Winning Fundraiser Ideas Every Hockey Team Should Try

Key Takeaways:

• Bring The Crowd Together With A Charity Hockey Game: Host a charity hockey game to engage the community, raise funds, and create lasting memories.
• Fuel Team Spirit Through Merchandise Sales: Organize a team merchandise sale online and in person to boost your fundraiser and let supporters show their team spirit.
• Make A Difference With A Thrift Store Donation Drive: Set up donation drives at America’s Thrift Stores to generate support for your team while positively impacting the community.

Raising money for your hockey team doesn’t have to mean exhausting bake sales or constant product pitches. Whether you’re funding travel, equipment, or tournament entry fees, the right ideas can rally your team and energize your supporters. From community-driven events to creative merchandise sales, effective hockey fundraiser ideas should be simple, fun, and low-pressure. The key? Finding strategies that build momentum without burning out your team or your fan base.

At America’s Thrift Stores, we’ve helped thousands of teams and groups raise millions, without selling products or charging fees. Our Bags for Bucks program transforms donated goods into real community support, giving every bag of items a second life. We make it easy, sustainable, and rewarding to fundraise with purpose. When you team up with us, you make a meaningful difference for your organization and community.

In this blog, we will explore smart, team-friendly hockey fundraiser ideas that strengthen community ties, reduce stress on players and families, and help you easily reach your financial goals.

Host A Charity Hockey Game To Engage The Community

Charity hockey games are a great way to unite teams, families, and fans around a shared mission. Choose a date for your team and a local opponent, and frame the event around a specific charitable goal. This creates a clear reason for people to show up, cheer on, and contribute.

Secure Sponsors And Support

Local businesses often welcome the opportunity to support youth sports and causes with community impact. Reach out for donations, sponsorships, or prize contributions. Offer signage at the event, mentions in your announcements, and tags on social media in return. When local brands see that their support connects with engaged fans and families, they’re more likely to say yes.

Make It Memorable With Extras

Charge a modest ticket price or ask for suggested donations at the door to add excitement. Host a 50/50 raffle, sell branded team merch, and run a concessions table stocked with donated snacks and drinks. Invite community leaders, radio hosts, or even retired players to attend or participate—they add credibility and buzz.

Highlight The Purpose Behind The Game

Take a few minutes during intermission to recognize your fundraising cause. Share how the funds or donations will support your hockey team or benefit a partner like America’s Thrift Stores, which gives back to the broader community. That connection turns a fun game into something truly impactful.

Build Something That Lasts

When you host a charity game with a clear purpose, community support, and a little planning, you create more than just a fundraiser. You create an annual tradition that teams, families, and fans look forward to—and that drives real results for your cause.

Organize A Team Merchandise Sale Online And In-Person

Selling team-branded merchandise is one of the most reliable hockey fundraiser ideas because it combines spirit with support. Fans love the chance to represent their team; your squad benefits from every sale. Create a lineup of popular items, custom jerseys, branded caps, water bottles, hoodies, or even novelty socks that match your team colours.

Tap Into Creative Talent And Local Support

Get your team involved in designing the merch. Whether it’s a bold slogan or a fresh logo, ideas from your players add authenticity. You can use affordable print-on-demand platforms to create an online storefront or work with a local print shop for in-person stock. Even better, reach out to community sponsors. Many businesses are happy to co-brand items if it means giving back and gaining visibility.

Be Seen At Every Game And Gathering

A merch table at games, tournaments, or community events can be as effective as an online store. Make it engaging, use simple but eye-catching displays, offer bundle deals, or run a flash discount for a limited time during intermissions. This visibility keeps your fundraiser at the forefront of your mind and makes it easy for fans to support you on the spot.

Promote, Share, And Repeat

Don’t rely on a single post or flyer. Use every channel—team emails, school announcements, social media, and even word-of-mouth—to keep your merch sale in the spotlight. Encourage your squad and parents to wear the gear and spread the word. The more you promote, the more support you’ll gather for your season goals.

Set Up Donation Drives At America’s Thrift Stores

Fundraising doesn’t need to be complicated or exhausting. With our Bags for Bucks program, hockey teams like yours can raise money quickly, sustainably, and without selling a single item. It perfectly fits busy schedules, passionate players, and community-focused goals.

How It Works

We provide your team with free donation bags. You hand them out to families, friends, and local supporters, asking them to fill each one with gently used items they no longer need—clothing, shoes, linens, small household goods, and books. Once the bags are full, they’re dropped off at your nearest America’s Thrift Store. Your team earns money for every qualifying bag collected.

Why It Works For Hockey Teams

Between weekend tournaments, travel costs, equipment upgrades, and registration fees, fundraising can feel never-ending. Our program eliminates the stress and time commitment of traditional fundraisers. Instead of asking people to buy something, you’re helping them give new life to items they’re ready to part with. It’s simple, flexible, and works for teams of all sizes.

Benefits Of Bags For Bucks

• No selling required
• Free to start and easy to manage
• Supports your team and reduces landfill waste
• Funds are earned from everyday household donations
• All donations help support our charity partners

Make It A Team-Wide Effort

Get the whole team involved—assign players to spread the word, drop off bags, or organize collection points at practice. You can even work with local schools or businesses to expand your reach. With Bags for Bucks, every bag adds to real support for your hockey team’s success on and off the ice.

Apply For Community Grants And Youth Sports Funding

Funding dreams often starts with a solid application. Local businesses, civic organizations, and even major sports foundations set aside budgets to support youth programs and community teams—hockey is no exception. 

Start With Local And Trusted Sources

Begin your search by exploring local government websites, school district announcements, and reputable sports brands with youth outreach programs.

Highlight Your Team’s Story

When applying, ensure your grant proposal tells your team’s story. Share who you are, who you serve, and your program’s impact on players and families. Focus on community involvement and financial need—these elements most funders value highly. Testimonials from parents, volunteers, or local supporters can help make your case feel real and relatable.

Prepare Key Application Details

You’ll want to include your team’s mission, demographics, projected budget, and how the funds will be used to stand out. Be specific whether it’s for equipment, coaching, or travel expenses. If you’re new to the process, look for sample applications or grant templates online to guide your writing.

Look Beyond The Big Names

Major foundations aren’t your only option. Many local banks, grocery store chains, credit unions, and sporting goods stores offer sponsorships and micro-grants for youth activities. These programs are often less competitive and more accessible to smaller or newer teams. Don’t hesitate to reach out with a simple pitch—you might be surprised how eager local businesses are to support your efforts.

Strengthen Your Application Through Partnerships

Teaming with other youth organizations or hosting joint community events can show a broader reach and boost your team’s visibility. It also helps demonstrate shared impact, which many funders appreciate.

Make Hockey Accessible For Everyone

Grants and sponsorships can help offset costs for rink time, uniforms, coaching fees, tournament travel, or even healthy postgame snacks. Every dollar raised brings your team closer to the ice, ensuring no aspiring player gets left behind.

Arrange A Family Fun Day With Hockey Activities

If you want to bring your team and your community closer together while raising crucial funds for your hockey program, a Family Fun Day is a winning play. 

• Create Inclusive Mini-Games: Set up stations like puck shootouts, slapshot speed challenges, and stick-handling relays. These activities are simple, fun, and perfect for players, parents, and siblings to participate in throughout the day.
• Organize A Parent-vs-Kids Match: Host a lighthearted street hockey game pitting parents against their kids. It’s a great crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed highlight that gets the whole family laughing—and cheering.
• Charge Entry Fees Strategically: Keep things budget-friendly by setting small entry fees for individual games or bundling ticket packages for families. This ensures participation while steadily raising funds throughout the event.
• Invite Local Hockey Figures: Add excitement by asking coaches or community hockey personalities to officiate games or emcee the day. Their presence draws more attendees and makes the event feel special and team-centered.
• Offer Prizes To Boost Engagement: Contact local sponsors or businesses for donated prizes like hockey gear, gift cards, or branded team merchandise. Prizes encourage more participation and increase fundraising momentum.
• Add Family-Friendly Attractions: Include extras like face painting, snack tables, and a sports-themed photo booth to entertain younger siblings and create fun keepsakes for attendees.
• Make It A Community Celebration: Play music, run a raffle, and provide space for families to relax and connect between activities. This turns your Family Fun Day into a meaningful, memorable experience—and a fundraising win.

Final Thoughts

Every hockey season brings excitement, teamwork, and a need for extra funding to make those dreams on ice a reality. By choosing the right hockey fundraiser ideas, you can build stronger connections among players, families, and the community, all while supporting your team’s goals. The most impactful fundraisers are the ones that raise money and also make a difference in your neighborhood. That’s why partnering with organizations like America’s Thrift Stores is a win for everyone involved.

So take the shot: Organize your next fundraising event around giving back with America’s Thrift Stores. Remember, your old stuff changes lives—on and off the ice. Let’s make this season unforgettable, together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey Fundraising Ideas

How can you engage community support in a hockey fundraiser?

Bring your community together by making your fundraiser interactive and inclusive. Invite families, friends, and local supporters to participate in your activities, whether a game night, charity skate, or donation drive. Use local venues, share your mission, and clearly explain how donations help your team and the wider community. When people feel they’re part of a good cause, they’ll rally around your team—and each other.

What are the most successful hockey team fundraisers?

Some of the top-performing hockey fundraiser ideas include donation drives, raffles, silent auctions, and car washes. Many teams have great success hosting charity games with ticket sales or “Skate-a-thons,” where players gather pledges per lap. Partnering with organizations like America’s Thrift Stores for donation drives is also a proven way to raise funds and help local charities simultaneously.

What are some quick and easy fundraiser ideas for hockey teams?

Keep it simple by organizing bake sales, bottle drives, or single-day car washes. Arrange a “donation day” where teammates and supporters drop off gently used items for local charities. For a hassle-free approach, you can also set up an online fundraising page or text-to-give campaign.

How can a hockey team partner with local businesses for fundraising?

Reach out to nearby restaurants, shops, or services to collaborate on fundraising nights, where a portion of sales supports your team. Ask local businesses to donate items for raffles, provide sponsorships, or host your fundraising events. Be sure to promote their support through your team’s channels—community partnerships are strongest when they benefit everyone.

What are some tips for promoting a hockey fundraiser online?

Share your fundraiser widely on social media with posts, stories, and updates. Tag local businesses and charity partners to extend your reach. Create eye-catching graphics, use event hashtags, and regularly update your supporters on progress and goals. Encourage teammates and families to share posts—word of mouth goes a long way online!

How effective are merchandise sales for hockey fundraisers?

Branded team merchandise—think jerseys, hats, and water bottles—is a fun way to raise money while boosting team spirit. Supporters are often eager to show off their pride, and every sale reinforces the team’s sense of community. Just offer items at various prices to keep them accessible for everyone.

How can players involve their families in fundraising?

Families can help by organizing, volunteering, or spreading the word about events. Whether helping run a bake sale, sharing fundraiser links online, or collecting donations, family involvement adds energy and reach to your efforts. Consider assigning specific roles or committees for parents and siblings to keep things organized and fun.

What are some unique hockey-themed fundraising events?

Try hosting a “Slapshot Challenge,” a skills competition with entry fees and prizes. Organize a throwback hockey night, complete with vintage uniforms and music. A “Skate-a-thon” can get everyone involved—even non-players. Don’t forget donation drives—teaming up with America’s Thrift Stores to collect gently used items is a meaningful way to raise funds and give back to charities that support your community.