Hosting an event can be as simple as organizing a bake or garage sale, a quiz or sports event. What will persuade people to contribute and get involved is your spirit and enthusiasm. Make sure any events you do throw are well-attended by club members who are there to talk to visitors about the club's projects, ambitions and goals. Parents and members of the local community are much more likely to buy from your sale or attend your event if they can see the positive impact it has on your club. One example of an event you could organize is a peewee tournament of your club's sport. For example, if you are a soccer team, organize, advertise and run a peewee soccer tournament, handing out prizes to the winners. If parents see your well-organized and enthusiastic approach, they are bound to donate generously.
Find out the names of the important people at local businesses and send them each an individual letter outlining your sports club and your intended use for any money donated. Do not send letters out to "Dear sir or madam," for example, as this comes across as impersonal and is unlikely to generate much, if any, success. Arrange for a couple of members of your sports team to visit local businesses in person with fliers, which should briefly but clearly state your fund-raising aims. College sports clubs should also consider creating a sponsorship deal with businesses, who will often be interested in supplying a sports team's kit in exchange for having their business logo displayed on it.
An indirect way of raising money can be to get in touch with as many different local media sources as possible. For example, if you're hosting an event, then send out a well-written press release (see Resources) to local newspapers, magazines, Internet news sites and radio and television stations letting them know all about your event -- be sure to include any times and locations so journalists will find your event. Local newspapers, in particular, are always keen to write positive, community-centered pieces about local sport clubs and fund-raising. Furthermore, coverage in the local media will inform potentially tens of thousands of people about your attempts to raise money, which may open up more fund-raising streams.
College alumni can be a great source for fund-raising. While successful alumni often receive many fund-raising requests, make your plea stand out by writing a personalized letter. Take the time to find out the alumnus' name and his or her college history -- for example, if you're raising money for the basketball team, try to find alumni who played college basketball. Provide as much information as possible to keep the alumnus' interest. Are you fund-raising for anything in particular, such as equipment? If so, let the alumnus know. If an alumnus does donate money, be sure to send the person a personalized thank-you letter and stay in contact with them, as there's a possibility they will donate again in the future.