Concept Description
Join Fundraising University in school fundraising partnerships.
Fundraising University is a team of former athletes and coaches who run fundraising programs designed to support school teams efficiently and with minimal disruption. Since launching in 2009, Fundraising University has raised over $200 million for teams across America.
We have found that often the word “fundraising” makes students, staff and coaches cringe. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fundraising should unify teams, fuel programs and create lasting, positive change for entire communities.
At Fundraising University, we plan, execute, and repeat a successful fundraiser that student-athletes and the community will look forward to year after year. Most of all, we believe in customer service. We serve coaches, students, schools and communities. As a personal Fundraising University Coach, we’re alongside the coaches, and students every step of the way. From planning to execution, we provide support to coaches and students throughout the fundraising process.
THE TIMING AND OPPORTUNITY ARE PERFECT
Participation in high school sports is at an all time high – but funding can’t keep up.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS CAN’T KEEP UP
Budgets for many school districts are continuing to shrink. One of the first places that is typically cut is an athletic program, putting increased pressure on teams to fundraise.
PARENT’S CAN’T AFFORD THE RISING COSTS
The cost of participating in athletics and activities is ever-increasing, causing many families to step away due to financial strain.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS IS GROWING SIGNIFICANTLY
High school sports and activities participation is at an all-time high, yet funding continues to fall behind.
This section has been updated to remove specific performance claims and to provide neutral language about upfront costs.
run fundraising programs designed to support school programs efficiently and with minimal disruption.
a provider of school sports and extracurricular fundraising solutions.
We are focused on supporting student opportunities and life skills development.
This model emphasizes limited physical requirements and streamlined operations.
Testimonials
Fundraising U Testimonial Promo
Mountain Vista Testimonial
- Franchise Owner Testimonial Video-Colin Shockey
- Franchise Owner Testimonial Video- Brent Maxwell
- Day In The Life Video
Publicity
Entrepreneur Magazine-Best In Category Ranking
Unit Option
Single, Multiple
Background
FDD Franchised Units: 78
Corporate Owned Units: 3
Projected New Units: 36
Year Established: 2009
First Year Franchised: 2020
Type of Business: Franchise
Hours of Operation: Regular Business Hours
Number of Employees: Small (1-5)
History:
Founded in 2009, Fundraising University is the leader in the School sports fundraising industry due to its positive community impact, low start up and overhead costs, proven documented systems, strong leadership, exceptional training, and exceptional unit-level economics.
If the team can dream it, we help bring that dream to life.
Management strength:
Mike Bahun – Founder & CEO, Fundraising University
Mike Bahun is the founder and CEO of Fundraising University, The team provides school sports and extracurricular fundraising solutions. Since founding the company in 2009, Mike has helped raise over $200 million for athletic programs across the country—revolutionizing the way teams fund their dreams with a model grounded in leadership, accountability, and operational excellence.
A former professional baseball player and Second Team All-Big Eight honoree at Iowa State University, Mike brings the competitive edge and discipline of elite athletics into every facet of his business. His personal journey—from a single-parent household to pro sports and entrepreneurship—is a testament to perseverance, vision, and heart.
Mike’s coaching career includes roles at Creighton University and as Director of Player Development and Leadership for the Ohio State University baseball program. He is also the founder of the Coaching Matters Foundation, which provides year-long mentorship and leadership development for coaches, student-athletes, and business leaders across the country.
Mike holds an MBA from Bellevue University, and certifications in Ownership Mindset and Mental Sports Performance, along with advanced training in entrepreneurship and finance. His work continues to shape future leaders—on the field, in the classroom, and in communities nationwide.
Steven Shannon – Vice President of Sales
Steve Shannon brings nearly a decade of hands-on fundraising experience and a track record as one of the top revenue-generating representatives in the brand. Now serving as Vice President of Sales, Steve combines his deep industry knowledge with a passion for coaching and operational excellence.
Availability
Territories: United States
Financials
Liquidity: $100,000
*Investment Range: $79,800 - $84,277
**Average Investment: $80,550 - $84,027
Provided by the Franchisor
Minimum Net Worth: $100,001 to $250,000
6 Month Cash: $10,001
Franchise Fee: $60000
Royalty: 7.25%
Royalty Description: 8% of Gross Sales
Advertising: None required (advertising cooperative not less than 1% of Gross Sales if established; none currently exist)
National Advertising: N/A
Ramp-Up: 1 to 3 months
Passive Ownership: Semi- passive at onset (they can hire a manager to run business)
Passive Ownership means the owner is working 15 hours or less per week in the business.
Passive Ownership Explain: Semi-absentee is available upfront. Candidate must have a minimum $100K liquid and $100K minimum net worth. They must invest in at least 3 territories. They must attend 90 days of training, mostly virtual, and they must hire at least one rep to work a territory up front.
Available Discounts
- Veterans
Discount Description: 10% discount for military veterans.
Training, Support and Assistance
Co-Operative Advertising: N/A
Site Selection Assistance: N/A
Lease Negotiation Assistance: N/A
Length of Training: 90 Days
Training Description:
Initial training
- Initial one full week of remote virtual intensive training followed by a chance to ride along with one of our million-dollar reps.
- Then over 400 hours takes place over 18 months.
- 180-day playbook certification that provides direct support and training on sales, marketing, and operations.
- Turn-Key product procurement and purchasing.
- Weekly group and training calls, collaborative support from the existing corporate representative team.
- All of our trainers have a combined 80-plus years experience of in training and coaching.
Operational and Marketing Tools:
Marketing Support
- Fundraising University provides training on outreach strategy, school engagement, and community visibility—plus ongoing support from our experienced team to help you market like a pro. From day one, you’ll have the tools, resources, and guidance to build a strong, trusted presence in your territory.
Technology
- Full Google Suite platform, including custom Fundraising University ERP & CRM, Digital Fundraising platforms, online ordering systems.
Ongoing Franchisor Support
- Initial training and onboarding, ongoing support and coaching coupled with developmental coaching from industry-specific experts, bi-annual and annual training & vendor management.
Financing Assistance: N/A
