Last updated on September 8th, 2023 at 03:41 pm
If not done carefully, hosting a swim meet can be an expensive undertaking. Fortunately, there are many ways to defray meet costs. In fact, some clubs get so good at hosting meets, the meets themselves become fundraisers! Fundraising activities at swim meets help to boost income. After all, you have a captive audience. Many do not mind leaving a few extra dollars at a meet to support a team. This is especially true if they are given a choice, or receive something they need or want. Help people come ready to spend. Let them know what will be for sale in the meet announcement and other pre-meet communications.
Contents for Boost Swim Meet Income Through Fundraising
Selling Food
Many teams sell concessions at meets. Be aware that some facilities have snack bars and may not want the meet host to sell concessions. However, if offered, there are many ways to make it profitable. In addition to a concession stand, think about offering a meal. Some teams earn great income selling a pancake breakfast, or a BBQ dinner.
- Time and energy-saving tip: Serve the meal free-of-charge to coaches, officials and meet workers as hospitality.
- Governance tip: Check and comply with local ordinances about the preparation and sale of food.
Silent Auction or Raffle
Increase meet income by offering a silent auction or raffle of donated goods, services or gift baskets.
Meet Apparel
Swimmers and others attending large, or championship, meets often buy meet related apparel if available.
Vendors
If arranged for in advance, a vendor may agree to sell goods on-site and give the meet host a percentage of the sales. This is especially popular with swimwear and other swimming related merchandise. Another option is to charge vendors a “booth fee” for the right to set-up shop at the meet.
- Facility Tip: Get approval from the facility before arranging for vendors. Also, find out if facility electricity, tables, chairs, etc. will be available to vendors.
Advertising
Many meet hosts sell, or give donors a “thank you” through, advertising space. Consider offering advertising in either in the meet program, around the deck, or both. Businesses often have banners or copy-ready ads. Parents, or others associated with either the host team or a swimmer attending the meet, can sponsor an event. As an event sponsor, they pay to put a short message in an event header in the meet program. (Examples: “Swim Fast Sally & Get That Cut!” or “Fred’s Auto Repair/Honest, Accurate & Fast/(xxx)xxx-xxxx”) Each event can have a unique sponsor, or people can buy the right to leave a message in multiple events.
- Facility Tip: Check with, and receive approval from, facility management before offering deck advertising
- Governance Tip: See governing body rule book for any rules or regulations about advertising
Title Image Credit: “money” by Glikò is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.
Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets.
Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!