Tournaments make great school fundraisers because they naturally combine competition, community, and fun, while also encouraging participation from students, parents, and staff. Whether it’s kickball, three-on-three basketball, volleyball, cornhole, or trivia, tournaments give people a reason to show up and engage. They’re also easy to scale based on your school’s size and resources. Best of all, they feel more like a celebration than a fundraiser—making them events people actually look forward to.

School tournament fundraisers can support a wide range of groups and goals—from sports teams, music programs, and academic clubs to PTO initiatives, classroom supplies, and school-wide projects. Whether you’re raising money for field trips, new equipment, the arts, or student leadership groups, tournaments offer a fun, flexible way to rally support and bring the whole school community together.

Start by identifying local businesses that align with your school community—think restaurants, sports stores, or family-owned shops. Create tiered sponsorship packages so there are different options and price points and list them on a user-friendly event website. Highlight what sponsors get in return: visibility at the event, logo placement on the event website, mentions in emails and social posts, and support for a good cause. Then, reach out personally with a clear ask, a near-term deadline, and a link to purchase.

Use a mix of online and offline channels to spread the word about a school tournament fundraiser. Create flyers for backpacks and bulletin boards, post countdown reminders on your school’s social media, and distribute information through newsletters and PTO leadership. Ensure teachers and coaches know about the event, and update your school’s event calendar and/or website accordingly. Get students involved by having them make announcements, design posters, or form team challenges. Promote through email newsletters, classroom updates, and PTO meetings.

Make it super easy to register for your school tournament fundraiser by using an event website with team and sponsor registration. Share the link through school emails, texts, social media, and local establishments your school community frequents (gyms, grocery stores, rec centers, stadiums, et cetera). Create urgency with early bird perks or limited spots. And most importantly, get students excited first: when they’re in, parents are more likely to follow.