Fundraising for College Hockey: 15 Ideas That Actually Work

Club hockey is expensive. Ice time, travel, equipment, league fees—it adds up fast. Player dues alone rarely cover everything. Fundraising fills the gap.

This guide shares 15 fundraising strategies that actually work for college hockey programs.

Key Takeaways

Diversify fundraising—don't rely on one source

Alumni are your most valuable resource

Make asks specific and show impact

Thank donors immediately and publicly

Understanding Your Fundraising Need

The Math

| Expense | Typical Range |

|---------|---------------|

| Ice time | $15,000-30,000 |

| Travel | $10,000-40,000 |

| League/ACHA fees | $2,000-5,000 |

| Equipment/jerseys | $3,000-8,000 |

| Officials | $3,000-8,000 |

| **Total** | **$33,000-91,000** |

Minus player dues ($15,000-40,000) leaves significant gap to fill.

Fundraising Goals

Be specific:

"We need $15,000 for travel" is better than "We need money"

Show what funds accomplish: "Your $100 covers one player's away trip"

The 15 Strategies

1. Alumni Giving Program

**Why it works**: Former players have emotional connection and often have income

**How to do it**:

Build alumni database (LinkedIn, school records)

Send annual appeal with specific ask

Create giving levels with recognition

Host alumni game/event annually

**Typical yield**: $2,000-15,000+ depending on program age and engagement

2. Crowdfunding Campaigns

**Why it works**: Easy to share, low barrier to give

**How to do it**:

Use platforms like GoFundMe or school-specific tools

Compelling story and video

Specific goal and deadline

Share across all social channels

Update donors on progress

**Tips**: Personal outreach beats mass sharing. Have each player personally message 20 people.

**Typical yield**: $3,000-10,000 per campaign

3. Corporate Sponsorships

**Why it works**: Businesses get visibility, you get funds

**What to offer**:

Jersey logo placement

Banner at games

Social media mentions

Table at events

Name on equipment/boards

**Who to approach**:

Local businesses near campus

Hockey equipment shops

Sports bars and restaurants

Alumni-owned businesses

Companies recruiting from your school

**Typical yield**: $500-5,000+ per sponsor

4. Game Day Fundraising

**Why it works**: Captive audience already supporting you

**Ideas**:

50/50 raffle

Chuck-a-puck

Concession sales

Merchandise table

Donations at door

**Keys**: Need volunteers, proper licensing for raffles, make it easy to give

**Typical yield**: $50-300 per game

5. Apparel Sales

**Why it works**: People want team gear; you make margin

**Options**:

Team store (online or physical)

Pre-order campaigns

Limited edition designs

Family gear for parents

**Logistics**: Use print-on-demand to avoid inventory risk

**Typical yield**: $1,000-5,000+ depending on sales

6. Restaurant Partnership Nights

**Why it works**: Easy, no upfront cost

**How it works**:

Partner with local restaurant

They donate % of sales on designated night

You promote and bring customers

**Common partners**: Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, local pizza places

**Typical yield**: $200-500 per event

7. Charity Hockey Tournament

**Why it works**: Combines hockey and community building

**Format**:

3-on-3 or pond hockey format

Entry fee per team

Prizes for winners

Concessions and raffles add revenue

**Requirements**: Ice time, volunteers, marketing

**Typical yield**: $2,000-8,000

8. Skills Clinics

**Why it works**: Leverage your players' skills, serve community

**Audience**: Youth players, beginners, adult learn-to-play

**Model**: Charge $30-75 per participant for 1-2 hour clinic

**Logistics**: Need ice time, liability coverage, qualified instructors

**Typical yield**: $500-2,000 per clinic

9. Golf Tournament

**Why it works**: Classic fundraiser, attracts sponsors

**How it works**:

Reserve course

Sell foursomes ($400-600 each)

Add hole sponsorships ($100-500)

Include dinner/awards

**Timing**: Spring or early fall works best

**Typical yield**: $3,000-15,000 depending on scale

10. Online Auction

**Why it works**: Reach beyond local geography

**What to auction**:

Signed memorabilia

Experience packages

Local business donations

Team experiences (practice with team, etc.)

**Platforms**: 32auctions, Silent Auction Pro, school platform

**Typical yield**: $1,000-5,000

11. Car Wash

**Why it works**: Low cost, team bonding

**Requirements**: Location, supplies, signs, sunny day

**Tips**: Partner with a business for location, accept tips over fixed price

**Typical yield**: $200-500 per event

12. Equipment Sale/Swap

**Why it works**: Hockey gear is expensive; families want deals

**Format**:

Collect used equipment from team and community

Price and sell at event

Small markup funds team

**Bonus**: Donate unsold gear and get tax benefit

**Typical yield**: $300-1,000

13. Parent/Alumni Game

**Why it works**: Entertainment value plus donations

**Format**:

Team vs. alumni or parents

Charge admission

Add concessions and merchandise

Make it an event

**Typical yield**: $500-2,000

14. Naming Rights

**Why it works**: Major gift opportunity

**What to name**:

Locker room

Equipment

Scholarships

Positions ("The [Name] Assistant Coach Fund")

Jerseys

**Approach**: Target major donors (alumni, parents) with specific naming opportunities

**Typical yield**: $1,000-25,000+ per naming opportunity

15. Grant Applications

**Why it works**: Free money if you qualify

**Where to apply**:

School club sports grants

Local community foundations

Hockey-specific grants (USA Hockey, Hockey Canada)

Corporate giving programs

**Keys**: Meet deadlines, follow requirements exactly, show impact

**Typical yield**: $500-5,000 per grant

Fundraising Best Practices

Make It Easy to Give

Multiple payment options

Clear instructions

Mobile-friendly

Quick process

Show Impact

People give when they understand impact:

"Your $50 covers a player's meal on road trip"

"Every $200 means an hour of ice time"

"$500 sends one player to nationals"

Thank Donors

Immediately and publicly:

Thank-you email within 24 hours

Public recognition (with permission)

Season update on how funds were used

Invite to games/events

Diversify Sources

Don't rely on one fundraiser:

Mix of individual and corporate

Mix of events and asks

Recurring and one-time

Document and Learn

Track what works:

Revenue per fundraiser

Time invested

What to repeat, what to drop

Database of donors and sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do we handle tax deductions?

A: If your club is a 501(c)(3) or under school umbrella, donations may be tax-deductible. Provide receipts and let donors consult their tax advisor.

Q: Should players be required to fundraise?

A: Common approaches: required participation in X events, or individual fundraising minimums that offset dues.

Q: How do we ask for sponsorships without being pushy?

A: Lead with what they get (visibility, community support), not what you need. Make it a partnership, not begging.

Q: What if fundraising falls short?

A: Options include increasing dues, reducing travel/expenses, or finding more sponsors. Have contingency plan.

Annual Fundraising Calendar

| Month | Activity |

|-------|----------|

| September | Alumni appeal launch |

| October | Corporate sponsor outreach |

| November | Crowdfunding campaign |

| December | Year-end giving push |

| January | Restaurant nights begin |

| February | Equipment sale |

| March | Spring apparel sale |

| April | Grant applications |

| May | Golf tournament |

| June-August | Planning for next year |

Conclusion

Fundraising is work, but it's essential work. The programs that fundraise well play more games, travel to better tournaments, and build stronger cultures.

Start with 3-4 strategies from this list. Execute them well. Add more as your capacity grows.

For more college hockey guidance, see our [starting a club team guide](/blog/starting-club-hockey-team-university) or [ACHA compliance](/blog/acha-registration-compliance).