A popular way for booster clubs to raise money is with raffles held at sporting events for some item that would be donated by a local business, clothing such as t-shirts with the school's name and mascot on it, or the sale of popcorn, hot dogs, and other food items to the fans who attend a game, tournament, or other athletic event.
Membership fees are also a key fundraising element, especially at the college level.
With the popularity of the internet and social media, many programs are turning to online crowdfunding platforms to reach out for additional support.
At the collegiate level, the NCAA strictly regulates the activities of booster clubs and strictly defines what actions would cause a person to be considered an official booster of an athletic program.
[1] Many scandals have resulted from prohibited activities by patrons, particularly those providing monetary or in-kind incentives for prospective athletes to sign with a particular university.