Crowdfunding for amateur clubs: what does it actually mean?
More and more clubs are turning to crowdfunding, the new way of fundraising. The advantage of crowdfunding is that the recipient only has to offer a small return. In some cases, this is not even necessary and it’s simply a donation. But what exactly is crowdfunding? And what are the possibilities?
What is crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a way to finance a project or business. You can think of it as a form of sponsorship. The idea is that individuals and companies invest a small amount of money, which ultimately enables the realization of a specific project. This can range from small projects, such as funding sportswear, to large ones like installing LED lighting or solar panels. In exchange for a donation, the recipient offers a small return, such as giving away a supporter's scarf. There are various platforms online where clubs can launch a crowdfunding campaign. The money usually needs to be raised within a certain time frame. Sometimes the full target amount is not reached. If the funding doesn’t succeed, the club can still look for other financing options.
New clubhouse for VV Heino
VV Heino financed the renovation of its clubhouse through crowdfunding. To renovate the canteen, the club needed around €100,000. It aimed to raise €60,000 via crowdfunding and borrow the rest. People could sign up for the campaign online through Google Docs. In exchange for a donation, the club offered an interest rate of two percent. Within just a few weeks, the amount raised had already reached €75,000. Some members even donated money without asking for anything in return.
Solar panels on the stadium roofs of Volendam and Groningen
Crowdfunding is ideal for financing solar panels. Thanks to crowdfunding, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the KRAS stadium in Volendam and the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium in Groningen. In 2016, the roof of the KRAS stadium was fitted with 1,059 solar panels after a successful crowdfunding campaign organized by ZonnepanelenDelen. The required amount of €120,000 was raised in just 48 days. Only 92 people invested, and they receive an annual return of 3.1 percent. FC Groningen's stadium roof has 1,100 solar panels. Those investors also receive an annual "solar return."
Supporter's name on SC Heerenveen jersey
Supporters of SC Heerenveen launched their own crowdfunding campaign in July. Through the campaign #MEIINOAR, they wanted to show their support for the club, which had been severely affected by the COVID crisis. In exchange for a donation of at least €100, the donor's name was printed on the back of the new jersey. This jersey was worn during the first home match of the 2020/2021 season. A total of €51,283.80 was raised, which benefited the club's youth academy.
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