Conducting a fundraiser to raise money for a football team at any level is often the brainchild of a committed parent. But before embarking on any type of fundraising event, keep these four things in mind.

1. Will it make money?

Before you even start planning the event, try to have a sense for how much money you hope to raise and then, even early in the process, try to figure out whether or not you will reach the goal. If you think you’ll raise even just a little, go for it. If it’s hard to figure out a way you’ll break even, seriously question whether or not to proceed. 

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2. Who is signing up?

If the majority of the people who are participating in your fundraising event are the parents on your team, rethink if it’s worth putting all the work into something that in reality, parents could write smaller checks for and still bring in the same amount of money for the team. If you are charging $50 per cornhole team knowing you will net $20 per team and the majority of your participants are parents and close friends, those same people might be willing to write you a check for $20 “just because” and save you the time and effort of putting the event together.

3. Can your players be involved?

I am a big advocate that since the money being raised directly benefits the players on the team, they should all help with the event. Depending on the type of event and the age of the players, they can set up and clean up, sell raffle tickets, grill dogs and burgers, or just about any other task that is age-appropriate. 

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4. How do you prioritize your time and money?

Simply put, if you are conducting a cornhole tournament, make sure you put the most planning time and budgeted money into executing the tournament. If your food choices aren’t popular but the tournament runs well, people will return next year. That won’t be the case if the hot dogs are superb but there aren’t quality cornhole bags and boards. 

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.