Football Squares Fundraiser
A football squares fundraiser is one of the simplest ways for a team, school or club to raise money around a big game. This page shows how it works, what it can raise and how to run it step by step.
How does a football squares fundraiser work?
Supporters pay for squares on a grid. A set share of the money goes to your cause and the rest is paid out as prizes to 4 winners, one at the end of each quarter. Because the numbers are drawn at random, every supporter has the same chance to win.
How much can a football squares fundraiser raise?
It depends on the price per square and the share you keep. With 100 squares and half kept for the cause, a $10 square raises $500 and a $20 square raises $1,000. Donated prizes let you keep the full amount. The table shows the most common prices.
| Price per square | Collected (100 squares) | Paid as prizes (50%) | Raised for the cause (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5 | $500 | $250 | $250 |
| $10 | $1,000 | $500 | $500 |
| $20 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| $25 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| $50 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| $100 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
To test other prices and shares, use the payout calculator and lower the share paid as prizes.
How do you set up a football squares fundraiser?
Get approval, pick a game and set the price and the share for the cause. Then share the grid, collect payment as squares are taken, and draw the numbers once the grid is full. Announce each winner during the game and thank every supporter afterward.
- Check the rules. Fundraising games are treated differently from state to state, and some states ask for a permit. Check your state rules and your school or league policy first.
- Pick a game with wide interest, such as a rivalry game, a playoff game or a bowl game.
- Set the price per square and the share that goes to the cause.
- Create the grid. Use the online generator to share a link, or print a grid for an event.
- Collect payment as each square is taken, and mark the paid squares.
- Draw the numbers when the grid is full, where supporters can see.
- Announce the 4 winners, pay the prizes and report the total raised.
How should you split the money?
The most common choice is half for the cause and half for prizes, with the prize half split evenly across the 4 checkpoints. With $10 squares, that is $500 raised and 4 prizes of $125. State the split on the grid and in every message, so supporters know before they pay.
How do you sell every square?
Start 2 weeks before the game and share the grid where your supporters already are. Put the link and a QR code on a flyer, post progress as the grid fills, and ask a local business to buy the last squares. A limit per buyer in the first week helps spread the squares.
What if you cannot sell all the squares?
Choose a smaller grid before you start if your group is small: 50 or 25 squares. If squares are still unsold at the draw, mark them for the cause. When one of those squares wins, that prize stays with the cause, which most supporters are happy to see.
Can you use donated prizes instead of cash?
Yes, and it raises the most. Ask local businesses for 4 prizes, such as gift cards, a meal or team gear. Then every dollar from the squares goes to the cause. Name the donors on the grid and in your thank you message.
Football Squares Fundraiser FAQ
Is a football squares fundraiser allowed?
It depends on your state and on your organization. Rules for fundraising games differ, and some states ask for a permit. Check before you sell the first square.
How much should a square cost?
Most groups charge between $5 and $20. Pick a price your supporters can afford more than once, since many will take 2 or 3 squares.
Does the online grid collect the money?
No. The grid only tracks squares and winners. Collect payment the way your group normally does, and tick the paid squares as a private note.
What share should go to the cause?
Half is the most common choice. Some groups keep 60% or 70%, and groups with donated prizes keep it all.
Which game is best for a fundraiser?
A game that many of your supporters will watch. Rivalry games, playoff games and bowl games fill a grid faster.
Can a fundraiser run for a whole season?
Yes. Start a new grid for each game and keep the same supporters. A weekly grid with a lower price per square often raises more over a season.
Do winners ever give the prize back?
Some do. You can offer the option, but never expect it. Pay every prize in full unless the winner asks otherwise.
Plan your football squares fundraiser
A football squares fundraiser needs a game, a grid and a clear split. Set those 3 things, share the grid early and keep supporters updated. See the rules for the choices a host makes, and how to play football squares if the game is new to your group.
Football Squares Hub is an independent website. It is not affiliated with the NFL, the NCAA or any team.