Fundraising is a lifeline for grassroots sports clubs. Whether you’re covering the cost of new jerseys, pitch maintenance, a team trip away, or running day-to-day operations, raising money locally is how most clubs survive and thrive.

But coming up with fresh fundraising ideas each season is a real challenge, especially for volunteers juggling busy lives. That’s why we’ve put together 10 creative, practical, and community-friendly fundraising ideas, tailored for grassroots clubs like yours.

This isn’t just theory. These ideas work. And with tools like ClubZap to help you promote events, manage ticketing, and collect payments, they’re easier to run than ever before.

What We’ll Cover

Every club is different, and so are your fundraising goals. Whether you’re aiming to raise a few hundred euro for a new kit, or funding a major facility upgrade, the right fundraising idea depends on your needs, resources, and community.

In this article, we’ve pulled together a wide range of creative and proven ideas to suit clubs of all sizes and ambitions.

Here’s what we’ll explore:

1. Fitness-Focused Fundraisers

A tried-and-tested way to raise money and promote wellness in your community. Host a 5K, 10K, or fun colour run! Go big with a triathlon, adventure race or make it family-friendly with a walkathon. Invite all age groups and encourage fancy dress or themed challenges.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Use the app to manage sign-ups, collect entry fees, and send automatic reminders to participants. You can also generate a QR code linking directly to your event page and include it on posters or signage – making it quick and easy for people to register on the spot.

2. Family Fun Day

Perfect for summer or back-to-school weekends, this is all about community. Think penalty shoot-outs, tug of war, BBQs, face painting, and bouncy castles. Sell tickets for entry or tokens for activities.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Promote your event using ClubZap’s announcement and messaging tools to reach all club members instantly.

3. Bingo Night

It never gets old. A Bingo Night is easy to organise and loved by all generations. Combine it with a raffle, sponsored prizes, or even a “club lotto jackpot draw” on the night to boost excitement.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Use ClubZap to sell tickets, promote the event, and send reminders.

4. Threshing Events & Tractor Runs

Nothing draws a rural crowd like vintage machinery or a convoy of decorated tractors. Sell entry per vehicle, offer refreshments, and invite local sponsors for support.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Create a custom event page to share logistics and safety info with participants.

5. Auctions & Table Quizzes

Table quizzes and auctions are a reliable combo. Host them in your clubhouse, local pub, or online. Keep it lively with themed rounds (e.g. club history, sport, pop culture). Ask local businesses to donate prizes or items for auction.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Run pre-registration and communicate updates to team captains easily through the app.

6. Fashion Shows & Lip Sync Battles

Bring energy and entertainment to your next fundraiser. Fashion shows are a great way to involve local boutiques, while lip sync battles guarantee laughs. Club members or local “celebs” performing in costume = instant crowd-puller.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Share videos and updates through your ClubZap feed to build buzz and boost ticket sales.

7. Race Nights & Skydives

For a big impact, go bold. Skydives and sponsored challenges bring serious fundraising potential. Set personal donation targets and use social media to boost visibility.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Share links to online donation platforms and post updates to keep momentum strong.

8. Winter Swims

A festive classic. Brave club members take a dip in icy waters, usually around Christmas or New Year – in exchange for sponsorship. A perfect mix of tradition, challenge, and social buzz.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Use ClubZap’s communications tool to coordinate details and post photos after the event.

9. 24-Hour Walkathons

Choose a local loop or track and keep your team moving round the clock – whether in shifts or as a group. Walkathons are simple to run and great for creating a sense of purpose and pride. Why not throw in a bit of novelty too, like a solo lap carrying the ball every hour or a torch-lit segment at night. This will help you to keep energy high and spectators engaged!

💡 ClubZap Tip: Schedule walk slots through ClubZap and use push notifications to keep participants informed. Why not ensure further visibility with passing traffic to promote the fundraiser even more! Think about having a stand or even stationary exercise equipment (like a rowing machine or spin bike) set up on a busy street or outside your clubhouse to attract attention, generate buzz, and encourage spontaneous donations on the day.

10. Digital Club Lotto

Recurring draws are one of the most effective fundraising tools a club can run. Whether it’s a weekly lotto, 50/50 draw, Split the Pot, monthly members draw, or Joker-style game – ClubZap lets you manage everything online – safely and securely.

💡 ClubZap Tip: Set up your club’s lotto here and automate weekly draws, notifications, and payments.

Final Thoughts: Fundraising That Works

Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, running a lotto, or organising something more unique, like a sports prediction competition – what matters most is that it suits your club and keeps your community engaged.

Want to do something outside the box? Why not try a Sports Prediction Quiz? Members can predict winners of major sporting events throughout the year, across GAA, rugby, football, golf, and more. Offer monthly prizes to keep the momentum going. 

Or run a special event around tournaments like The Masters with a dedicated Golf Prediction Competition – perfect for drawing in golf fans and non-players alike!

💬 Looking for an easier way to run your club’s fundraising events? Whether you’re hosting a local quiz night or managing weekly lotto draws, ClubZap can help you promote sports events online (read full article on it here), collect payments, and communicate with your members – all in one place. Book a demo and see how it works.