Travel teams face unique financial challenges—covering tournament fees, uniforms, lodging, transportation, and meals on the road. Travel team fundraisers that work year round don’t just raise money; they energize your team, engage your community, and reflect your values of discipline, performance, and teamwork.
Here are five proven fundraising products that work for travel teams in any season. Plus, we’ve included bonus strategies to help you raise more, keep athletes engaged, and make your efforts stand out!
🔎 In This Article
- Popcorn Fundraisers (2 Formats!)
- Katydids Chocolate (Ships in Summer)
- Nut Fundraisers for Athletes
- Restaurant.com Certificates
- Chocolate Bars & Lollipops
- Seasonal Fundraising Calendar
- How to Maximize Sales
- Team-Branded Swag
- Athlete Involvement
- Promotion Tips
- Goal Setting & Profit Examples
- Real Coach Testimonials
- Final Word + CTA
🍿 1. Popcorn Fundraisers – A Summer Favorite with Two Great Formats
Popcorn is a classic fundraising staple, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, shelf-stable, and loved by all ages. Whether you’re selling at ballparks, tournaments, or outdoor events, popcorn offers a low-hassle, high-margin opportunity.
Available in Two Formats:
- Popcorn Bags – Low retail cost, ideal for quick sales at concession stands or games.
- Gourmet Tubs/Bundles – Higher value options perfect for pre-order campaigns or online fundraisers.
Why It Works for Travel Teams:
- Great warm-weather product that won’t melt or spoil.
- Simple to promote at summer events.
- Easy to bundle into “supporter packs” for families or sponsors.
🍫 2. Katydids Candy – Premium Chocolate You Can Sell Even in Summer
Katydids Candy combines rich caramel and pecans with smooth milk chocolate—a delicious indulgence that supporters love. While most chocolate doesn’t mix well with summer heat, Katydids is shipped with dry ice, so your team can confidently sell it year-round.
Why Travel Teams Love It:
- Ties in with sports nutrition and healthy habits.
- Long shelf life and easy shipping.
- Appeals to adults, teachers, and gift buyers—beyond just the team’s inner circle.
🍽️ 4. Restaurant.com Gift eCertificates – A Practical Choice for Families on the Road
Traveling families spend a lot on meals—and that’s where Restaurant.com gift certificates come in. These eCertificates (typically $25, $50, or $100 in value) can be used at thousands of participating restaurants across the country. It’s a win-win for teams and their supporters.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Helps families save on meals during tournaments and travel.
- Great gift item or thank-you for coaches and volunteers.
- No inventory to manage—delivered digitally.
🍭 5. Chocolate Bars & Lollipops – Small Price, Big Profit
Sometimes simplicity is the best strategy. Chocolate bars and colorful lollipops like Yummy Lix are a proven hit for quick, cash-and-carry sales. Their low price makes them accessible to anyone, and their profit margins are surprisingly high.
Why Travel Teams Love Them:
- Quick sellers at concession stands or game-day tables.
- Easy to transport and distribute.
- High profit per unit with no need for pre-orders.
- Ideal for spontaneous purchases and younger supporters.
📅 Seasonal Fundraising Calendar
| 🗓️ Season | ✅ Best Fundraisers |
|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | Popcorn, Nuts, Lollipops, Restaurant.com |
| Fall | Katydids Candy, Chocolate Bars, Cookie Dough |
| Winter | Chocolate Bars, Digital eGifts |
| Year-Round | Mixed Packs, Popcorn & Candy Combos |
💪 How to Maximize Sales
🧵 Team-Branded Swag Packs
Want to stand out even more? Combine products with team merchandise:
- “Snack + Swag Packs”: Pair a bag of popcorn or nuts with a team water bottle, hat, or wristband.
- Create custom bundles for boosters, parents, or fans.
- Offer limited-edition swag to top supporters.
🪶️ Involve the Athletes
When athletes are engaged, fundraisers go further. Try these fun strategies:
- Sales Challenges: Give small prizes for top sellers.
- Social Media Shout-Outs: Let players thank supporters online.
- Video Pitches: Have athletes record short promo videos.
- Goal Boards: Track progress visually at practice or games.
📣 Promotion Tips
- 📲 Post regularly on social media with photos and quick updates.
- 🎥 Go Live on Instagram or Facebook with a product unboxing or team message.
- 📸 Take pics of the team selling or packing orders to build momentum.
- 💬 Use group chats and email to share your fundraiser link.
💰 Goal Setting & Profit Example
Here’s a quick way to set realistic targets:
If 20 players each sell 10 popcorn bags at $15 with 50% profit, that’s $150 per player—or $3,000 total!
Add in candy bar or gift card sales, and you can hit $5,000+ in just a few weeks.
🚬 What Real Coaches Say
“Our U12 basketball team sold popcorn and Katydids and raised $2,300 in two weekends. The kids were proud, and the parents were thrilled with how easy it was.”
— Coach Dana, Texas Rockets
“We handed out Yummy Lix lollipops at every game. Fast sellers, and we made enough to cover our hotel costs.”
— Coach Riley, Midwest United Softball
⚽ Final Word: Fundraising That Moves Your Team Forward
Whether you’re raising funds for uniforms, travel, or tournament fees, the key is choosing products that are easy to sell, practical, and team-friendly.
By combining snacks, sweets, and smart digital options, your travel team can raise more with less stress—while building team spirit and community support.
🚀 Ready to Launch?
Let us help you get started with:
- ✅ Free tools
- ✅ No upfront costs
- ✅ Year-round support
📞 Reach out today and let’s build your best fundraiser yet!
