It’s time to FUNdraise again! Whether you're a cheerleader, coach, parent, or fan, raising funds for your cheer team or school spirit squad can feel like a fulltime job. We get it, between practices, competitions, and school commitments, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated or low return fundraiser. But the truth is, the right cheerleading fundraiser idea can do more than just cover costs, it can fuel your season with team spirit, community support, and real results.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most effective, creative, and actually fun cheer team fundraising ideas that work. From classic events to unique product fundraisers, we’re breaking down what works best, why it works, and how your squad can score big, without the burnout.

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Simple and Smart Cheer Fundraising Ideas to Try This Season!

No matter what size your squad is or what level you're cheering at, competitive, sideline, or travel these fundraiser ideas are easy to start, fun to participate in, and high in return.

1. Team Spirit Nights (Community Fundraising at Its Best)

Dine and Donates! Host a Team Spirit Night at a local restaurant or small business that’s willing to share a percentage of the night’s proceeds with your team. Have cheerleaders attend in uniform, take photos with guests, and perform quick cheers or chants during the event. Bringing a mascot for photo opps scores major points! Bonus, you can sell fundraising products during this event too!

Why it works: It builds relationships with local businesses, brings the community together, and promotes your team in a fun, public setting.

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2. Cheer Spirit Yard Signs

Offer personalized yard signs that show support for your cheerleading team, like “Go [Team Name]” or “Cheering for [Athlete’s Name]”. These signs can be placed in the yards of local supporters or outside homes on game days, creating a sea of spirit throughout your community. This seriously creates a sense of pride and district spirit, you could even include kindness sayings to add a little extra love into the custom signs!

Why it works: It’s a simple, yet unique way for fans to show support while also helping raise funds. Plus, it’s an easy-to-make product that can bring long-term visibility to your team.

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3. "Cheerleader Service Squad" Fundraiser

A fun and interactive twist on the traditional fundraiser. Team members offer their time and skills to help with tasks like yard work, tutoring, grocery runs, or pet-sitting for families within your school or local community.

Why it works: This fundraiser not only helps raise money but also provides an opportunity for the team to connect with their community. It showcases the cheerleaders’ dedication and willingness to give back, while creating positive interactions that benefit both the team and the families they serve. Plus, it’s a great way to show off the squad’s work ethic and team spirit!

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4. Custom Cheer Blankets

Why Custom Cheer Blankets Are a Fundraising Favorite

Alright, now let’s talk about one of the most fun, functional, and fan favorite fundraising products out there, custom cheer blankets! These fleece throws can even have the team photo printed on them! These aren’t just blankets, they’re cozy billboards of team pride, and fans love them. These custom fundraising products literally sell themselves, especially during football games and competitions! 

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Here’s why these cheer fundraising products are a slam dunk:

They’re personalized. Feature your team colors, mascot, name, slogans, whatever makes your cheer squad stand out. 

They’re useful. Perfect for chilly Friday night football games, early morning competitions, or long bus rides to meets. 

They’re high profit. At just $10.50 per custom blanket with free shipping, your squad can mark up prices and keep big margins. 

They sell themselves. Parents, teachers, fans, and even students who aren’t on the team love buying them.

Even better? You get a free sample blanket and professional digital mockups when you work with Fundraiser Blankets®. That way, your team knows exactly what they’re selling.

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What Every Team Should Know Before They Start

Before diving into any fundraising campaign, take a moment to plan. Here are some quick but essential pointers to keep things running smoothly:

Know Your Audience: Are you selling to school families, alumni, or the broader community? What would they actually want to buy or support? 

Set Clear Goals: Are you funding travel, new uniforms, or competition fees? Share this openly, it builds trust and urgency. 

Keep It Simple: Choose fundraisers that don't exhaust your volunteers, coaches, or parents. Less stress = better results. 

Make It Visual: Use social media and posters with your team in action. People give when they feel emotionally connected. 

Always Say Thank You: Send shoutouts, handwritten notes, or thank you videos. Gratitude goes a long way in future fundraising efforts.

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Feedback from Cheer Teams Across the Country

Let’s hear it from teams who’ve already raised funds (and spirits!) with custom blankets:

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Fans in the Stands

Seeing is believing! Posting photos of your cheerleaders using or selling the blankets makes a huge difference. Plus, sharing a simple video (like our viral cheer blanket reel!) can help you connect with supporters across the country.

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Don’t forget to ask your supporters to tag your team when they post themselves wrapped in their cheer blanket. It creates a ripple effect of support and team pride!

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DID YOU KNOW?

Fundraising Builds More Than Just Funds

We often think of fundraising as just a way to get money for gear or travel, but it goes way deeper.

Leadership Skills: Let your cheerleaders take the lead on planning and promotion. 

Financial Literacy: Fundraising teaches teens about goal setting, profits, and budgeting. 

Team Bonding: Shared goals unite your squad beyond the mat or field. 

Community Connection: Your pep team becomes more than performers, they become ambassadors for your school.

These experiences prepare your athletes for college, careers, and leadership opportunities beyond cheer.

Wrapping It Up (Literally!)

Fundraising doesn’t have to be boring, and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right ideas, a little creativity, and an awesome product like custom cheer blankets, your team can raise money, bond together, and boost school spirit all at once.

Whether you're planning a summer cheer camp fundraiser, prepping for a winter competition, or just want to support your squad year round, Fundraiser Blankets® is here to help make your season a success.

Ready to Launch Your Cheer Fundraiser? 

Let’s make this your most memorable and profitable season yet. Whether it’s for sideline, competitive season, or travel cheer, we got you! Get to know us two mom founders better at Fundraiserblankets.com and Contact us to get your free blanket sample and mockup design today!

Your team deserves it.

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