BoosterHub

Top 5 Booster Club Problems

Running a booster club is a rewarding experience that gives you the opportunity to serve countless student-athletes. However, building a thriving booster club is not without its challenges. Some of the biggest hurdles you might encounter while running your booster club include the following:

Disorganization

Disorganization is the enemy of productivity. If board members, general members, parents, donors, and volunteers aren’t on the same page, your club isn’t going to accomplish very much.

One of the biggest sources of disorganization is a lack of a unified communication channel. The good news, though, is that this is an easy problem to solve. All you need is booster club software. Great software will streamline communication, keep your club organized, and help you get more done.

Lack of Funds

Booster clubs have two main functions: raising funds and using those funds to support sports teams and student-athletes. You can’t accomplish that second objective when funds are scarce.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to booster club fundraising. Some clubs are lucky enough to have a handful of MVP donors who make recurring contributions year after year. Others have to get creative.

The best way to find out what works in your community is to try a handful of different solutions. That way, you can see what delivers the most impactful results.

Lack of Volunteers

Once you’ve got the funding and become organized, it’s time to find people to work concessions, run events, and chaperone activities. Admittedly, this is a tricky problem to solve.

When you lack volunteers, reach out to the parents of student-athletes. Don’t just contact the parents of the students whose sport is in season, however. You should also reach out to parents of students whose sports are out of season and encourage them to “pay it forward” by volunteering.

Disconnect of Mission

Sometimes, club boards and athletic directors or coaches forget that they are on the same team. That’s because the athletic directors and their coaches may have objectives that are at odds with the club’s mission.

If you want to achieve great things, you’ll need to collaborate with the AD and the head coaches for each sports team on campus. Your club is a great fundraising and support resource for the coaches. In turn, the AD and coaches can mobilize parents to donate and volunteer at club events. Always remember that teamwork makes the dream work.

Fraud

According to Parent Booster USA, fraudsters steal about $1 million a year from school fundraising groups. A single instance of fraud can undo all your hard work and undermine community trust in your club.

That’s why it’s crucial for you to proactively prevent fraud. You can do so by implementing checks and balances, electing a skilled treasurer, and using secure booster club software.

How to Avoid These Common Problems

The key to avoiding or mitigating these problems is diligence. Even when everything is going smoothly for your club, be on the lookout for potential speed bumps and address any emerging problems right away. Don’t let them fester.

With a little diligence and proactivity, you can keep your booster club on the right track to make a positive, lasting impact on the student-athletes you serve.

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Ways to Fundraise for a Booster Club

Fundraising is perhaps one of the most important functions of your booster club. However, it can be tough to build momentum, especially if you are new to fundraising as a whole. You can also get stuck in a rut and feel like you are running the same two or three events on repeat. That’s when it’s important to mix things up to keep club members and donors engaged, ensuring a steady stream of support for your student-athletes. With that in mind, here are a few ways to raise more money for the student-athletes you support:

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Non-Profit Donation Receipt

Whenever someone donates to your club, you must ensure that you send them a clear receipt so they can take advantage of their tax deduction. These receipts are your club’s way of saying, “Thanks for being on the team,” and they’re essential for keeping records organized. Providing a timely and well-documented receipt also makes your club appear professional and organized. In turn, you’ll be able to more easily build trust with donors and encourage them to give again in the future. After all, donors need to be confident that you’re acknowledging and managing their contributions properly. On that note, here are a few tips to help you create compliant receipts:

Booster Club Best Practices

Booster Club Rules

You certainly wouldn’t sign up for a sports league without knowing the rules of the game, so why would you attempt to run a booster club without a clear set of guidelines? In a booster club, the rules take the form of bylaws, which are policies and procedures that are vital in keeping everyone on the same page, helping to avoid misunderstandings, and ensuring that each member understands their part in supporting the club’s mission. In some cases, these bylaws will spell out who can and can’t be members, as well as who is eligible to serve on the board. Some states even have standardized playbooks that you need to follow. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, for instance, has a playbook of its own, covering specific bylaws for booster clubs that support school programs. In any case, here are some tips for ensuring everyone in your booster club plays by the rules so you can have a productive year: