Getting online is a great way for charities and nonprofit organizations to raise funds and awareness.  The best part is that setting up a website is easy!  Learn how in our online fundraising series.

There’s no denying that many of us now occupy an extra dimension - the online dimension.  Just like a progressive business, not-for-profit clubs and organizations should maximize communications by using the Internet and email.  No longer an additional way to provide information, online communications are becoming the primary info and networking source for many groups, rather than a nice extra.

Does your group have a website?  If not, it’s a good idea to first establish one central hub online – your group’s website – where supporters and the members of your group can come to check out updates, pictures, events, and other relevant information for your group.
 
There are a lot of options for online fundraising, and having a website that your members and supporters often check is going to make it easier to direct them to new fundraisers as you add them.  Your website will also help you publicize your fundraising events and drives in the community.

At this point you might be saying, “Of course a website will help, but I need to raise money, not spend more to have a site designed!”  In reality, you can make a website without spending much (if any) money at all.  There are actually so many choices that it can be hard to narrow it down, but the time saved in the end will make up for the time you take to get it started.

Anyone who can use a computer and the Internet can set up a website.  Most kinds of organizations can find a company that provides easy to set up sites just for them.

Today we will look at sports team/league websites.

Websites for Sports Teams and Leagues

Here’s an area where you really have a selection to choose from.  Beyond a simple website, these companies offer you all kinds of services that let you cut all the paperwork and running around that you do to organize things by bringing it all online.  Team rosters, online registration, email messages, team photos, practice and tournament schedules are just a few things you can do with these sites.

So check out these companies and see which works best for you, or search Google for sports team websites.  Most companies will offer a free version and a premium (paid) version, so make sure to find out which options are available with your free site.  Sometimes, the main difference is that there will be some ads on the free version.

Two of the biggest and most experienced providers of sports team and league websites are League Lineup and Active Eteamz, with the up and coming Home Teams Online providing another solid choice.

Once your group’s website is set up, you will have established a home base for all of your online fundraising efforts.