Fundraising Ideas That Can Keep Lower-League Scottish Clubs Going

For clubs outside the Scottish Premiership, football finance is a constant balancing act.

Sponsorships are hard to come by, filling up stands can be difficult, you can only charge so much for a ticket, and so forth.

That’s why off-the-pitch fundraising is normally a go-to for many Scottish clubs worth just a few hundred thousand. It’s a way that supporters can come together and help fund their local teams.

But what type of fundraising ideas should you concentrate on? What will have the biggest impact on a club?

The Club Lottery

A reliable way to raise some funds is through a weekly club lottery or bonus ball. Simply, supporters can pick a number for a set weekly fee, and the proceeds are split between the prize and the club.

These types of lotteries can run all season and each week. They need little to no admin and provide a steady, predictable income that can be used to fund the team's training, travel, and matchday activities.

Creating a club lottery system is relatively straightforward. However, there is software that is already designed to cater to such things, so it’s worth taking a look at this if you decide to go down this route.

A Bingo Night

A clubhouse bingo night is another proven fundraiser. Not many Scottish clubs do it, but English clubs like South Shields FC run weekly bingo draws that have become a bit of a hit. It only costs £1 a line as well, which is accessible for most club supporters.

Offering a bingo night gives you the opportunity to benefit from the popularity of bingo, which is clear from the number of in-person events and online bingo sites available. These sites offer a huge range of different rooms/themes, ticket prices, and prize formats, which can give you some inspiration when deciding on the format of your event.

Unlike a club lottery, a bingo night can be much more interactive. Supporters can come together and make a night of it. You can also bring the players and managers in as well, boosting the connections between supporters and the club.

Matchday Ideas

During matchdays, there are plenty of ways to fundraise. Food and drink are always a good option. Supporters love a halftime snack or beverage, and part of the profits can go towards funding the club.

Club-branded merchandise could also be a good option. The only downside to this is the initial upfront cost. However, once the first batch is paid for and the merchandise starts selling, it could be a good way to fundraise while also getting some free advertising.

Generally speaking, the clubs that end up making the most from fundraisers do a good job at tying them into events that are already happening. That’s why matchday ideas work so well.

Now It’s Time to Plan

Don’t try all the fundraising ideas at once. Do one at a time and see what works best for your club. You may find that the lottery works best, perhaps it’s bingo nights, or even a matchday halftime burger stall. Whatever it may be, take a look at your supporters, understand what they may like, and give it a go.