Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Page 1 of 4

Fundraising Hints for Athletes

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Introduction

All members of the Association have the option of participating in a range of sporting and recreational pursuits at varying levels of achievement and involvement.

While the Association subsidises the cost of it’s programs and provides support to members through the Athlete Grant Scheme, it does not have the resources to fully subsidise every athlete for every event. Athletes are encouraged to raise funds to meet their expenses, particularly if they are involved in overseas or interstate competition. There are a number of ways athletes can raise funds and we will provide a brief overview of these below.

Fundraising tips

Promote how hard you have worked and your achievements (medals, trophys).

Be persistent – it can take time and numerous attempts but hard work often pays off.

Presentation: Wear your representative uniform proudly and keep equipment clean.

Know your sport be able to explain it in an interesting way that is easily understood.

Build a good reputation – good sportsmanship, coaching and volunteering can help you make important connections

3. Fundraisingtypes

There are a number of ways to raise funds, so identify which method is the most effective and efficient ie. which one is easiest to do and raises the most money. Fundraising can include:

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Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Page 1 of 4

Raffles
Fundraising BBQ
Fundraising website (crowdfunding)
Chocolate drive / Pie drive
Fundraising challenge
Fundraising dinner
Collection box
Donations
Sponsorship
Grants

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Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Page 1 of 4

1.Raffles

Raffles are a simple way to raise money towards an upcoming event. Individuals can purchase or seek a donated prize(s) which they can then sell tickets to, either through family and friends, or through your local sports club or a local store.

Eg. A bottle of wine with a $50 note taped to it. 200 tickets sold for $2 each.

Cost of prizes: $80

Income from tickets: $400

Profit: $320

The Queensland Government provides information on regulations for fundraising activities under the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999. The Act outlines different categories of fundraising of activities (games) and those that individuals can undertake (see relevant categories on next page):

Category 1 games

Includes raffles, sweeps, Calcutta sweeps, football doubles, lucky door prizes, bingo
Gross proceeds are not more than $2,000
The total value of prizes in any raffle must be at least 20% of the estimated gross proceeds (total ticket sales)
Can be conducted by a non-profit association and, in limited cases, an individual
Does not require a licence

Special category 3 games

Must be a person intending to conduct a single art union for the welfare or benefit of individuals who need help because of a disaster or a disadvantaged individual
Gross proceeds are more than $5,000
Requires a special category 3 gaming licence

2. Fundraising BBQ

Companies such as Bunnings offer the opportunity for not-for profit community groups to conduct barbecues on weekends out the front of their store to raise funds. The store can often supply the barbecue, marquee and eskies, and sometimes assist with the provision of food and drinks.

Association representative teams have been successful in the past in securing this opportunity, which can take some time to book into due to their popularity.

For more information on Bunnings barbecues please visit:

3. Fundraising website (crowdfunding)

Using social media and email to promote your fundraising campaign has become increasingly popular due to it’s ability to reach a large number of people quickly. Also known as crowdfunding, it can also provide an easy way for supporters to make donations via electronic payments. Please see links below to some of the more popular online fundraising sites:

Australian Sports Foundation

GoFundMe

Everyday Hero

4. Chocolate drive / Pie drive

Selling chocolates to family, friends, and around the local neighbourhood or sports club is a proven way to raise funds, with people purchasing a product they want and supporting you at the same time.

Eg. 20-25 chocolate bars per box

$20-$30 profit each box sold approximately

For more information on chocolate boxes available for fundraising please visit links below:

Australian FundraisingCadbury chocolates

Pie drives are another option, and usually do well in the colder months. Approximate profit is $1.50-$2 per pie sold. For more information contact your local bakery or see Yatala Pies

5. Fundraising challenge

There has been a growth in fundraising challenges in recent years, including fun runs, outdoor adventure courses, personal appearance (hair cut, facial hair), and food or drink choices (eg. Dry July). There may be the option to enter an organised event and have any funds raised go towards your own fundraising account. Alternatively you may want to start your own challenge and ask for people to support you through donations.

6. Fundraising dinner

A fundraising dinner is a good way to bring your supporters together in one room to better understand what their contributions are going towards whilst having a nice meal and networking/socialising with others. A good profit can be made on each ticket sold, especially if the venue / caterer offers a significant discount. These events can be as big as you want to make them, with donated prizes being auctioned and table raffles to raise further funds and themes to encourage people to get into the spirit of the evening.

7. Collection box

A collection box is a simple and proven method for raising funds over a long period of time. Asking for a local store to keep a secured collection box on their counter with a flyer outlining what the collection is going towards can encourage patrons to donate their loose change. Providing a picture of the athlete or team and outlining the fundraising target on the attached flyer/poster can ensure supporters understand the importance of their contribution.

8. Donations

Members can seek donations from family, friends, their community, or companies towards training and competition expenses. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, with every endeavour made to use donated funds for the specified purpose, however, the Association must retain complete discretion over the final destination of the funds, in order to guarantee the tax deductibility of any donation. This is in accordance with the Australian Taxation Office conditions for tax deduction for a gift (including donations).

Further details are contained in the Association’s Donation Policy, (SWPO-006) available on request from the Brisbane office.

9. Sponsorship

Gaining a sponsorship is another way of raising money. A good sponsorship ensures that the athlete / team and the sponsoring business both benefit from the arrangement.

Reasons companies sponsor athletes:

increasing exposure / brand recognition
increasing sales
improving public image (altruism – where they want to be seen to be helping others)
differentiating from their competitors

Important steps in recruiting sponsors:

Develop your sponsorship proposal and clearly explain what benefits you offer to sponsors
Research – identify suitable companies who may benefit from supporting you
Check – any potential sponsors won’t conflict with Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association or team sponsors.
Identify the best person to make contact with and the best method to approach (eg. phone call, email, website sponsorship enquiry form)
Arrange a time to meet with a representative to discuss your proposal and expectations
Follow up with a call or email to thank the representative for the opportunity to meet
Complete and sign a sponsorship agreement with the company ensuring clear expectations and duration of the agreement are clearly stated.
Provide media articles, updates, photos, and results to the company to make them feel a part of your journey.
Ensure you meet all expectations outlined in the agreement (eg. attending any company events, guest speaking, profile or article for their publications).
Meet with the company representative in the middle and at the end of the agreement period to check their satisfaction with the information you have provided and your commitment to meeting expectations. Discuss new agreement.

10. Grants (including scholarships and bursaries)

There are a number of sources that allocate direct sporting grants to athletes. The Association will advertise various grants on our website and via our social media channels. However we encourage you to check your local newspaper and local council office for grants available in your area. Some local councils provide funding support for constituents achieving sporting success or needing assistance to get active.

It is inappropriate for athletes to apply directly to State and Federal Departments of Sport for funding. This is done via State and National Bodies. Government departments already contribute millions of dollars through State and National Institutes, National Sporting Organisations for the Disabled (NSODs) and State Associations.

Levy account system

The Association provides a service for members whereby all funds raised by individual athletes or team members can be paid directly to the Association, where they are credited to the individual or team Levy Account. It is recommended that any fundraising be conducted through your Association Levy Account.

The funds will be made available to cover competition, training or equipment costs as required. Any request to access these funds must be made in writing to the Association. A Levy Account balance can be obtained by calling our Accounts Department at the Brisbane office.

A full copy of the Levy Account By Laws is available on request from your nearest office.

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