Knock your baseball fundraising out of the park

Step right up—to the plate, that is! Convert this classic competition into a fun baseball ... fundraiser that both players and guests will love. There are many ways to raise money with this type of event. You can charge entrance fees, find sponsors to donate a certain amount for each home run, or ask attendees for pledges per home run. You can even arrange for certain sponsorships or pledges to be valid for any home run all season long. Make a day out of it and sell snacks, team T-shirts, or gift cards.

Whether it’s a regular home game or a special event like a derby, one thing’s for sure: snacks ... are a must. Raise money for your baseball team with a concession stand that sells soda, water, chips, popcorn, and candy. Noticing that lots of people bring their pups to the field? Consider selling dog treats, too! You can even put up a sign that announces how you’ll spend the proceeds (new uniforms, travel expenses, tournament fees) to further entice attendees to contribute to your cause. 

Nothing sells raffle tickets like exciting, one-of-a-kind merch! Support your baseball team by ... raffling off pro jerseys, signed balls, baseball cards, or even tickets to a game. Note that organizing a raffle fundraiser can be a big upfront financial commitment, and tickets can be tough to sell depending on your community’s interest. You may find it easier to raffle or simply sell gift cards for relevant stores like Fanatics, MLB Shop, or Sport Chek.

Kids, teens, parents, teachers, coaches—pretty much anyone can participate in a pitching ... contest. Charge per pitch, or sell packages where contestants get more tries. A little healthy competition can motivate participants and help garner more entry sales (not to mention, kids love competing against someone who makes them run drills or do math homework). If you notice that many younger students sign up, consider splitting the contest into different leagues to give everyone a fair shot.