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Getting younger kids involved in a virtual team fundraising event can feel a little tricky at first, but it’s actually a great opportunity for the whole group to grow closer. Kids love feeling included and helpful, especially when they see their team working hard for something cool like new uniforms, a trip, or gear.
Since it’s winter, when being indoors makes more sense, this kind of fundraiser is perfect. Kids can take part without going door to door or standing outside in the cold. Virtual team fundraising lets them share their fundraiser with family and friends all over the country, right from home. With Team Butter, those supporters order through a simple online store, the group keeps 50% of every sale, and everything ships straight to each buyer, so kids never have to handle boxes or cash. We’ve found that with just a little guidance and the right setup, younger participants can be a real part of the team effort. Here are a few ways to help them stay included and excited from start to finish.
Make Fundraising Feel Like Part of the Team
One of the best ways to help kids feel involved is to show them that fundraising is part of being on the team. It’s not something extra they have to do on their own. It’s something we do together.
• Assign small jobs, like helping hold signs at practice or passing out reminder cards. Just feeling useful in a simple way helps build confidence.
• Use team huddles, spirit days, or post-practice check-ins to recognize kids who are helping. That keeps the group energy up and shows that every effort counts.
• Explain where the money is going, in kid terms. Talking about how a successful fundraiser helps buy new jerseys or lets the whole team go to a tournament makes it feel real and exciting.
When fundraising feels like another team activity, it becomes more fun and less like work.
Keep It Kid-Friendly (and Attention-Span Friendly)
Younger kids can get excited quickly, but they can also get distracted just as fast. Breaking down big goals into smaller, hands-on steps helps keep their heads and hearts in the game.
• Create mini-challenges for the group, like “Let’s all get five shares today” or “Raise enough for one uniform this weekend.”
• Use sticker charts or countdown posters at practice to track how close the team is to its goal. Visuals help little ones stay connected.
• Celebrate the wins, even the small ones. Use team shout-outs, high fives, or let someone lead a warm-up when they complete a task. Kids love recognition.
These moments of teamwork make a difference. They turn fundraising into something kids want to talk about and be part of.
Let Parents and Volunteers Share the Load
You don’t need to give every kid a big task. Sometimes, the best way to keep things smooth is to share the work across the group and get parents, siblings, and friends to help out.
• Give younger kids light roles like decorating a thank-you card or helping to pack swag bags.
• Let older siblings or teen volunteers guide and encourage the little ones. That mentoring builds trust and lets the big kids use their leadership skills.
• Set up simple family-sharing tasks, like “Help your child text the fundraiser link to a few friends or relatives.” When grownups chip in, it helps things move faster and cuts down on confusion.
Team volunteers can help things stay organized and kid-friendly without needing to do everything.
Choose a Fundraiser That Feels Fun and Easy
Winter can get busy with school, holidays, and practice. The fundraiser you choose, or how it works, makes a big difference. If it’s fun from a kid’s perspective, they’re much more likely to want to talk about it. Groups can pick from options like gourmet popcorn, cookie dough, pet treats, or a digital discount card, so families can choose what fits them best.
• Pick options that kids naturally get excited about, like cookies, popcorn, or pet treats. These are things they can share easily with proud smiles.
• Donation-only fundraisers are great in busy months, especially when relatives or friends want to give a simple gift instead of buying a product.
• Help kids understand the reason behind fundraising in a way that clicks. Instead of “we’re raising money for expenses,” say, “we’re working together so the whole team can go to regionals in the spring.”
A good fundraiser fits into kids’ lives, not the other way around.
Use Simple Tools That Keep Things Moving
With older kids or adults, it’s easy to throw around emails or spreadsheets. With younger kids, it helps to keep things simple and visual. Too many steps can take the fun out of it fast.
• Let families share fundraiser links using group texts or family chats. It makes it quick and painless to promote with just a couple clicks.
• Encourage kids to send out short video messages, pet photos, or cheerful graphics when sharing the fundraiser. These small touches add personality and joy.
• Remind families that supporters can live anywhere. Since orders ship straight to them, grandparents across the country can still participate.
Keeping things light and simple helps everyone stay involved without stress. That’s the secret to maintaining momentum and smiling faces.
Helping Little Teammates Make a Big Impact
When we include our youngest participants in virtual team fundraising, we show them that every voice matters. They may be small, but their spirit is huge. More than just raising dollars, it lets them feel like they’re really part of something. That sense of team connection lasts long after the fundraiser ends.
By focusing on small tasks, celebrating their wins, and giving clear ways to help, we turn fundraising into something joyful and shared. With the right balance of support and fun, even our littlest teammates can help us reach our goals together.
Planning a fundraiser this season is easier when you start with tools that match your group’s energy and goals. We make it simple for families to stay engaged without adding stress, whether your event features product sales or donation options. With the right mix of planning and creativity, kids can take pride in making real contributions to your group’s success. When you’re ready to launch your own virtual team fundraising effort, Team Butter is here to help you get started. Let’s connect and find the best way forward together.
