When it comes to raising money for baseball programs and tournaments, a bake sale or raffle can only take a team so far. Across the country, tournament directors and team leaders are finding that fans and donors are willing to pay for access, experience, and excitement. Many fundraising efforts are not only driving revenue but also deepening engagement and building lasting community connections. Whether you’re managing a local league or gearing up for a traveling tournament, here are nine of the most effective ways to raise funds for your next baseball event.
1. Secure local sponsorships
For decades, local businesses have sponsored baseball and softball teams by providing money in return for getting their business name on the team’s uniform. These kinds of relationships and agreements have naturally grown through the years, and fundraising through these businesses is now the key to success for any league.
According to a spokesperson for Little League International, it’s important to create multiple sponsorship levels to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from small local shops to larger corporations, so everyone has a chance to participate. “Make it easy for businesses to see the benefits of advertising themselves on uniforms, fence signs, program books, or your league’s website and social media channels,” the spokesperson says, adding that there are often multiple sponsorship opportunities available. “Don’t just get one sponsor and be done. There are often multiple businesses that want to help.” Just remember that it’s important to acknowledge those who sponsor, which can be done on opening day or at a special event like an all-star game.
2. Host pro clinics
While not always easy to arrange, if there’s an opportunity to align with professional players, it’s a great way to bring money in. For instance, Israel Baseball Americas, a nonprofit that directly supports the development of baseball in Jewish communities in the U.S., has held successful youth baseball events with the Israel national team players and coaches. The organization has also held a fundraising game featuring Team Israel Olympic players and members of the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team based in Savannah, Ga.
“We structure our player-led clinics by focusing on experience over transaction,” says Nate Fish, CEO of Israel Baseball Americas. “The fee isn’t just for a clinic; it’s an investment in a unique memory for an entire community. We heavily rely on community sponsors in these instances, sponsoring equipment, food, or entertainment, which offsets costs
and makes the event profitable before tickets are sold. We’ve also incorporated a raffle, with prizes from local restaurants, sports teams, or memorabilia signed by the players.”
Israel Baseball Americas also hosts panel events, leveraging connections to bring together current and former MLB players, coaches, and executives for exclusive Q&A sessions.
Even at a local level, a small fundraiser could feature a sit-down with a former college player or a local high school or college coach.
3. Host a draw for new gear
Holding a raffle for a new bat certificate has become a big hit for the T3 Warhawks, a travel baseball team in Avon, Ohio. By offering a gift certificate rather than a specific bat, the contest casts a wider net—welcoming all ballplayers to join the fun. “For instance, I can now give my fast-pitch baseball and adult softball friends all a shot at winning a bat,” says Audrey Beck, the team’s fundraising coordinator. “People pay $20 for a chance to win a bat valued at more than $300. We had nearly 50 entries in our last raffle, and it turned out to be a very profitable event.”
The raffle not only generates funds for the team but also builds community excitement, sparking friendly competition and conversation among players and supporters alike. Beck adds, “It’s simple, affordable, and gives everyone a reason to rally around the team while dreaming about that perfect swing with a brand-new bat.”
4. Hold a 50/50 raffle
Speaking of raffles, 50/50 cash raffles are an easy—and surprisingly fun—way for leagues to raise money during games. Tickets are sold throughout each matchup, and in the final inning, the winner is announced: half the pot goes to the league, and the other half goes home with the lucky fan.
One league in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., has added a creative twist to keep things exciting with their weekly raffle. While half still supports the team, the top winner takes 30 percent of the prize, with two additional winners splitting the remaining 15 percent and five percent. At a recent game, the prize pool reached $400, with $200 going directly to help the team cover travel expenses for an upcoming summer tournament.
The raffle takes place at every game, and on several occasions, winners generously donated their share back to the team—turning a simple fundraiser into a true community celebration of giving and team spirit. Fans love the thrill, the team loves the funds, and everyone gets to enjoy a little extra excitement in the stands.
5. Pitch for prizes
A team in Vienna, Va., was looking to enter a tournament in Pennsylvania and needed to fundraise to cover travel costs, so a savvy parent suggested the team host a Pitch for Prizes event.
“Fans and community members paid a small entry fee for a chance to throw a few pitches at a target on the field,” says Lou McDermott, a parent of two of the boys on the team who helps the coaches with tournament logistics.
“Each successful hit earned a ticket toward a prize drawing, which included gift cards, concession credits, and the chance for a private cooking lesson with one of the parents who owns a popular local restaurant.”
An event like this not only raises funds but also brings the community to the field, gives participants a hands-on experience, and adds a fun, competitive twist that appeals to players and fans of all ages.
6. Involve the parents
Team Voodoo, a boys’ travel team in Broussard, La., tapped into the wannabe athlete in all of us by hosting a trio of fun-filled, parent-focused events. Participants pledged an amount to join, turning friendly competition into a major fundraising effort.
“We did a hit-a-thon with a parent Home Run Derby and a wiffle ball game,” says J.C. Moore, the team’s head coach. “We raised around $10,000 in the end. Each of our kids averaged about $775 individually, and you could just see the parents having a blast—laughing, cheering, and showing off their hidden skills.”
Other creative ways to engage active parents include organizing a softball game, letting them serve as third-base coach for an inning, or even hosting a mini skills challenge with prizes. Moore adds, “It’s a win-win: the kids see their parents in action, and the whole team benefits from the support and energy.”
7. Offer food and drink specials
Concession stands are becoming more common at games and tournaments, but a great way to add something special—and fundraise at the same time—is to partner with a food truck for special game-day treats.
That’s what the Charleston, S.C., Little League Team, the Bombers, did recently when they teamed up with a local taco food truck. One dollar for every taco sold went to the team. Drinks and other snacks also brought
in money, and the team raised more than $400 in one day.
Part of the fun was offering themed food, including “home run tacos” and “strikeout soda combos,” which boosted interest and got the crowd buying more than peanuts and Crackerjacks.
8. Team up for community work
Fundraising isn’t always just about collecting money from people. Sometimes, the players (and even coaches) need to put their blood, sweat, and tears into the effort. That’s why teams that participate in projects in exchange for donations can raise big funds and feel good about earning the money.
For instance, teams can organize car washes, rake leaves, help with park cleanups, or even go Christmas caroling, if they’re in a warm climate and part of a league that plays year-round. The upside of this approach is that it raises money while highlighting the team’s commitment to the community.
9. Host a skills and drills babysitting night
One last creative twist that’s become a hit for many programs is hosting a skills and drills night, where the team’s older players run a mini baseball clinic for younger kids. The way it works is parents drop their young players off at the team’s facilities for a few hours, giving them a well-deserved night out, while knowing their kids are supervised and engaged. The clinic can feature fun contests like fastest throw, best swing, or a mini home run derby, with small prizes or bragging rights on the line.
Teams can charge a flat fee per child, and it’s a win-win situation: Players develop leadership skills, families get a built-in babysitting service, and the program raises funds in a fun way
