Game Day Fundraising

The roar of the crowd, the rivalries, the tailgates—game day energy is unmatched. And donors are taking notice. In 2023, nearly 17% of all gifts went to athletics-affiliated funds, with 2024 projected to climb to 18.5%. That momentum makes any athletic season the perfect time to kick off fundraising efforts that rally fans and drive impact.

From pre-season planning through bowl season (and even into the off-season), every touchdown, basket, and goal is a chance to deepen engagement. In this playbook, we’ll show you how to harness the excitement of game day to connect with alumni and fans, turn loyal supporters into loyal donors, and keep the energy going long after the final whistle. With the right strategies, you can turn every drive down the field into a fundraising win.