Wondering how to run a football squares fundraiser? A football squares fundraiser is a simple yet effective way to raise money for your cause by selling chances on the final score of a football game. This guide will walk you through setting up, selling, and managing your very own football pool fundraiser. It’s a popular choice among fundraising game ideas because it’s easy to grasp and offers a chance to win cash or prizes.
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What You Need for Your Football Pool Fundraiser
To get your football pool fundraiser off the ground, you’ll need a few key items:
- A Game Board: This is the heart of your fundraiser. You can create one yourself or use a printable template.
- Selling Materials: Flyers, signs, and ways to collect money.
- Prize Money: To award to the winners.
- Participants: People willing to buy squares!
Creating Your Football Pool Fundraiser Game Board
The charity football grid, often called a football pool fundraiser board, is typically a 10×10 grid. Each square represents a combination of the last digit of the score for each team.
- Grid Setup: Draw or print a grid with 10 rows and 10 columns.
- Labeling Rows: Label the rows 0 through 9. These will represent the last digit of the score for one team (often the home team or the team listed second).
- Labeling Columns: Label the columns 0 through 9. These will represent the last digit of the score for the other team (often the away team or the team listed first).
- Sale Price: Decide on the price per square. Common prices include $1, $5, $10, or even $20, depending on your audience and the prize.
- Prize Structure: Determine how the prize money will be split. Common payouts include:
- Per Quarter: Awarding prize money at the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, 3rd quarter, and final score.
- Final Score Only: Awarding all the prize money to the winner based on the final score.
- Combination: A smaller payout for each quarter and a larger payout for the final score.
Designing Your Game Board
Here’s a simple way to visualize your football pool fundraiser game board:
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How To Do Football Squares Fundraiser: Step-by-Step
Once you have your game board concept, it’s time to put the plan into action.
Step 1: Choose Your Game and Date
The most popular event for a Super Bowl squares fundraiser is, of course, the Super Bowl. However, you can adapt this fundraiser game board for any football game, from local high school matches to professional league games.
- Target Audience: Consider who you are selling to. An office football pool might be more casual, while a dedicated sports fan group might be more invested.
- Game Popularity: Choose a game that will generate interest.
Step 2: Determine Your Pricing and Payouts
This is a crucial step for maximizing your fundraising potential.
Pricing Strategies
- Price per Square:
- Low Price ($1-$2): Appeals to a broader audience, allowing more people to participate. Easier to sell all squares quickly.
- Mid Price ($5-$10): Appeals to those with a bit more disposable income or strong interest in the game. Can yield higher revenue per square.
- High Price ($20+): Best for events with a very engaged and affluent audience.
- Bundles: Offer discounts for buying multiple squares. For example, “Buy 3, get 1 free” or “10 squares for $X.”
- Team Sponsorship: If you’re targeting specific teams, you could offer squares related to those teams.
Payout Structures
The payout structure significantly impacts how many times participants have a chance to win.
- Common Payout Models:
- Four Winners (Quarterly Payouts):
- 1st Quarter Score: 20% of total pot
- Halftime Score: 20% of total pot
- 3rd Quarter Score: 20% of total pot
- Final Score: 40% of total pot
- Two Winners (Halftime & Final):
- Halftime Score: 30% of total pot
- Final Score: 70% of total pot
- One Winner (Final Score Only):
- Final Score: 100% of total pot (This can lead to a larger prize for one person but fewer winning opportunities.)
- Four Winners (Quarterly Payouts):
- Calculating Potential Earnings:
- Total Squares: 100 (10×10 grid)
- Price per Square: $X
- Total Raised: 100 * $X
- Total Payout: Let’s say you pay out 50% of what you raise.
- Your Profit: 50% of what you raise.
Example Calculation:
If you sell each square for $5:
* Total Raised: 100 squares * $5/square = $500
* If you pay out 50% ($250):
* 1st Qtr Winner: $50
* Halftime Winner: $50
* 3rd Qtr Winner: $50
* Final Score Winner: $100
* Your Profit: $250
Step 3: How to Sell Squares
Effective selling is key to a successful football pool fundraiser.
Selling Methods
- In-Person Sales:
- Events: Sell at school events, community gatherings, or parties.
- Workplace: Set up a visible display in a common area for an office football pool.
- Door-to-Door: If your group has established territory or relationships.
- Online Sales:
- Social Media: Create a Facebook event, post on Instagram, or use other platforms to share the details and link to a payment portal.
- Online Forms: Use tools like Google Forms or specialized fundraising platforms to manage sales and payments.
- Email Campaigns: Reach out to your contact list directly.
- Team/Group Sales:
- Assign Squares: Give individuals or teams a certain number of squares to sell and track their progress.
- Sales Incentives: Offer prizes to top sellers.
Best Practices for Selling
- Clear Communication: Clearly state the price per square, the payout structure, and the game being used.
- Visual Appeal: Make your game board and sales materials attractive.
- Enthusiasm: Be excited about the fundraiser! Your energy is contagious.
- Convenience: Offer multiple ways to pay (cash, Venmo, PayPal, etc.).
- Track Sales: Keep a clear record of who has bought which squares. A physical board or a shared spreadsheet works well.
Step 4: Assigning Numbers to the Grid
Once a square is sold, you need to assign the numbers.
- Random Assignment: The fairest method is to randomly assign the numbers 0-9 to each row and column. Write these numbers at the top of each column and on the left of each row.
- Participant Choice (Less Common): In some informal settings, people might pick their numbers, but this can lead to certain numbers being more popular than others and complicates tracking. Random assignment is generally preferred for a organized football pool fundraiser.
Example of a Filled Grid:
| 7 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | John | Jane | Mike | Sara | Tom | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 5 | Pat | Leo | Dan | May | Eva | Max | Ben | Roy | Gus | Fay |
| 0 | Tom | Amy | Sam | Pam | Jim | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 8 | John | Jane | Mike | Sara | Tom | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 1 | Pat | Leo | Dan | May | Eva | Max | Ben | Roy | Gus | Fay |
| 9 | Tom | Amy | Sam | Pam | Jim | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 3 | John | Jane | Mike | Sara | Tom | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 7 | Pat | Leo | Dan | May | Eva | Max | Ben | Roy | Gus | Fay |
| 4 | Tom | Amy | Sam | Pam | Jim | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
| 6 | John | Jane | Mike | Sara | Tom | Ann | Bob | Sue | Tim | Kim |
In this example, “John” bought the square corresponding to the numbers 2 (for the row) and 7 (for the column).
Step 5: Tracking Scores and Payouts
During the game, you’ll need to track the scores.
- Real-Time Updates: Keep an eye on the game’s score.
- Score Tracking: After each quarter (or halftime, etc., depending on your payout structure), note the last digit of each team’s score.
- Announcing Winners:
- Identify the player whose square matches the last digits.
- Announce the winner clearly.
- Distribute the prize money promptly.
Example of Score Tracking:
Let’s say Team A is the “Column” team and Team B is the “Row” team.
| Quarter | Team A Score | Team B Score | Last Digit Team A | Last Digit Team B | Winning Square | Winner | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0-7 | Ann | $50 |
| Halftime | 24 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 4-3 | Sara | $50 |
| 3rd | 31 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 1-0 | Tom | $50 |
| Final | 35 | 28 | 5 | 8 | 5-8 | Bob | $100 |
Step 6: Post-Fundraiser Wrap-up
After the game, it’s good practice to wrap things up professionally.
- Financial Report: If required by your organization, provide a brief report on money raised, expenses (payouts), and net profit.
- Thank You: Thank all participants and volunteers.
- Feedback: Gather feedback for future fundraisers.
Tips for Maximizing Your Football Squares Fundraiser
To make your fundraiser even more successful, consider these advanced strategies:
Leverage Sports-Themed Fundraiser Appeal
The sports themed fundraiser aspect is a major draw. Lean into it!
- Decorations: Use team colors, football imagery, and sports paraphernalia to create an engaging atmosphere, especially if you have a viewing party.
- Themed Prizes: Beyond the cash prize, consider offering sports-related items like gift cards to sports stores, team merchandise, or even sports memorabilia.
- Commentary: If you’re watching the game together, add some playful commentary about the squares and who is winning.
Promoting Your Fundraiser
Effective promotion is critical for how to sell squares and get people involved.
- Early Bird Specials: Offer a discount for purchasing squares before a certain date.
- Referral Bonuses: Encourage participants to bring in new buyers by offering them a discount or a free square.
- Visual Aids: Create eye-catching posters, social media graphics, and flyers. Show a sample of the filled board to make it tangible.
- Use Testimonials: If you’ve run successful fundraisers before, share positive feedback.
Managing the Office Football Pool
For an office football pool, there are unique considerations:
- Company Policy: Check if your company has any policies regarding gambling or fundraising pools.
- Fairness and Transparency: Ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and that the rules are clear to all.
- Digital Tools: Utilize online tools for easy sign-ups and payments that comply with company IT policies.
- Keep it Light: The goal is usually team building and a bit of fun, so keep the pressure off and encourage camaraderie.
Handling Common Challenges
- Unsold Squares:
- Lower the price for the remaining squares.
- Have a few “house” squares that you fill to ensure the board is full, especially if you’re guaranteeing payouts.
- Run a last-minute blitz sale.
- Score Ties: If the score ends in the same digits for multiple people (e.g., Team A ends in 7, Team B ends in 3, and two people have the 7-3 square), you can:
- Split the prize money equally among the winners.
- Have a mini-draw for that prize.
- Refer to your pre-determined football pool rules.
- Payment Issues:
- Clearly state payment deadlines.
- Follow up with individuals who haven’t paid.
Football Pool Rules: What to Include
Having clear football pool rules prevents confusion and disputes. Post these rules prominently with your game board.
Key Rules to Outline:
- Game: Clearly state the specific game (e.g., Super Bowl LVIII, October 28th NFL game between Team X and Team Y).
- Grid: Explain the 10×10 grid and how numbers 0-9 correspond to the last digit of each team’s score.
- Pricing: State the price per square.
- Payouts: Detail the prize amounts for each winning interval (e.g., 1st Qtr, Halftime, 3rd Qtr, Final). Specify percentages or fixed amounts.
- Number Assignment: Explain that numbers are assigned randomly after purchase.
- Winning Criteria: Clarify that the winning squares are determined by the last digit of the score for each team at the designated intervals.
- Ties: Explain how ties for a winning square will be handled (e.g., prize splitting).
- Payment Deadline: State when all payments are due.
- No Refunds: Typically, once a square is purchased, it cannot be refunded.
- Final Score Determination: Specify which official source will be used to determine final scores.
Is Football Squares Fundraiser Profitable?
Yes, a football pool fundraiser can be very profitable, especially when managed effectively. The profit margin is directly tied to the price per square and the percentage of the total pot you retain. For instance, if you aim to keep 50% of the revenue, you double your money. Higher participation and higher ticket prices lead to greater profits. It’s a classic example of a successful sports betting fundraiser when structured for charity.
Variations and Advanced Fundraising Game Ideas
While the standard 10×10 grid is popular, you can get creative with your fundraising game ideas:
- Custom Grids: For a specific team you’re supporting, you could create a grid where one axis represents the team’s players and the other the opponent’s players, with prizes for specific player matchups or combinations.
- Bracket Challenges: Similar to March Madness brackets, you can sell brackets for playoff tournaments.
- Fantasy Football Leagues: Set up a paid fantasy football league for a season-long fundraiser.
- Charity Football Grid Auction: Instead of a fixed price, auction off the squares, potentially driving prices higher for desirable numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Football Squares Fundraisers
Q1: What is a football squares fundraiser?
A1: A football squares fundraiser is a game where participants buy squares on a grid. The grid represents the last digit of the score for two competing football teams. Prizes are awarded based on the score at various points in the game (e.g., end of quarters, halftime, final score).
Q2: How do I make money from a football squares fundraiser?
A2: You make money by selling the squares for more than the prize money you intend to give out. For example, if you sell 100 squares at $5 each ($500 total) and decide to pay out $250 in prizes, you profit $250 for your cause.
Q3: Can I run a football pool fundraiser for any game?
A3: Yes, you can run a football pool fundraiser for any football game, from professional NFL games to college football, and even some high school games. The popularity of the game might influence how easily you can sell squares.
Q4: How do I determine the winners in a football squares fundraiser?
A4: Winners are determined by matching the last digit of the score for each team at specific times during the game (e.g., end of the first quarter, halftime, end of the third quarter, and final score) to the numbers on the grid corresponding to their purchased square.
Q5: What are the most common payout structures for a football pool fundraiser?
A5: The most common payout structures include awarding prizes at the end of each quarter (1st, 2nd/Halftime, 3rd) and for the final score. Often, the final score payout is the largest. Another common structure is paying out for halftime and the final score only.
Q6: How many squares are typically on a football pool board?
A6: A standard football pool board is a 10×10 grid, totaling 100 squares.
Q7: What if multiple people have the winning square for a particular score?
A7: This is a common scenario. You can handle ties by splitting the prize money equally among all winners for that specific winning square, or by having a separate drawing among the tied winners for that prize. It’s best to clearly state your tie-breaking rule in your football pool rules before selling any squares.
Q8: How can I sell squares effectively for my fundraiser?
A8: To effectively sell squares, use a combination of in-person sales at events or workplaces, and online promotion through social media, email, and dedicated fundraising platforms. Make your selling materials visually appealing, communicate the rules clearly, and offer convenient payment options.
Q9: Are there any legal considerations for running a sports betting fundraiser like football squares?
A9: While often considered a friendly wager or a form of raffle, it’s wise to check local regulations regarding raffles and fundraising. For larger organizations, consulting with legal counsel is advisable. Most casual, small-scale fundraisers are generally permissible, especially when the primary intent is charity.
Q10: What makes a football squares fundraiser a good option for a charity event?
A10: It’s a good option because it’s easy for people to understand, requires minimal setup, generates excitement around a popular event like the Super Bowl, and has a clear revenue model. It’s also a fun way to engage people who might not typically participate in more traditional fundraising activities.