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Play with Purpose: How to Fundraise Through Sports

April 23, 2026
2 min read
Three basketball players in jerseys numbered 5, 23, and 21 sit on a bench, facing players in green shirts. Text overlay reads "Play with Purpose: How to Fundraise Through Sports."

What if every game, practice, or goal could help save a child’s life?
With St. Baldrick’s athletic fundraising, you can turn the sport you already love into a powerful way to fund lifesaving childhood cancer research—and get active in the fight to conquer kids’ cancer.
Whether you play on a team, coach, or support from the sidelines, you can make an impact.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Dedicate Your Season to a Cause

Young baseball player in maroon jersey and blue helmet poised to swing, standing in a sandy field, with a determined expression. Chain-link fence in background.

2025 Ambassador Jackson, Ewing sarcoma

Turn your entire season into a fundraiser.
Set a team goal and invite players, families, and supporters to contribute throughout the season.
Ideas to try:

  • Set a team fundraising goal (e.g., $1,000 for the season)
  • Ask for donations tied to wins, games played, or milestones
  • Share updates with your community as you make progress

2. Tie Donations to Performance

Two people are seen weightlifting in a gym, each holding a barbell. The scene conveys focus and determination in an energetic indoor setting.

Make every play count.
Link your fundraising to something that happens in your sport—goals, points, saves, or wins.
Examples:

  • $10 for every goal scored
  • $5 for every point or assist
  • A donation for every win

It’s a simple, fun way to engage your whole network while doing what you love.

3. Rally Your Team and Community

A group of excited students, wearing green shirts, cheer energetically in a gymnasium. Their expressions convey joy and unity during a lively event.

Sports bring people together—use that energy for good.
Invite teammates, parents, coaches, and fans to get involved and support your fundraiser.
Ideas to try:

  • Share your fundraiser at games or practices
  • Post updates on social media
  • Encourage friendly competition between teammates

4. Host a Game or Practice with Purpose

A hockey player in green prepares for a faceoff, flanked by a teammate and a mascot. Two girls, dressed in festive green attire, stand nearby on the ice with smiles, creating a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Spectators watch from the stands.

Choose a specific game or practice to spotlight your cause.
Turn it into a moment where your team comes together to raise awareness and funds.
Ideas to try:

  • Dedicate a game to kids with cancer
  • Wear gold or special gear to show support
  • Share why you’re fundraising with your community

5. Play for Something Bigger

When you turn your sport into a fundraiser, you’re doing more than competing—you’re helping kids with cancer:

  • Survive their diagnosis
  • Grow up and thrive
  • Get back in the game

Because every child deserves the chance to play.

A basketball team of five young girls in black jerseys, wearing medals, smiles confidently with two coaches. They hold balls and gesture "number one."

Get Started Today

No matter your sport—soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, or more—you can make a winning impact.
Start your team or individual fundraiser today and get active in the fight to conquer kids’ cancer.

Start Your Athletic Fundraiser