31 Creative Ways to Pay for Competitive Cheerleading (Without Selling Feet Pics)

Cheer is expensive. Like, “second mortgage with rhinestones” expensive.

And when the gym says, “We don’t offer fundraising,” your brain immediately goes to: Do I start a side hustle or sell a kidney? (Hint: kidneys are harder to replace than plasma.)

If you’ve ever half-joked in a Facebook group about selling feet pics to cover comp fees—you’re not alone. This list is for you.

Inside, you’ll find 31 real-life, parent-tested, weirdly effective ways to bring in extra money so you can fund this season without maxing out your sanity or your credit card.

From gig work during practice to bake sales that actually bring in cash, this guide is full of practical ideas—plus a few slightly unhinged ones that still totally work. Let’s get scrappy, get creative, and get your athlete to the mat—without panic-Googling “how much can I get for plasma in [your city].”

This list is grouped by category—so you can find the ideas that fit your time, energy, and lifestyle.

🚗 Gig Work You Can Do During Practice

Need something you can do while your kid’s at tumbling or stunt class? These short-shift apps are perfect for evenings and weekends.

• DoorDash / Uber Eats / GrubHub – Deliver food locally during practice time.
• Instacart / Shipt – Grocery shop for others while waiting on pickup.
• Amazon Flex – Deliver Amazon packages on your schedule.
• Roadie – Deliver random stuff (even lost luggage).
• TaskRabbit – Get paid to run errands, move furniture, or do yard work.
• Rover / Wag – Pet sit or walk dogs during cheer practice hours.

💉 Quick Cash (Yes, Really)

It’s not glamorous—but it can cover comp fees fast.

• Sell plasma – Some locations pay $500–$800/month.
• Medical research studies – Paid clinical trials or product testing at universities.
• High-paying survey sites – Try Respondent.io, Prolific, or User Interviews.

🍰 Fundraisers You Can Do Without Your Gym

You don’t need gym approval to raise money for cheer—just some hustle and heart. Have your cheerleader participate and take ownership for covering some of their expenses.

• Bake sale – Label it “Help Send [Name] to Nationals.” (Hit the easy button with our cheer-themed printable bake sale kit for a cohesive, branded look)
• Garage sale with signs explaining your cheer goals
• Online raffles (check your state laws first) – Raffle off gift baskets or goodies.
• Flip used items on Facebook Marketplace – Kids’ clothes, furniture, toys.
• Giveback nights with local businesses – Partner with a frozen yogurt shop or local restaurant who give you a percentage of the sales on a specific day when a customer mentions your fundraiser. 
• Holiday gift-wrapping services – Charge per gift or by the hour.

💻 Creative & Digital Side Hustles

Have a knack for design, writing, or tech? Turn your skills into cash.

• Sell your crafts – Create fun items for cheer families.
• Freelance writing – Write for blogs or newsletters on Fiverr, Upwork, etc.
• Canva design services – Offer forms, flyers, or Instagram templates.
• Photography at competitions – (Get gym permission first!)
• Video editing – Make highlight reels or social media videos for gyms or athletes.

🏡 Local Services to Offer in Your Community

No apps required—just let your neighbors know you’re raising money for cheer.

• Babysitting 
• Tutoring younger students (reading, math, test prep- maybe even cheer siblings during practice!)
• Cleaning, organizing, or decluttering gigs
• Holiday decorating help (especially for elderly neighbors)
• Lawn care or pet/plant sitting during vacations
• Work concessions at concerts and other events

🎯 Save More = Fund More

Every dollar you save is a dollar that can go toward cheer.

• Use travel rewards – Book hotels and flights using credit card points
• Download cash-back apps – Try Rakuten, Ibotta, Upside (for gas), Fetch
• Meal plan to reduce fast food spending – Yes, even on practice nights
• Switch to cheaper phone plans or car/home insurance
• Buy and sell used cheer gear on SidelineSwap or cheer Facebook groups

❤️ Pro Tips for Cheer Parents Trying to Make It Work

• Choose one idea from each category to test over the next few weeks.
• Involve your athlete—let them decorate a bake sale sign or pack garage sale items.
• Set a season-long cheer budget so you know how much you actually need to raise.
• Track your fundraising goals with a printable or spreadsheet to stay motivated.

🎁 Want Help Planning It All Out?

Grab our tools to map out your cheer costs and create a custom money plan for the season:

• Cheer Budget Calculator
• Finance Planner: Budgeting and Fundraising Trackers

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be an influencer. You don’t need to sell essential oils. You just need one idea, a little nerve, and determination.

Because if there’s one thing cheer moms are good at… it’s showing up. And now? You’re showing up with a plan—and a little bit of side hustle magic.