How to raise money for a scoreboard in 5 easy steps
#3 may sting a little
Did you know one of the most common reasons for fundraising is buying a new scoreboard? Scoreboards can cost anywhere from $3,500 to over $10,000, not including installation. With supply chain delays and increased demand, prices have skyrocketed.
Many people don’t realize that youth sports leagues, which are typically non-profit organizations, often struggle to stay within budget each season. These organizations set registration fees low to ensure affordability, leaving little room for big purchases like new scoreboards.
Here’s how you can raise money for a scoreboard in just five steps:
1. Set a Clear, Defined Goal
The biggest mistake in fundraising is not setting a specific goal. You can’t just hope for good results—goals provide focus and accountability.
Take the time to calculate the total cost of purchasing and installing a scoreboard. This will be your fundraising target.
👍🏽 Pro Tip:
Partner with a fundraising company that offers proven strategies and has personal support available 7 days a week to help guide your volunteers.
2. Do some easy math to define your goal
Once you have your goal, break it down so that each player or team knows what they need to contribute to meet it.
For example, if your goal is $12,500 and you have 100 players, each needs to raise $125 in profit. If you have 10 teams, each team would need to raise $1,250.
Pro Tip:
Social media is your friend. Encourage each player to share your fundraiser with a simple post. If you’re selling cookie dough, for example, have them post a picture of the brochure to Facebook!
Scoreboards are a top reason youth baseball leagues turn to our cookie dough fundraiser. Not only is it incredibly popular, but it’s also proven to be one of the most profitable ways to raise funds quickly.
Curious how it works Click here to learn more.
3. Set Clear Expectations for Parents and Players
To get everyone on board, set clear expectations from the start. Parents and players need to understand that this fundraiser is a team effort, and everyone’s participation matters. Communicate that while the fundraiser may not be mandatory, reaching the goal benefits everyone—new equipment, facilities, or even scoreboards.
When expectations are clear, it’s easier for everyone to feel motivated and accountable. You can make this easier by providing step-by-step instructions or offering guidance on how to share the fundraiser with friends and family.
Pro Tip:
Create a volunteer and fundraising agreement form at the start of the season. This form can set clear expectations for parents and players, ensuring everyone knows their role in reaching your fundraising goals. It’s proven to increase participation, resulting in three times the profit of an average fundraiser while easing the workload for volunteers throughout the season. Setting expectations early will set your organization up for success!
4. Lead by example
This one may sting a little—leaders have to lead by example. If you don’t participate in the fundraiser, you can’t expect others to either.
In our experience, when a leader or board member doesn’t participate, sales suffer. But when leaders step up, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in participation and success.
Pro Tip:
One creative approach we’ve seen: a customer posted a picture of their 5-year-old holding a cookie dough brochure on Facebook with a simple caption, and they saw a huge uptick in sales.
5. Be transparent amd Incentivize
Parents are often fatigued from school fundraisers, so they might be wary of another ask. Be upfront and transparent about where the money is going and why it’s necessary. Clearly explain how it will benefit the team and their children.
Incentives can help boost participation. Offering small rewards for top performers, or even fun events like a league-wide “fun day,” can create motivation.
👍🏽 Helpful Tip:
Create a simple financial breakdown to show how registration fees cover basic costs, but fundraising covers big extras like the scoreboard. Pair this with exciting incentive options like VIP parking or gift cards for top sellers!
