It’s a Thursday evening, and the high school football team is wrapping up practice. The coach calls the players together, not to talk plays, but to remind them about the upcoming fundraiser. The team needs new helmets this year, and the budget just doesn’t cover it.

Some players groan, others laugh nervously. They’ve sold enough cookie dough and raffle tickets over the years to know how tiring it can be. Parents, sitting on the bleachers waiting for practice to end, exchange glances. Everyone knows the drill: another fundraiser is coming.

But what if it didn’t have to feel like the same old thing? What if fundraising could be fun, creative, and even meaningful beyond the team?

That’s the idea behind this list. Here are 20 high school football fundraising ideas that go beyond tradition. Some bring the community together, others utilize digital tools to reach supporters everywhere, and a few even help the environment while supporting the team. Because raising money shouldn’t just fill a budget gap, it should be an experience that people want to be part of.

Unique Football Fundraising Ideas That Work Every Season

We’ve gathered the best high school football fundraising ideas into four categories, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your team.

Traditional Fundraising Ideas

Traditional Fundraising Ideas

Some of the most effective fundraising ideas for football teams are those that have proven to be enduring. They’re simple to organize, easy for the community to support, and still bring in steady contributions year after year. If you’re looking for reliable money-raising ideas for football clubs, start here:

1. Car Wash Fundraiser

Few fundraisers for high schoolers are as dependable as a car wash. Players can rotate shifts, parents can help with supplies, and the community receives a valuable service while supporting the team. The visibility of a car wash, signs on the main road, and players in jerseys waving down cars also doubles as team promotion.

Pro Tip: Schedule car washes during high-traffic weekends (like before a big game or community event) to maximize turnout.

2. Concession Stand Upgrades

Concession sales are already a staple of high school football games, but with a bit of creativity, they can become a major fundraiser. Swap out the basics for football-themed treats, add locally donated items like baked goods or BBQ, or even introduce meal deals. These kinds of high school football fundraising ideas not only raise money but also improve the game-day experience.

Pro Tip: Partner with local businesses to receive donated food or supplies; they’ll gain exposure, and your team keeps more of the profits.

3. 50/50 Raffle at Halftime

Halftime is prime time for engagement. A 50/50 raffle offers fans a reason to participate, with half the proceeds benefiting the team and the other half going to a lucky winner. This classic approach is one of the most effective football fundraising ideas because it’s simple, exciting, and quick to set up.

Pro Tip: Boost sales by having team captains or cheerleaders walk the stands with raffle tickets before kickoff.

4. Team Spirit Merchandise

Selling school-branded gear, from t-shirts and hoodies to reusable water bottles, is a great way to build pride while raising money. These fundraising ideas for football teams provide supporters with something tangible to take home, while creating walking advertisements for your program throughout town.

Pro Tip: Launch limited-edition designs for rivalry games or playoff runs to create a sense of urgency and drive higher demand.

5. Bake Sale with a Twist

Bake sales may seem old-school, but they remain effective, especially when given a modern twist. Think football-shaped cookies, cupcakes in school colors, or “signature” desserts baked by team parents. As simple money-raising ideas for football clubs go, this one’s affordable, scalable, and always appreciated.

Pro Tip: Offer pre-orders online so busy supporters can reserve treats ahead of game day.

Event-Based Fundraising Ideas

Event-Based Fundraising Ideas

Events bring people together in ways that simple sales can’t. They create excitement, community spirit, and often raise larger amounts in a single evening. These football fundraising ideas offer your supporters an enjoyable way to participate while ensuring the team’s financial needs are met. If you’re looking for engaging fundraisers for high schoolers, these event-based options are a winning play.

6. Charity Scrimmage

A charity scrimmage puts the spotlight back on the game itself. You can set up a varsity vs. JV matchup, or even organize a playful “parents vs. players” game that gets plenty of laughs. Charge a small admission fee, add concessions, and include fun extras like a halftime cheerleader performance. Not only does this raise money, but it also builds stronger bonds between the team and the wider school community.

Pro Tip: Market it as a family night out and include small extras like face painting for kids to attract a larger audience.

7. Alumni Game Night

Football alumni love any chance to relive their glory days. Hosting an alumni game is a fantastic way to bring former players back to the field, while also giving current students a chance to connect with the school’s history. Charge entry tickets, sell team merchandise, and consider hosting a post-game mixer where alumni and current families can meet. These types of fundraising ideas for football teams often spark a sense of nostalgia and encourage generous donations.

Pro Tip: Offer alumni the option to sponsor their jersey number for the event; it’s a personal, memorable way to raise extra funds.

8. Skills Challenge Event

Turn the field into a playground for both players and fans with a skills challenge. Think longest throw contests, field-goal kicking competitions, or timed sprints. Charge a small entry fee for each event and hand out inexpensive prizes or school merchandise to the winners. These events are especially popular with younger kids, making them a family-friendly way to bring more supporters into the fold.

Pro Tip: Offer bundled tickets (like $10 for unlimited challenges) to simplify the process and encourage more participation.

9. Tailgate Party Fundraiser

Tailgates are already a big part of football culture. Why not turn them into a revenue generator? Host a community tailgate before a big game, complete with BBQ, live music, and fun contests. Sell tickets for access to food or charge per plate, and include raffles or games to keep the energy high. These kinds of money-raising ideas for football clubs create an atmosphere that feels more like a festival than a fundraiser.

Pro Tip: Partner with local restaurants or food vendors and arrange a profit share. You’ll reduce your workload and increase the variety of food available.

10. Movie Night on the Field

Imagine families spread across the football field on blankets, watching a film on a big screen under the stars. A movie night fundraiser is simple to organize but delivers a unique experience for the community. Sell entry tickets, popcorn, and drinks, and consider offering a VIP section with chairs or premium snacks. It’s one of those high school football fundraising ideas that people talk about long after the credits roll.

Pro Tip: Choose a film with broad appeal; family-friendly sports classics like Remember the Titans or The Sandlot are always crowd-pleasers.

Digital & Modern Fundraising Ideas

Digital & Modern Fundraising Ideas

Technology has changed the way teams connect with their supporters. From online donations to virtual events, digital tools make it easier than ever to raise money beyond the local community. If you’re looking for fresh fundraising ideas for football teams, these digital options are well worth exploring.

11. Online Crowdfunding Campaign

Launch a crowdfunding drive with a clear goal, like funding new helmets or covering travel expenses for away games. Use photos, videos, and heartfelt player stories to show why support matters. Share the campaign link on social media, in school newsletters, and through parent networks. Online campaigns work because they make it easy for people to give with just a few clicks, and they allow you to reach far beyond your immediate community.

Pro Tip: Keep supporters updated with progress posts and short videos from players thanking donors; it builds momentum and inspires repeat contributions.

12. Text-to-Donate Campaigns

Convenience drives donations, and text-to-donate platforms make giving as simple as sending a message. Promote the campaign at football games, on school social media accounts, and even on banners around town. With a memorable keyword and short code, fans can contribute on the spot without needing cash. This is one of the fastest-growing money-raising ideas for football clubs because it removes barriers to giving.

Pro Tip: Announce the text-to-donate number during halftime over the loudspeaker for maximum visibility when the crowd is already engaged.

13. Social Media Challenges

Tap into the viral energy of platforms like TikTok and Instagram by creating fun challenges. For example, players could do push-ups for every $10 raised or post trick-shot videos when donation goals are met. These challenges bring personality to your fundraising and encourage younger supporters to get involved. Plus, they often reach new audiences when fans share the content widely.

Pro Tip: Pair the challenge with a donation link in every post so it’s easy for viewers to support while they watch.

14. Virtual Silent Auction

Instead of limiting an auction to one night, host it online, allowing people to bid from anywhere. Ask local businesses and parents to donate items or experiences, such as gift cards, sports memorabilia, or even dinner with the coach. Virtual auctions are great fundraisers for high schoolers because they’re simple to organize and extend your reach beyond those who can attend in person.

Pro Tip: Create urgency by setting a short bidding window (like 48 hours) and promoting the countdown across your social channels.

15. Fantasy Football League Fundraiser

Nothing brings football fans together like fantasy leagues. Set up a league before the NFL season, charge an entry fee, and offer prizes for the top performers. It’s an entertaining way for the community to stay engaged throughout the entire season while supporting the high school program. This is one of those football fundraising ideas that blends fun, competition, and fundraising into one.

Pro Tip: Add a team-focused prize, like a sideline pass to a home game, to make the fundraiser feel more connected to your program.

Eco-Friendly Fundraising Ideas

Eco-Friendly Fundraising Ideas

More schools and communities are seeking ways to make their events more sustainable. Eco-friendly fundraisers do more than support the team; they leave a positive impact on the planet and appeal to families who care about the environment. For teams that want to stand out with meaningful high school football fundraising ideas, these green options offer the perfect balance of purpose and profit.

16. Digital Tree-Planting Fundraiser

Instead of selling products that may end up as clutter, host a digital fundraiser where every donation plants trees. Organizations like Plantd allow supporters to track their contributions and see the environmental impact, making it a personal and rewarding experience. This type of fundraiser connects your football team’s success to something much bigger, resonating with eco-conscious families and alumni.

Pro Tip: Tie donations to team milestones, for example, plant 10 trees for every touchdown scored this season, to keep the campaign engaging.

17. Recycling Drive

Collect bottles, cans, or even e-waste like old phones and chargers, then partner with local recycling centers to turn those items into cash. Players and parents can help set up collection bins around the community, making it a fundraiser that everyone can participate in. It’s a practical way to raise money while teaching students about sustainability.

Pro Tip: Offer small rewards, like team stickers, to encourage more people to contribute recyclables.

18. Reusable Bottle or Tote Sales

Swap out traditional merchandise for eco-friendly gear, such as stainless steel water bottles or reusable grocery totes, branded with the school logo. Not only are they useful, but they also help reduce the use of single-use plastics, making them a fundraiser that carries a positive message.

Pro Tip: Sell them in bundles (e.g., a tote + water bottle combo) to increase average order value.

19. Bike-to-Game Promotion

Encourage fans to ride their bikes to home games instead of driving. Charge a small registration fee, provide secure bike parking, and offer participants a token of appreciation, such as a team-branded wristband. It’s one of the more unique fundraisers for high schoolers because it combines fitness, sustainability, and school spirit.

Pro Tip: Partner with a local bike shop to sponsor the event — they might even donate gear or offer free tune-ups as part of the fundraiser.

20. Eco-Fair Partnership

Host a mini eco-fair at the school or during a big home game. Invite local green businesses, farmers, and sustainability groups to set up booths, with a portion of their fees going to the football program. Add interactive activities, such as composting demos or displays of solar-powered gadgets, to make it engaging for families.

Pro Tip: Promote the eco-fair as a community day where supporting the team also supports local businesses and environmental awareness.

The best high school football fundraising ideas aren’t just about money; they’re about building connection, pride, and lasting impact. When families, alumni, and local businesses rally behind the team, the energy carries far beyond the field.

Take Your Football Fundraiser Beyond the Field with Plantd

Take Your Football Fundraiser Beyond the Field with Plantd

Every season, high school football brings people together: parents in the stands, alumni returning home, and students rallying behind their team. A fundraiser should carry that same spirit of pride and connection.

With Plantd, your team can raise the money it needs while planting trees that improve air quality, restore forests, and give back to communities for generations. Plantd partners with global reforestation projects and ensures every tree is planted in the right place, with results your team can track and share.

That means every dollar raised does double duty: it helps athletes suit up, travel, and compete, while also creating a greener planet your school can be proud of. Supporters love knowing their contribution makes an impact both on the field and far beyond it.

Choose How You Want to Plant:

Subscribe Monthly: Make tree planting a habit. Support reforestation projects and track your impact in the Plantd app.
Start a Fundraiser: Empower your school, nonprofit, or team to plant trees with every donation.
Partner as a Business: Build sustainability into your brand by planting trees with every purchase, service, or milestone.

With global reforestation projects, real community impact, and verified results you can track, Plantd turns action into lasting change. It’s a people-powered movement where every tree planted by individuals, teams, or businesses contributes to something bigger.

Go beyond the usual fundraisers.
Start Planting with Plantd