Running a youth sports organization is hard work whether you’re a competitive club with just a handful of teams or a large rec association, some challenges are universal across all levels of youth soccer.
One issue that consistently comes up at all levels of play is finances. We all know that playing team sports is important for the youth in our communities. However, in order to keep the teams playing, a non-profit association often needs assistants from parents or anyone willing and able to financial donate.
Contrary to popular belief, history has proven that the holiday season is a great, if not the best; time of year to collect donations for your organization. At the end of the year many are assessing their financial situation and for their own reasons, are more willing to donate funds. Here are a few ideas to capitalize on others’ overwhelming generosity and increase financial flow to your club:
Ease of Use: Provide a link on your website, encourage parents and community members to contribute to your organization.
Fundraisers: Holiday cookies, candy canes, or popcorn balls (if you are from the Midwest). Pick a product or service that your organization can easily promote and manage.
Apply for Grants: There are many companies looking to give money to non-profit programs. Do your due diligence; look up grant programs such as:
Set Goal: It is a lot harder to achieve something if you do not know what you are striving for. Set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. From new uniforms to a new club house, providing an objective to your fundraising is important! It provides a goal for the collective efforts of your club and allows you to track progress towards that goal.
Did you know that Blue Sombrero has a Donation module? When using SombreroREG™ for online registration, administrators can display custom donations options to parents upon checkout. Blue Sombrero partners have raised thousands of dollars this way!
Blue Sombrero has also enhanced SombreroPAY™ to allow donation campaigns. It’s simple to set up an account and even easier to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Plus, you can post your progress using a Donations thermometer widget!
Have fun fundraising and please let us know how it goes!
Happy holidays!
Author: Eric Williamson: Regional Sales Manager at Blue Sombrero
Comments