Fundraising is just part of the cheer life. Whether your team needs new uniforms, travel money for competitions, or just extra gear for the season, raising money is how you make it all happen.
But let’s be honest, it can get overwhelming. There are so many ideas out there, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth your time.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve pulled together the best cheerleading fundraiser ideas that are simple to run, don’t cost a fortune to start, and bring in real results. You’ll find ideas that work for teams of all sizes, whether you’re a small middle school squad or a big high school team heading to nationals.
Proven cheer fundraising ideas that still work
You don’t always need something flashy to hit your fundraising goals. Sometimes, the classic ideas are still around for a reason, they work. These are easy to plan, low-cost to run, and great for getting the whole cheer squad involved.
1. Bake sale
This one’s a go-to. Ask team members and parents to bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. Set up a table at school, a game, or a local event. Keep prices simple (think $1 or $2), and offer small bundles for bigger donations. Bonus tip: Label treats with allergy info so everyone can enjoy them safely.
2. Car wash
Find a parking lot, grab some buckets and sponges, and promote it around town. Your cheer team gets to bond while raising money, and drivers love supporting local students. You can even pre-sell tickets or offer a “pay what you want” option for donations.
3. Gift wrapping
Perfect for the holiday season. Set up a gift-wrapping station at a mall, school, or church. Ask for donations in exchange for wrapping gifts. All you need is paper, tape, and bows. People are happy to save time, and your team earns money while keeping things festive.
4. Cheer car wash or dog wash
If you’ve done a regular car wash before, try switching it up. Add a dog wash station and make it a full cheer squad event. People love having fun, useful options in one place. It’s a great way to bring in more foot traffic (and wagging tails).
Pro tip
Stack simple fundraisers together, like a bake sale and car wash on the same day. You’ll double your chances of success without doubling your planning.
Creative ideas for cheerleading teams that go beyond the basics
If your team wants to try something a little more fun, or just different from the usual bake sale, these creative cheerleading fundraiser ideas are great for pulling in your community and showing off your squad’s personality.
5. Cheer clinic or cheer camp
Host a mini camp for younger kids who want to learn from your cheerleaders. Offer a few hours of jumps, chants, and fun. Charge a small registration fee and include a snack or t-shirt if you can. It’s a fundraiser, but also a way to build up the next generation of cheerleaders.
6. Cheerleader for a night
Let a teacher, coach, or even the principal join your team for one night at a game. Sell tickets or collect donations to vote on who gets to wear the uniform and do a cheer. It’s fun, a little silly, and always a crowd-pleaser.
7. Talent or fashion show
Put on a simple show where team members, friends, and family can perform or strut their stuff. Charge a small entry fee, sell snacks, and maybe even give out fun awards. You can do this in the school gym with a few decorations and a speaker.
8. Pie the coach / principal challenge
You set a goal, and if your team hits it, someone gets a pie to the face. Keep the energy high by posting updates and letting donors know how close you are. It's a small reward for a big laugh, and donors love being part of the fun.
9. Spirit night at local restaurants
Team up with a local business that gives back a portion of the night’s sales to your cheerleading squad. These events are easy to plan and great for getting support from friends, family, and the whole town.
Online cheer fundraiser ideas for modern teams
Not every fundraiser needs tables and tickets. Some of the best cheer fundraising ideas happen right from your phone. These options are fast, flexible, and let your team reach friends and family wherever they are.
10. Crowdfunding with social media support
Set a goal, tell your story, and share it online. Platforms like GoFundMe or tools built for teams make it easy to start. Each team member can post on their own pages, ask for small donations, and track progress together. Make it visual, photos and short videos go a long way.
11. Text-to-give campaigns
Text-to-give is simple. Supporters text a keyword to a number and donate right from their phone. It's quick and works great at events, pep rallies, or even in the school newsletter. A short demo before kickoff or halftime can really boost donations.
12. Peer-to-peer fundraising
Let each cheerleader create their own donation page and ask their personal network to chip in. It’s like crowdfunding, but more personal. This method spreads the work across the team and brings in more people who want to support someone they know.
13. Sell merchandise or team gear online
Set up a basic online store with your cheer squad’s logo on shirts, water bottles, or bows. Family members and alumni love showing off their support, and your team gets a cut of every sale. Keep designs simple and offer items people can actually use.
Pro tip
Short videos from practice or game day make great fundraising content. A 15-second clip with a goal and a thank you message is more powerful than any graphic.
Fundraising events that engage your community
Some of the best cheerleading fundraiser ideas are the ones that bring people together. When your cheer team hosts an event, you're not just raising money, you’re also building team spirit and giving your community a reason to show up and support.
14. Cheer-a-thon or stunt-a-thon
Set a goal, like 500 jumps, 100 stunts, or an hour of nonstop cheering, and collect donations based on how much the team can do. It’s exciting to watch, keeps your squad moving, and gives people a fun reason to donate. You can even livestream it for out-of-town supporters.
15. Walkathon, color run, or spirit run
Host a fun run where everyone can join in, parents, students, teachers, and friends. Add a theme (like school colors or costumes) and charge a small fee to enter. Offer water, music, and a few giveaways, and you’ve got yourself a full-on fundraising event.
16. Parents’ night out
This one’s always a hit. Offer babysitting for a few hours at the school or community center while parents get a night to themselves. Set up games, movies, crafts, something simple and safe. Charge per kid or accept donations. It’s a win-win for families and your squad.
17. Game day booths
Set up a booth at football or basketball games and sell snacks, raffle tickets, or spirit gear. You already have a crowd, you just need a table and a plan. Rotate team members to work shifts and keep the setup simple.
Local business partnerships
Ask a few businesses in town to sponsor your event, match donations, or donate items for a raffle. In return, you can shout them out on your social media or print their name on your event flyers. It’s a great way to build community support while boosting your fundraiser.
Setting your cheerleading fundraiser goals and roles
Before your team jumps into selling cookies or planning a cheer camp, take a minute to figure out what you actually need. Clear goals and good roles can make the difference between a stressful fundraiser and one that feels smooth from start to finish.
18. Define your fundraising goals
Start with a number. Are you trying to raise $2,000 for new uniforms? $500 for travel? Break it down so the team knows exactly what they’re working toward. If it’s a big goal, split it into smaller pieces, like “$200 by the end of this month” or “one sponsor per cheerleader.”
19. Assign roles for team members
Don’t let one person do everything. Choose a few cheerleaders to be in charge of different parts: social media, asking for donations, tracking money, setting up tables. You can even involve parents to help with permits or supplies. When everyone owns a piece, the whole thing runs better.
20. Track progress in real-time
Whether it’s a big wall chart in the gym or a digital dashboard through a tool like Harness, make your progress visible. Seeing that line move helps keep motivation up and shows your donors that their support matters.
Pro tip
Set a celebration for when you hit your goal, a pizza night, a team photo shoot, or even just a big group cheer. It gives everyone something to look forward to beyond the fundraiser itself.
How to promote your cheerleading fundraiser on social media
You don’t need to be a marketing pro to get your cheer fundraiser noticed. Social media is one of the easiest ways to spread the word, reach friends and family, and bring in more support. You just need a few smart steps and some team spirit.
Pick your platforms
Focus on where your supporters are. Instagram and TikTok work great for younger crowds and visual posts. Facebook is still the go-to for parents and local businesses. If your school has social accounts, ask if they can help share, too.
Share real moments
People love seeing your team in action, at practice, games, or even baking for your fundraiser. Post quick videos, short updates, or behind-the-scenes photos. Keep it honest and simple. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to feel real.
Use stories and countdowns
Instagram and Facebook stories are perfect for short, daily updates. Add countdowns before your event or goal deadline. Remind people to donate or show up. Use polls, questions, or “this or that” to keep it interactive.
Ask everyone to share
Each team member should post about the fundraiser and ask friends, family, and classmates to repost it. A few shares can go a long way. Write a short message everyone can copy to make it easier.
Pro tip
Every post should include your goal and how someone can help, whether it’s a link, a time to show up, or just tagging your page. Always thank supporters along the way so they feel part of your progress.
Your team and your goals
Raising money for your cheer team doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you stick with a simple bake sale or plan a full-on cheer camp, what matters most is choosing ideas that fit your team and your goals. With a little planning, clear roles, and support from your community, your squad can reach its fundraising goals, and have a lot of fun along the way.
And if you want a little extra help? Harness gives you smart tools and expert support so you can raise more without burning out. From easy-to-use donation forms to real-time tracking, we’re here to help your fundraising efforts go farther.
