Need any ideas on how to fundraise? Try these tips, or learn how other teams have reached their goals.
- Let people know who you are, what you do, and your fundraising goal. This is your chance to make connections, make sure they think highly of you and your program, and be transparent about your goals so they can see your progress.
- Find people that care – be it the favorite campus restaurant where you gather after team meetings, boaters on your practice lake, or the Red Bull campus reps – and find what they need to be able to support you.
- Get creative! University of Wisconsin – La Crosse raked it in with money matching after sharing their fundraising “menu”. Distribute through the community to supporters, parents, and alumni.
On the Water & In the Community
Docks & Lifts: Many teams annually install and removes docks from a couple of lakes we ski on. Every year customers come back, and tell their neighbors, growing the business. This fundraiser brings in a couple of thousand dollars for teams each year and is great for team bonding.
Learn-to-water ski clinics, or a fun tubing event, can bring the community together for some fun on the water. Talk to a local Marina about advertising the event, and put flyers around the lake to invite lake lovers to have a good time, get to know the team, and extra support to teach their kids. Pass the Handle day is a great time to get new people on the water. You can charge for the lake experience to cover gas & maybe snacks, then any additional funds go to the team! Let them know it’s a fundraiser.
Boat Washes: Leave flyers around the lake, or post-up at the boat launch to offer boat cleaning. You might be able to talk to Babes Boat Wash, or your local marina for discounted cleaning supplies. Bring lots of microfiber towels, and put up signs letting them know it’s a fundraiser for the local campus team.
On-Campus
Sports Club Council: Schools provide many opportunities for clubs to raise funds. This may include a student council, where groups can petition for funds for a cause or event. There may be opportunities to
volunteer on campus for team funds, receive reimbursement for travel expenses, scholarships to
National Championship tournaments, or even “jobs” open only to campus clubs.
Athletics: Many schools have opportunities to sell concessions or clean the stadium after a sports game for team funding. It can be an easy way to make a few hundred dollars. Make it into a bonding activity! Talk to your school about what opportunities are open to you.
Orgs & Greeks: Offer to teach other teams, organizations, or greek houses on the water for learn to ski or tubing days!
Alumni
Calling all Skiers! Let your team’s alumni network support you. Via a Facebook group, an Instagram story “Bingo”, personal contacts, or a mailed card – let them know you are looking to fundraise (Specific Amount $) for (Specific purchase) so the team will be able to (Specific Goal). Ask for a reasonable amount, with an open-ended option as well as easy methods to donate. (Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Check)
Offer your services for Boat Washes, Docks & Lifts, and Misc. Manual Labor (IE: Raking Leaves, Moving) as jobs to bring in funds.
Host an event! Alumni tournaments, Jump clinics, or team BBQs can be great ways to get family, friends, and former team members to show up in your support.
Successful Programs by other Teams
Cajun Ski’s Jump Ramp Fundraiser
San Diego State Holds Online Mission Bay Jump Maintenance Fundraiser
Marquette Hosts Successful Fundraiser for Parents, Alumni, and Friends
Michigan State University Freezing for Their Fundraiser!
University of Alabama Launches 2018 Calendar Fundraiser!
Arizona State Water Ski Launches Fundraiser to Fix Boat
Ohio State University Successful Alumni Tournament & Auction!
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