How This Softball Team Raised $2750 in Less than a Month Using FlipGive

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "How are teams able to raise thousands of dollars so quickly using FlipGive?" The secret is simple: teamwork. The more team members you get involved and the more consistently you spread the word, the more likely you are to reach — or even exceed — your fundraising goals.

The Joliet West Softball team from Illinois is a shining example of this. With 32 members onboard, they raised an impressive $2,750 in less than a month. How did they do it? Let's take a closer look at their story and the strategies they used to become fundraising champions.

Meet the Joliet West Softball Team

The Joliet West Softball team is a mix of 12 talented athletes with a bright future ahead of them. "We haven’t started playing yet, but I’m excited to work with such a young group," shared their coach. "We have four seniors returning as starters, alongside juniors and sophomores who are eager to develop their skills over the next few years."

While they hadn’t hit the field yet, the team was already in full swing off the field — fundraising to cover their upcoming season's expenses. And with FlipGive, they found a way to maximize their efforts without the traditional headaches of fundraising.

The Switch from Traditional Fundraising to FlipGive

Like many youth sports teams, Joliet West had tried a variety of fundraising methods in the past, including Snap! Raise and other donation platforms like GoFundMe. However, the coach explained, “Snap! took a high percentage of the donations, which made it hard to reach our full fundraising potential.” They also tried mailing donation requests, but wanted to find something more efficient and less time-consuming.

That’s when they turned to FlipGive — a platform that allows teams to earn cashback on everyday purchases from hundreds of popular retailers. The coach decided to add FlipGive as a new way to raise money and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the team saw results.

How They Got the Whole Team Involved

Getting every team member and their families involved was key to their success. The coach made it a priority to remind the players daily to use the FlipGive app for their shopping needs. Every couple of weeks, she asked the team to send reminders to their contacts about making donations or inviting more people to join.

"We also held a meeting with the parents to explain how the coaches were already using the app to shop. I wanted to show them how easy it was to earn money without having to change their regular shopping habits," the coach shared.

One of their strategies was to make sure each player brought a list of at least 20 contacts they could invite to join the team’s fundraising efforts. By monitoring the athletes as they sent out invites, they ensured the entire community was involved in their goal.

Tips for Teams Just Starting with FlipGive

For teams new to FlipGive, the Joliet West Softball team has some valuable advice:

1. Get everyone onboard early: The more people involved, the more funds you’ll raise. Hold a team meeting to walk through the FlipGive platform and show all the features. Make sure everyone knows how to use the app for everyday purchases.

2. Invite your network: Ask your players to bring a list of contacts they can invite. The more people shopping through FlipGive, the faster the cashback adds up.

3. Consistency is key: Regular reminders are crucial. Encourage your team to send out updates and reminders every week or so, ensuring that supporters don’t forget to shop through the FlipGive app.

Their Favorite FlipGive Retailers

The Joliet West team made the most of FlipGive’s wide range of retailers. "I’ve personally used TurboTax through the app, and we’ve all enjoyed Texas Roadhouse gift cards," the coach said.

In preparation for an upcoming trip to St. Louis, the team also plans to use FlipGive for their Walmart shopping and potentially to book hotels, earning even more cashback on essential travel expenses.

How You Can Become a Fundraising Champion

So, how did Joliet West Softball raise $2,750 in less than a month? By bringing their entire team on board, using FlipGive for everyday purchases, and consistently encouraging their community to participate. Their success proves that with a little planning and teamwork, fundraising can be easy and stress-free.

If you're ready to start raising money for your youth sports team, sign up with FlipGive today. Whether you’re covering travel costs, uniforms, or equipment, FlipGive can help you reach your fundraising goals faster — all while your team shops for the things they need every day.