Fundraise from any state when the team has no EIN
Youth teams and booster clubs do not need their own EIN to open a tax-deductible campaign. The exemption belongs to Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc., EIN 39-3080525. National is how teams outside Arizona ask for it. Arizona teams can use the Arizona page.
Most Sports Teams Across America Don’t Have Their Own EIN
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is the federal tax ID that makes an organization real in the eyes of the IRS. A 501(c)(3) is the designation that makes donations to that organization tax-deductible. Most youth sports teams, travel programs, booster clubs, and high school athletic organizations have neither.
The result: when someone wants to support your team with a meaningful donation, that gift is not tax-deductible. For a business owner writing a $1,000 check, that matters enormously. For a community member deciding between two causes, a tax receipt tips the balance.
The traditional path — forming your own 501(c)(3) — costs thousands in attorney fees and filing costs, takes months to complete, and requires ongoing annual compliance. Most teams across the country can’t wait that long and shouldn’t have to.
National Boosters Foundation solves this problem for sports teams in all 50 states.
What the EIN Gap Costs Your Team
- Smaller donations — non-deductible giving psychologically feels like a personal expense, not a charitable act
- Business sponsors walk away — corporate sponsors in every state require a 501(c)(3) letter before their accountant approves the gift
- Grants are unreachable — foundation and community grants nearly always require 501(c)(3) status to apply
- Higher platform fees — non-nonprofit crowdfunding charges more because there’s no tax-exempt status to pass through
- Donor fatigue — supporters who can’t deduct a gift are less likely to give repeatedly
Raise Under NBF’s 501(c)(3) Umbrella — In Every State
National Boosters Foundation is a program of Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc., a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity serving sports teams in all 50 states. When your team fundraises through NBF, your donors give to an established nonprofit and receive a written acknowledgment — no EIN on your end, no attorney, no waiting period.
Contact NBF
Tell us about your team, sport, location, and fundraising goal. We review every inquiry within 1–2 business days with a real response — not an automated sequence.
Campaign Opens Under Our EIN
National opens a designated campaign under Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc. You get campaign documentation and a shareable link for coaches, parents, and the community.
Donors Give & Get Receipts
Every contribution is recorded under Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc. Donors receive a written acknowledgment from that charity.
Funds Reach Your Program
Proceeds designated for your team’s identified expenses are released to cover your program costs — wherever in the country your team plays.
What 501(c)(3) Access Does for Your Fundraiser
Larger individual gifts. Donors give more readily to a recognized 501(c)(3) than to an informal group, because the organization is accountable and every gift is documented.
Business sponsorships unlock. Across the country, small businesses and large corporations alike require a 501(c)(3) receipt before their accountant approves a charitable contribution. NBF’s status is the key that opens that door for your program.
Repeat donors become reliable supporters. Donors who give to a recognized nonprofit are more likely to give again. You stop chasing one-time contributions and start building a real support base.
Credibility in your community. “Campaigns backed by National Boosters Foundation 501(c)(3)” is a statement that signals accountability and legitimacy. It differentiates your fundraising from a GoFundMe page.
Grant opportunities open. Some community grants and corporate matching programs require 501(c)(3) sponsorship. Raising under NBF’s umbrella may qualify your team for funding sources that were previously off-limits.
Sports Teams in All 50 States
National Boosters Foundation works with a wide range of programs across the country, including:
- High school varsity and JV sports teams
- Club and travel programs (all ages)
- Booster clubs and parent athletic organizations
- Recreational and community league programs
- Independent youth athletic organizations
- Individual student-athletes covering competition costs
Every major sport is supported: football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, lacrosse, cross country, golf, tennis, track & field, cheer, dance, esports, and more.
Sports Fundraising Without an EIN — FAQs
What is an EIN and why does my team need one to offer tax-deductible donations?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for organizations. Without an EIN and 501(c)(3) status, your team cannot provide a charitable acknowledgment. Donations to an informal group are personal gifts. Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc., EIN 39-3080525, is the charity that can acknowledge a gift. National is how a team in any state requests that campaign.
Is this a fiscal sponsorship arrangement?
Yes. Arizona Boosters Foundation, Inc. is the fiscal sponsor. National Boosters Foundation is its nationwide program and does not hold a separate exemption. Donors give to the parent charity, EIN 39-3080525, for an approved team purpose. The foundation keeps legal discretion over the funds, which is required for a charitable gift.
Does this work in every state?
Yes. The parent charity’s federal exemption is what the receipt relies on. National accepts campaign requests for teams in all 50 states. Arizona programs can also use the Arizona site.
Can we also run product fundraisers without an EIN?
Yes. NBF’s Ripped Jerky program and other product-based campaigns are available regardless of whether your team has its own nonprofit status. See our full fundraising page for all available campaign types.
Is there a cost to fundraise under NBF’s 501(c)(3)?
There is no upfront fee to apply. Contact us below and we’ll discuss your program’s specific situation and goals.
What if our program eventually wants to form its own nonprofit?
NBF can help point you in the right direction. In the meantime, fundraising under our umbrella means your team doesn’t have to wait — you can raise money now while you explore long-term nonprofit formation.
Start Tax-Deductible Fundraising in All 50 States
No EIN. No attorney. No waiting. Tell us about your team and we’ll set up your campaign under NBF’s established 501(c)(3) — wherever you play.
Get Started Below