Cheerleading squads rely on fundraising for a variety of items including new uniforms and travel costs for competitions.  Fundraising can make or break a season, so every cheerleading organization can benefit from successful fundraising. Following are the top ten cheerleading fundraising ideas.

1. Spirit calendar. One of the most profitable cheerleading fundraising ideas is to put together a spirit calendar with a picture of the squad for each month of the year. Partner with local businesses, and offer coupons on the bottom of each month’s calendar page for buyers to use when shopping and dining at local retail establishments and restaurants.
2. Discount cards. A discount card is designed to provide the cardholder with discounts on the products and services of local businesses.  A good discount card is a win-win opportunity, as it offers a high profit margin, often 80-90%, and card purchasers will enjoy savings from discounts which far outweigh the initial cost of purchasing the card.
3. Cheer clinic. Hosting a cheer clinic is one of the best cheerleading fundraising ideas. Teach younger cheerleaders some of your tricks. You’ll not only raise money for your squad, but when these girls are older, they’ll be better prepared to join a cheerleading squad.
4. Mini-golf tournament. The whole family will enjoy this fundraiser because people of all ages can participate in mini-golf.  Local businesses can sponsor holes and donate prizes.
5. Rubber wristband bracelets. Rubber wristband bracelets are fun and fashionable. Have your school’s name embossed on the bracelet to encourage classmates to show school spirit while supporting your cheerleading squad. Offer them in several colors so people buy more than one.
6. Bake sale. Your classmates will gobble up your bake sale items. Bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more, and offer them for sale before a game.
7. School spirit apparel. As a cheerleader your job is to promote school spirit. Foster school spirit with your fundraiser, too! Sell school spirit apparel for people to wear at games.
8. Gift wrapping. Christmas is a busy time of year for people, which makes it the perfect time to offer a service based fundraiser. Talk to a local store or mall, and set up a gift wrapping station for busy customers.
9. Stadium seat cushions. Sitting on hard bleachers certainly isn’t comfortable, but   stadium seat cushions can help! Have the cushions printed with your school mascot and name, and sell them before the games.
10. Face painting booth. Host a face painting booth at a local festival, school carnival or before a sporting event. Kids will love to have their faces painted by their local cheerleading favorites.