Fundraising

Sources and tips. Please send any ideas/content to [e-mail]

If new to fundraising the easiest method is to use the many platforms already out there (like GoFundMe). Note they will charge a fee so review which is best for your needs.

Some Fundraising platforms to get started

For 2024: Here is a listing of the top 9: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/fundraising-platforms

---

Fundraising Strategies and Tips

by Coach Ryan Lancaster, Head Coach Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Wrestling

While fundraising may not be the most glamorous aspect of coaching, it plays a pivotal role in shaping a successful wrestling program. A program with adequate funds could reach its full potential. Let's explore how fundraising is essential to the health and success of any wrestling team and share strategies to elevate your program to championship status. Financial stability is the backbone that supports the pillar of any program. Fundraising is the empowering tool that allows a wrestling program to secure top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art training facilities, and essential equipment. These resources are necessary for even the most dedicated team to reach its full potential. In this light, fundraising becomes akin to identifying and strengthening a wrestler's weak spot—a necessary step to becoming unbeatable. Just as top-tier athletes understand that to excel, they must identify and address their weaknesses; fundraising is the mechanism for a wrestling program to confront and conquer its financial vulnerabilities. It's not just an option but a necessity. Just as a wrestler dedicates extra effort to refine their skills, a program must diligently pursue fundraising to bolster its financial health and overall success. To transform your wrestling program into a powerhouse, you must adhere to crucial fundraising principles that generate the necessary funds and strengthen your team's foundation. Here are seven essential rules to guide your efforts, including successful strategies.

Set Clear Goals

Define your objectives and communicate them. Donors are more likely to contribute when they understand how their money will support the team.

Be Transparent

Maintain honesty about where the funds are allocated and update your supporters on your progress. Transparency builds trust and encourages ongoing support. Engage the Community

Involve alums and local businesses in your fundraising efforts. When the community feels invested in the program, their support becomes more personal and meaningful. Diversify Fundraising Methods

Don't rely on a single fundraising avenue. Experiment with various approaches, from merchandise sales and event hosting to corporate sponsorships, to maximize your reach and income. Leverage Technology

Expand your fundraising efforts through online platforms and social media. Digital tools can help you reach a broader audience and simplify the donation process. Show Gratitude

Always acknowledge and thank your donors. Whether through a handwritten note, a public shout-out on social media, or a special recognition event, expressing gratitude fosters loyalty and continued support.

Plan for Sustainability

Create a long-term fundraising strategy to look beyond immediate needs. Sustainable fundraising ensures that your program remains financially healthy well into the future. Fundraising might not be the most exhilarating part of coaching, but it's the cornerstone of building a successful wrestling program. Just as athletes must correct their weaknesses to achieve greatness, wrestling programs must address financial challenges through strategic fundraising. By adhering to these seven fundamental principles, you, as part of the wrestling community, can secure the necessary funds, engage your community, and position your program to compete at the highest level. Fundraising isn't just a necessity; it's the secret weapon that can propel your wrestling team to new heights.

---

STRATEGIES

Securing Approval: The First Step

Obtaining permission from your school or governing organization is crucial before launching any fundraising efforts. Adhering to established rules and procedures ensures your fundraising activities align with institutional policies. This initial step sets the stage for all subsequent efforts and keeps you well-informed and prepared.

Pay-to-Play: A Direct Contribution Model

Implementing a '"pay-to-play'" policy is a straightforward approach that can significantly boost your budget. This model requires athletes to contribute a fee—ranging from $10 to $100—to participate in the program. While this might seem small, it can substantially impact the program's overall budget, especially when participation numbers are high. This confidence in the model's effectiveness can reassure you of its potential.

Corporate Sponsorship: Partnering with the Big Players

Securing sponsorship from large companies can be a game-changer for your wrestling program. Corporate sponsors can provide the following:

• Substantial financial support

• Covering expenses like uniforms, headgear, etc. (gear)

• Equipment

• Travel costs

These partnerships often extend beyond mere financial aid, fostering a sense of community involvement and brand recognition for the sponsors. This potential for significant financial support can inspire optimism about your program's future.

Local Businesses: Grassroots Support

Engaging with local businesses for donations or sponsorships is another effective way to raise funds. Many local businesses are eager to support community sports programs, as it enhances their visibility and strengthens their ties to the community. This mutually beneficial relationship helps with your budget and fosters goodwill.

Selling Old Gear: Turning History into Revenue

Clearing out old uniforms, warm-ups, or mats the team no longer uses can serve a dual purpose. By selling this gear, you declutter your storage space and give fans and alums a tangible piece of the program's history. This approach is a win-win, converting unused items into much-needed funds.

Takedown-a-Thon: A Unique Fundraising Event

The Takedown-a-Thon is a creative fundraising initiative that also enhances athletes' skills. Wrestlers solicit pledges for every takedown they achieve during a practice or event. This approach raises money and motivates athletes to push their limits, fostering a culture of excellence within the team. Alums and Business Pledges: Building a Support Network

Reaching out to former wrestlers, friends of the program, and local businesses for pledges tied to team milestones can create a robust support network. Whether it's pledging for every win or milestone reached during the season, this strategy can generate significant financial support while keeping alums and the community engaged.

Weight Class Sponsorship: A Targeted Approach

Another effective fundraising tactic is offering businesses or individuals the opportunity to sponsor specific weight classes. In exchange, sponsors receive recognition, such as having their names displayed on signs at matches or mentioned in event promotions. This targeted approach personalizes the sponsorship experience and provides tangible benefits to supporters.

Organizing Events: Community Engagement

Hosting events like golf outings, wrestling clinics, or summer camps can be fun and profitable. For instance, a successful golf outing could raise several thousand dollars, while a well-attended wrestling clinic could generate significant revenue. Participants pay to join, with proceeds going directly to the program. These events also serve as excellent opportunities to engage the community, creating a sense of ownership and pride in the wrestling program.

Wrestling Tournaments: Showcasing Talent

Running a wrestling tournament, particularly during off-season months like spring or summer, can be a lucrative fundraising venture. Teams pay entry fees, and overhead costs are minimized with volunteers assisting in scorekeeping and other tasks. Tournaments also help raise the profile of your program within the wrestling community.

Booster Clubs: The Backbone of Fundraising

Establishing a "Wrestling Booster Club" can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. Booster clubs can organize various activities—from raffles and concession stands to auctions—that provide steady financial support. Additionally, booster clubs create a dedicated group of supporters committed to the program's long-term success.

---

EXAMPLE The 10x10 Plan Our GVSU Wrestling Club is on a mission to keep the momentum going and reach new heights, but we need your support to ensure our legacy continues. Here's why your contribution is crucial:

• Your sustained funding is not just a financial contribution; it's a vote of confidence in our future and a key to keeping our program thriving.

• Our community is not just a group of individuals; it's a network of support and growth. Your engagement as alums, friends, and fans is not just essential; it's integral to our success.

• Our commitment to excellence is not just a goal; it's a promise. We want everyone to know that the GVSU Wrestling Club is here for the long run and here to stay.

Professional Presence: Our aspiration is not just to be a wrestling club but to operate with the professionalism and standards of a varsity team, both on and off the mat. Do you know who can help us? Alumni: Former wrestlers who want to give back to the program that shaped them. Friends and Fans: Supporters who love watching us compete and want to see us succeed. Local Coaches: Wrestling coaches in the area who recognize the value of a strong GVSU Wrestling Club.

Business Connections: Local businesses that could benefit from advertising opportunities or participating in our fundraising events. Neighboring Wrestling Clubs: Fellow wrestling communities who believe in supporting the sport at all levels.

Current Team Members: Wrestlers can give back by teaching wrestling skills in their hometowns. Our fundraising efforts are guided by two powerful strategies: the 10x10 plan and the Team Challenge. Let's delve into how these strategies work.

• Find ten supporters willing to contribute $100 each.

• Each of those ten supporters finds ten more who will do the same.

Here's the impact:

• 10 supporters x $100 = $1,000

• $1,000 x 10 more supporters = $10,000

• $10,000 x 10 years = $100,000

Team Approach: Working Together for Success

• Another straightforward approach we're using is the Team Challenge:

• Team members each raise $20 from ten people.

• Could you challenge those ten to find others to do the same?

Here's what happens:

• 10 team members x $20 = $200

• $200 x 10 more supporters = $2,000

• $2,000 x 10 years = $20,000

Making It Easy to Contribute At GVSU and many other universities, there's an office to assist with the paperwork to make your donation tax-deductible. In Michigan, $100 or more donations may qualify for tax credits. Additionally, we ensure that each contribution is acknowledged with a heartfelt 'Thank you' note. Let's work together to secure the future of the GVSU Wrestling Club and keep the wrestling spirit alive for years to come! Sponsorship Opportunities: Adopt a Weight Class Dear Potential GVSU Wrestling Club Sponsor, Thank you for considering a partnership with our GVSU Wrestling Club. We have a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get involved and support the next generation of wrestlers through our "Adopt a Weight Class" program. What's Involved: This program allows local businesses to sponsor one of the 14 weight classes in our wrestling team, with different levels of sponsorship available: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. You'll receive recognition on our club's website, social media, and home matches. How It Works: 1. Choose a Weight Class: Select from any of the 14 weight classes, from the lightweight 106 pounds to the heavyweight 220+ pounds. 2. Pick Your Sponsorship Level: Gold Level: $500 or more Silver Level: $250 - $499 Bronze Level: $100 - $249

Every dollar donated directly enhances our wrestling program and supports our athletes. 3. Enjoy Sponsor Recognition: We'll promote your business on our website and social media to show gratitude. Your logo will be prominently displayed at our home matches. Gold-level sponsors will receive even greater visibility with a banner at our home matches and a special mention at our annual banquet. We are grateful for your support and look forward to partnering with you to help our wrestlers excel on and off the mat. To sponsor a weight class, please contact [Contact Person] at [Email Address] for more information. Thank you for considering being part of our wrestling journey.

Sources:

1. Manos, Keith T. Wrestling Coach's Survival Guide. West Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Company, 1996.

2. USA Wrestling Coach's Guide to Excellence. 2nd ed. Traverse City, MI: Cooper Publishing, 2005.

3. Lowery, Chip. "Ways to Get Your Wrestling Facilities Upgraded with Chip Lowery – Coppell HS (TX)." Wrestling Coaches Insider. Last modified September 21, 2021.

4. Boudro, RJ. "Middle School Wrestling." Lecture, MWA Coaches Clinic. Wyndham Garden, Ann Arbor, MI, October 30, 2021.