Cheer Squad Fundraising: How to Create a Fun Group Cookbook to Raise Money and Cover Expenses

Cheerleading is not only about pep rallies and halftime shows. It’s a discipline that requires dedication, training, costumes, travel, and much more. To cover the associated expenses, fundraising is often essential. One unique, engaging, and profitable way to fundraise is by creating a group cookbook. Let’s dive into how to create a cookbook that captures the spirit of the cheer squad and raises the necessary funds.

Phase 1: Establishing the Theme and Vision

Duration: 1-2 weeks

1. Squad Spirit: Emphasize the cheerleading theme by incorporating squad colors, mascots, and cheer chants into the cookbook’s design and narrative.
2. Cookbook Title: Coin a catchy and relevant title that merges both the world of cheerleading and cooking.
3. Setting Goals: Determine the fundraising target to cover expenses and set a price point for the cookbook accordingly.

Phase 2: Gathering Recipes and Cheer Anecdotes

Duration: 1 month

1. Diverse Recipes: Encourage squad members, coaches, and families to contribute a variety of recipes, from pre-game snacks to post-competition celebration meals.
2. Cheer Stories: Alongside recipes, gather anecdotes related to cheerleading – memorable competitions, squad traditions, or funny training incidents.
3. Action Shots: Include photos of the squad in action, both during performances and in candid, behind-the-scenes moments.

Phase 3: Design and Layout

Duration: 1-2 weeks (can be done at same time as Phase 2)

1. Dynamic Design: Use vibrant colors, dynamic fonts, and lively designs that resonate with the energetic spirit of cheerleading.
2. Layout Flow: Arrange recipes based on different phases of a cheer event – from early morning breakfasts to post-event dinners.
3. Incorporate Cheer Elements: Intersperse the pages with cheer chants, motivational quotes, or training tips.

Phase 4: Promotion and Sales

Duration: 1 month

1. Squad Showcases: During halftime shows or cheer competitions, set up a booth to promote and sell the cookbook.
2. Social Media Hype: Utilize the squad’s social media platforms to share sneak peeks, testimonials, and cooking demos using the cookbook’s recipes.
3. Local Business Partnerships: Partner with local businesses to promote or sell the cookbook, highlighting that the proceeds go towards supporting the cheer squad.

Phase 5: Post-Sales Engagement

Duration: Ongoing

1. Cook-along Sessions: Organize virtual or in-person cook-along sessions where squad members demonstrate recipes from the cookbook.
2. Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from buyers for potential improvements in future editions or other fundraising initiatives.
3. Thank-You Notes: Send out personalized thank-you notes or digital shout-outs to everyone who supported the fundraising effort.

A cheer squad cookbook is more than just a fundraising tool; it’s a testament to the squad’s camaraderie, dedication, and spirit. By blending the worlds of cheerleading and cooking, not only does the squad raise essential funds, but they also create a lasting keepsake that celebrates their shared journey. CookbookFundraiser.com is an online cookbook publishing platform that makes creating a cheer fundraising cookbook easy and fun. So, grab those pom-poms and let’s get cooking for a cause!

Bill Rice is the Co-Publisher of Family Cookbook Project and CookbookFundraiser.com which helps individuals, churches, schools, teams and other fundraising groups create cherished personalized cookbooks using peer-to-peer tools and the power of the Internet to meet group funding needs. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!