Basketball Fundraiser Ideas for Holy Family Catholic Church

Thinking about a new way to bring people together and fund the church? A basketball fundraiser does both. It’s cheap to set up, draws crowds of all ages, and lets you tap into local school teams, youth groups, and sports fans. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide that turns a simple court into a money‑making machine.

Planning Your Basketball Fundraiser

The first thing to sort out is the basics: date, venue, and who’s running the event. Pick a Saturday afternoon when families are free, and use the church’s gym or a nearby community centre. Book the space at least a month ahead and confirm any insurance requirements – most venues need a short form signed to cover liability.

Next, set a clear financial goal. Whether you need money for a new sound system or a mission trip, knowing the target helps you decide how many games, ticket prices, and extra activities you’ll need. A simple spreadsheet works: list expected costs (court hire, snacks, prizes) and then calculate how many tickets you must sell to hit the goal.

Recruit volunteers early. You’ll need a referee, a scorekeeper, a cash taker, and people to handle set‑up and clean‑up. Ask parishioners who love basketball or have experience coaching kids. Give each volunteer a short role description so they know exactly what to do on the day.

Creative Twists to Make the Day Unforgettable

Charge a small entry fee – £3 for adults, £1 for kids – and sell a package that includes a drink and a snack. Offer a “Family Pass” for a discounted price to encourage whole families to come. Keep the energy high with a halfway halftime show: a local school dance crew or a short prayer service can keep the crowd engaged.

Turn the game into a competition with a twist. Try a 3‑point shoot‑out, a dribble‑relay, or a “paint‑the‑ball” contest where participants decorate the ball for a donation. Winners get a small prize – a church mug, a free pizza voucher, or a shout‑out in the parish newsletter.

Don’t forget the food stall. Simple items like popcorn, hot dogs, and homemade cupcakes sell well. Ask the parish’s cooking club to bake treats, and let them keep a portion of the profit as a thank‑you for helping.

Promote the event using flyers, social media, and word of mouth. Post a photo of the basketball court with the tagline “Play for a Cause” on the church’s Facebook page. Encourage the youth group to share the event with their friends – a personal invitation works better than a generic notice.

Finally, thank everyone after the game. A quick thank‑you email, a mention in the Sunday bulletin, and a photo collage of the day will make volunteers feel appreciated and set the tone for the next fundraiser.

With a clear plan, a few creative ideas, and the community’s enthusiasm, a basketball fundraiser can raise the funds you need while building stronger bonds in the parish. Grab a ball, invite the neighbours, and watch the donations roll in.

Gareth Sheffield

How to Organize a Free Throw Fundraiser

Free throw fundraisers combine fun and fundraising, making it a unique and engaging way to support a cause. With the simple setup of a basketball hoop and a passionate crowd, you can easily bring people together to raise funds and awareness. Knowing how to plan, market, and execute this event can maximize your impact. Learn actionable steps and creative ideas to ensure your free throw fundraiser is a slam dunk.