Every coach knows that running a successful track or cross country program takes more than whistles, stopwatches, and clipboards. It takes resources — and often, the budget from your school district doesn’t quite cover everything your athletes deserve. That’s where fundraising comes in.
Done well, fundraising is more than a way to buy uniforms or cover meet fees. It builds team pride, connects families and communities, and teaches athletes the value of working toward a collective goal. But it also requires planning, strategy, and a clear sense of purpose.
Here are some best practices and creative ideas to make fundraising for your team both effective and — yes — fun.
Define Your “Why”
The most successful fundraisers are built around a story. Parents, local businesses, and community members want to know exactly what they’re supporting. Is it new uniforms? Warm-ups for away meets? Covering travel for state? Or even something long-term, like resurfacing a practice track?
When you define your “why” clearly, your community rallies around a tangible, meaningful goal. It’s not just about dollars; it’s about the impact those dollars will have on your athletes.
Involve the Athletes
Fundraising isn’t just a job for parents and booster clubs. When athletes are active participants, the results are stronger:
- Ownership: Athletes feel a deeper connection to the program.
- Engagement: Donors are more likely to support when they see athletes involved.
- Life Skills: Fundraising teaches communication, teamwork, and accountability.
Whether it’s selling raffle tickets, running a community 5K, or helping organize events, involving athletes turns fundraising into an extension of their growth as people.
Get Creative With Your Events
Gone are the days when bake sales were enough to fund an entire season. Teams today are finding success with innovative, community-centered events:
- 5K or Fun Run: Invite the community to lace up and run alongside your team.
- Youth Clinic: Have your athletes run a one-day camp for younger kids. Parents love it, and it doubles as great team bonding.
- Restaurant Nights: Partner with local restaurants that donate a portion of proceeds on a given night.
- Silent Auctions: Collect donated items or experiences from local businesses.
- Team Challenges: Pledge drives for miles run in practice or laps around the track can generate excitement.
The key is to make fundraising something people want to attend and be part of — not just an obligation.
Leverage Technology
Online fundraising platforms have changed the game. By creating a digital campaign, you can:
- Reach alumni and extended family who may not live nearby.
- Share photos, updates, and videos to keep donors connected.
- Accept donations securely without the hassle of handling cash.
Many programs pair online donations with in-person events for maximum impact.
Blue Star is a proud BlastFundraising partner. BlastFundraising has the lowest fees of any fundraising software – keeping more of what you raise in your community! Plus Blast is easy to set up and secures your funds within days.
Be Transparent With Your Community
People give more generously when they trust that their money is being used wisely. Share your fundraising goals, keep supporters updated on progress, and celebrate when goals are met. Post photos of new gear, thank donors publicly, and make sure the community sees the difference they made.
Transparency builds trust — and that trust pays dividends season after season.
Make Smart Spending Decisions
Raising funds is only half the equation. Being a good steward of those resources is equally important. The vendors you choose reflect the values of your program.
At Blue Star, we believe that the money your athletes and families work so hard to raise should go as far as possible. That means:
- Durable uniforms and warm-ups built to last multiple seasons.
- Fair, mid-market pricing that maximizes your budget.
- American-made custom gear that athletes are proud to wear.
When you choose wisely, every dollar stretches further — and your athletes benefit directly.
Final Word
Fundraising can feel like just another responsibility on an already full coaching plate. But when approached with strategy and purpose, it becomes something much bigger: a way to build community, teach life lessons, and invest in the future of your athletes.
And remember — once those dollars are raised, use them responsibly.
👉 Be a responsible fiduciary of the funds your team worked hard to raise. Use Blue Star, where we maximize your dollar.