From cookie dough drives to car washes — here’s how the most successful squads fund uniforms, travel & competition fees.
Running a cheerleading squad is expensive — uniforms, travel, competition fees, camp costs. The good news? With the right fundraiser, your squad can cover it all while building team spirit along the way. Here’s everything your coach or booster club needs to know.
Why Cookie Dough Fundraisers Win for Cheer Squads
Of all the fundraising options available, cookie dough consistently delivers the highest profit margins and lowest resistance from buyers. Families love a product they’ll actually use — and David’s Cookies premium dough practically sells itself.
“Our squad raised $4,200 in just two weeks with a David’s Cookies drive. The parents couldn’t believe how easy it was — the online ordering link did most of the work.”
— Coach Renee T., Georgia
With a ship-to-home option, sellers don’t even need to collect money or deliver products. Every order ships directly to the buyer, and your squad earns a percentage of every sale — typically 40% or more.
Top 5 Cheerleading Fundraiser Ideas
- Cookie Dough Drive — Highest profit, easiest logistics. Runs 2–3 weeks.
- Car Wash Weekend — Great for local visibility and community engagement.
- Cheer Showcase Ticket Sales — Charge admission to a public performance.
- Spirit Night at a Local Restaurant — Partner with a venue for a % of sales.
- Online Donation Campaign — Pair with a product fundraiser for maximum reach.
How to Choose the Right Fundraiser
Consider your timeline, your squad size, and your audience. A cookie dough drive works year-round. Car washes are great in spring and summer. Showcases require more planning but build community buzz. The most successful squads often run two fundraisers per year — a product drive in fall and an event in spring.
Setting a Realistic Fundraising Goal
Start by calculating your actual needs: uniforms, competition registration, travel, and any equipment. Divide the total by your number of sellers to get a per-person target. A squad of 20 each selling $200 in product = $4,000 raised. That’s a realistic, achievable goal for a two-week David’s Cookies drive.
Set a group goal and a stretch goal. Post progress publicly (a thermometer graphic on your social pages works great) to keep momentum and friendly competition alive throughout the campaign.