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How to Kickstart Your Winter Sports: 5 Proven Fundraising Strategies for Basketball and Wrestling Programs

Winter sports are heating up! Basketball and wrestling teams are diving into their seasons, and with them come expenses—travel costs, uniforms, tournament fees, and more. A well-executed fundraiser can ease the financial pressure while fostering team spirit and community support.

With Gold Athletics leading the charge, teams have mastered the art of raising funds while keeping the process efficient and rewarding. Let’s dive into five powerhouse fundraising strategies to give your winter sports fundraising a winning edge.



1. ‘Gold Rush’ Online Donation Fundraisers: Maximize Reach and Results

Online donation fundraisers are a game-changer for winter sports teams. With the Gold Athletics Fundraising App, teams connect with supporters far and wide through email, social media, and text messaging. Athletes invite friends and family to donate with just a few clicks, and the app tracks progress in real-time.


Why It Works:

  • Ease of Use: Participants follow a simple, step-by-step setup.

  • Wider Reach: Donations can come from anywhere in the world.

  • Quick Turnaround: Teams access funds faster compared to other platform.

📈 Success Story: The Westfield Wrestling team crushed their BIG goal, raising $20,450 last November with the guidance of Fundraising Coach Rob Lunenfeld.

📈 Success Story: The Westfield Wrestling team crushed their BIG goal, raising $20,450 last November with the guidance of Fundraising Coach Rob Lunenfeld.


2. Digital Gold Cards Fundraiser: Discounts That Deliver Winter sports fundraising Results

Gold Cards have long been a fan-favorite fundraising tool, but their digital version takes it to the next level. Supporters enjoy deals from local and national businesses, all accessible via their smartphones. These cards offer unbeatable convenience, allowing users to buy, share, and redeem discounts easily.


Benefits for Teams and Supporters:

  • Exclusive Savings: Discounts from 20-25 merchants, valid for a year.

  • Convenience: No more misplaced cards—everything’s on your phone.

  • Customization: Cards feature your team’s branding for a professional touch.

📈 Success Story: The South River Wrestling team raised $16,950 in just three weeks last year with their Digital Gold Cards campaign, helmed by Fundraising Coach Rob Lunenfeld.

📈 Success Story: The South River Wrestling team raised $16,950 in just three weeks last year with their Digital Gold Cards campaign, helmed by Fundraising Coach Rob Lunenfeld.


3. Cookie Dough Fundraisers: Sweet Profits, Minimal Effort

Few things sell better than sweet, ready-to-bake cookie dough. Gold Athletics offers a streamlined process where supporters can order gourmet cookie dough online and have it shipped directly to their homes. With six popular flavors, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.


Key Highlights:

  • Shelf-Stable Options: Easy to store and use.

  • Nationwide Support: Expand your reach through online sales.

  • Quick Delivery: Products are shipped directly to buyers.

📈 Success Story: Stoughton Wrestling nearly hit over $6,500 in cookie dough sales in December 2023, guided by Fundraising Coach Matt Ross. The cookie dough shipped directly to supporters, ensuring a seamless and successful fundraiser in just three weeks!

📈 Success Story: Stoughton Wrestling nearly hit over $6,500 in cookie dough sales in December 2023, guided by Fundraising Coach Matt Ross. The cookie dough shipped directly to supporters, ensuring a seamless and successful fundraiser in just three weeks!



4. Gold Card Fundraisers: Year-Long Value for Everyone

Gold Cards offer the perfect blend of practicality and value, making them a top pick for basketball and wrestling programs. Each card provides multi-use discounts at restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues.


Why Teams Love Gold Cards:

  • Custom Branding: Highlight your team logo and schedule.

  • Easy Access: Key Tags for quick one-time discounts.

  • Proven Results: Teams often exceed $20,000 in sales.

📈 Success Story: Acton-Boxborough Basketball sold over $20,000 worth of Gold Cards, smashing their $15,000 goal, with a Gold Card fundraiser that ran for a couple weeks, under the guidance of Fundraising Coach Steve Ash.

📈 Success Story: Acton-Boxborough Basketball sold over $20,000 worth of Gold Cards, smashing their $15,000 goal, with a Gold Card fundraiser that ran for a couple weeks, under the guidance of Fundraising Coach Steve Ash.


5. Pretzel & Waffle Fundraisers: Sweet and Salty Success

Treat your supporters to delicious, heat-and-serve pretzels and waffles. These fundraisers are popular because they offer irresistible options for everyone while delivering impressive profits.


What’s Included:

  • Long Shelf Life: Supporters can keep products frozen for up to 12 months.

  • Direct Shipping: Orders arrive at supporters’ doorsteps.

  • Variety: Options for every taste preference so it's hard to say "no" to support.

📈 Success Story: Scituate Wrestling sold $6,658.95 worth of pretzels and waffles in just three weeks last December, thanks to Fundraising Coach Matt Ross.📈 Success Story: Scituate Wrestling sold $6,658.95 worth of pretzels and waffles in just three weeks last December, thanks to Fundraising Coach Matt Ross.

📈 Success Story: Scituate Wrestling sold $6,658.95 worth of pretzels and waffles in just three weeks last December, thanks to Fundraising Coach Matt Ross.


 

Gold Athletics Is Equipping The Next Generation With Support, Simplicity, and Results.

Every successful fundraiser has a secret weapon: Gold Athletics. With hands-on fundraising coaches, cutting-edge tools, and proven products, your team has everything it needs to win—both on and off the mat or court.


Ready to kickstart your winter sports fundraising? Whether you choose online donations, cookie dough, or Digital Gold Cards, Gold Athletics is here to help you make this season unforgettable.




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