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READ MOREPublished on October 4, 2024 in Fundraising
Sports have the unique ability to unite people, creating a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose in a community that few other activities can match. Whether it’s a friendly softball tournament, a basketball game, or a pickleball match, sporting events offer a unique way to rally family, friends, and the greater community to fundraise for the National Brain Tumor Society and give people living with brain tumors a better chance.
Fundraising through sporting events allows participants to engage directly with the cause in a fun, memorable way while motivating donors and providing opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
“My friend passed away from glioblastoma last year,” said Daniel G., who hosted a tennis fundraiser in his friend’s memory. “Fundraising through sports leads to a sense of community, goodwill, and impact.”
Ready to start your own sports fundraiser? Follow these simple steps to bring your idea to life.
The first step is to pick a sport that you are excited about — whether you have firsthand experience playing the sport, someone in your network is involved in the specific sport you’re considering, or the event type is important to the person you are honoring.
Having your event align in one of these three ways is key to making it a success.
Example #1: “Jacob has a love for soccer,” said Keren A. about her son, whose grandfather passed away from glioblastoma in 2020. “He had the idea to combine his passion for soccer with helping to raise money for a cause that was meaningful and important to him.” In 2023, Jacob hosted a soccer game for family and friends as a fundraiser for his Bar Mitzvah project.
Example #2: “My uncle, who passed away from glioblastoma in 2019, was a big basketball fan and grew up in a small town down the road from where we live,” said Chelsea L. “My husband is also a basketball coach at an area high school, so we made the Gray Game happen with his help and that of the athletic directors of both schools.”
Example #3: “A sports fundraiser is only as successful as the level of enthusiasm for the sport and the cause,” said Chris E., who started a golf tournament after a neighbor’s son passed away from a malignant brain tumor. By taking an event she and her network were passionate about, Chris and her planning committee raised over $100,000 through their first year.
A budget will help keep you on track to maximize the money donated to the mission.
Start by listing out the expenses you expect, such as your venue, decorations, and other supplies or rentals. A great idea is to consider venues that have the amenities you’ll need, such as bathrooms, and to think about who in your network may be able to support you by lending items, such as tables and chairs, or donating items, such as water and snacks.
To set your starting fundraising goal, estimate how many event participants you expect to purchase a ticket or donate for entry and who you think from your network will support with an additional donation.
“Jacob suggested a donation of $10 to NBTS to participate in the soccer event,” Keren explained. For Jacob’s event, they wanted to “make it fun, all-inclusive, and ask for a low amount of money [for the registration] with the option to donate more.”
When budgeting your fundraising goal, a great way to raise additional funds from your event is to sell sponsorships and add additional activities to go along with the sporting event, such as t-shirt sales, an online or in-person silent auction, half-court shot, concession stand sales, and more.
Example #1: Chelsea’s Gray Game basketball event had free admission while accepting donations. As part of the event, they sold gray t-shirts, set up a concession stand, and held a half-time chuck-a-duck competition to raise additional funds.
Example #2: “We had multiple options for donations through the NBTS campaign page, [including] an online and day-of silent auction,” said Ben T. of his golf tournament fundraiser.
Reach out to your venue to confirm their pricing, date and timing availability, and what else they offer or if they have any restrictions. From here, update your budget.
“My father spent 38 years working as a golf course superintendent before he passed away from glioblastoma,” said Ben T. “When thinking about ways to honor his memory, a golf tournament was the perfect solution to raise money and get everyone together to do something he loved. Once we secured the golf course, date, and set up registration, the golf course handled most of the day-of execution.”
When hosting your sports fundraiser for NBTS, you’re not alone. NBTS provides 1:1 guidance and support through our Fundraise Your Way team. You’ll also have the ability to create a donation page or request a ticketed event site for your event through the National Brain Tumor Society.
Kevin M., who hosted a lacrosse game fundraiser, emphasized the importance of connecting with the National Brain Tumor Society in the planning process. “Lauren [at NBTS] and I jumped on a call to go over goals and details,” Kevin said. “From there, Lauren set up the fundraising site as well as [sent] us a banner and information on brain cancer to raise awareness. NBTS made it very easy to organize this event for us.”
On your call with the Fundraise Your Way team, you’ll talk through what you have planned and how to make your fundraiser a success. To speak with the Fundraise Your Way team about your sports fundraiser, submit a fundraising interest form.
Once you lock in your date with your venue, you’re all set to start promoting your event by emailing your network the details of the event, including why the event is important to you and the link to how people can register, RSVP, or donate.
Example #1: “We created an Evite explaining the soccer event that we sent out to family and friends,” Keren said. “In the Evite, there was a link to Jacob’s fundraising page through NBTS.”
Example #2: Chelsea recommends, “Send your donation page to friends and family, and follow up with those who expressed interest in supporting you.”
Next, use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to spread the word and encourage participants to share your event. Consider posting your event on town event boards or creating a Facebook event to post on applicable local community pages.
Approach local businesses to secure sponsorships or donations for things like prizes, auction items, refreshments, or event space. Many companies are happy to support community-driven events, especially when it’s for a good cause.
Example #1: “By canvassing local businesses, the community, friends, and family, sponsorships and golf registration were quickly sold out, and we amassed many items to auction,” shared Chris.
Example #2: “Lean on your support network and your connections in your community,” Chelsea said. “It amazes me every time I do a fundraiser how generous people are to help and give.”
NBTS’s fundraising toolkit includes a templated sponsorship packet that you can use to create your perfect sponsor package for your event. NBTS can also write you a letter of endorsement to encourage businesses to support your efforts.
Once your event is complete, take time to celebrate the impact you’ve made. Whether you surpassed your fundraising goal or rallied new supporters for the brain tumor community, you made a difference.
Be sure to thank participants, donors, and volunteers for their contributions. Share the results with your community through social media, highlighting the funds raised and the difference it will make. Recognize standout participants or teams, and don’t forget to reflect on your personal achievements as an organizer.
“After our event, we sent out thank you notes,” Chris said.
Celebrating your success not only boosts morale but also sets the stage for future events, inspiring even more people to join your cause next time and showing potential sponsors the value of supporting your fundraiser in the future.
Here are examples of successful types of sports fundraisers that have been hosted in support of the National Brain Tumor Society:
Fundraising through sports is an incredible way to combine your love of physical activity with your desire to make a difference. Every dollar you raise brings us closer to conquering and curing brain tumors — once and for all.
Connect with NBTS to take the next step and get your fundraiser on the books. Unsure of which sporting event makes the most sense for a fundraiser? Let us help you brainstorm ideas! We’re here to give you the resources you need to make your fundraiser a success.
TAGGED WITH: community fundraising