coffee or cocoa stand

Set up a morning coffee or hot cocoa stand in the school parking lot or at a weekend event. Partner with a local coffee shop for supplies, or buy in bulk and make it yourself. This quick, low-effort cheerleading fundraiser is perfect for chilly mornings or game days. 

Make every cheerleading fundraiser count with MoneyMinder 

The best cheerleading fundraisers don’t just raise money. They also build teamwork, community support, and lifelong memories. The good news is, there’s no shortage of proven ways to rally your community and bring people together. 

No matter which fundraisers your squad chooses, staying organized is key to making them a success. With MoneyMinder, you get a Cheddar Up Team Plan and their lowest processing fees, making handling payments a breeze. MoneyMinder can easily track your cheerleading fundraisers, manage budgets, and keep every dollar accounted for. That way, you can spend less time crunching numbers and more time celebrating your squad’s success.