Fundraising for the APTSD Foundation: Creative Ways to Make an Impact
The APTSD Foundation is dedicated to providing traditional martial arts instruction to people of all ages, genders, and financial backgrounds, with a focus on serving underprivileged communities.
By supporting the Foundation, you contribute to empowering at-risk youth, individuals with special needs, and the elderly through the art of Tang Soo Do. Fundraising plays a vital role in helping the APTSD Foundation continue its mission of inclusivity and growth.
If you’re looking for ways to support this incredible cause, here are forty creative and effective fundraising ideas:
Karate Themed Fundraisers
1. Board Break-a-Thon
Organize a board break-a-thon where participants commit to breaking a certain number of wooden boards. Participants can collect pledges for each board broken, and spectators can make donations while enjoying the event. This is a great way to showcase martial arts skills while raising funds.
2. Kick-a-Thon
Host a kick-a-thon where participants perform as many kicks as possible within a set time frame. Donors can sponsor participants by pledging a specific amount per kick or making flat donations. This event not only raises funds but also promotes fitness and discipline.
3. Martial Arts Demonstration and Showcase
Work with local martial arts schools or practitioners to put on a live martial arts demonstration or showcase. Include exciting performances such as forms, sparring matches, and self-defense techniques. Sell tickets to the event and use the opportunity to share the Foundation’s mission with the audience.
4. Karate Belt Challenge
Encourage supporters to take on a “Karate Belt Challenge,” where they learn a simple martial arts form or technique in exchange for donations. Offer classes led by martial arts instructors, and use this event to introduce more people to the benefits of martial arts.
5. Martial Arts-Themed Obstacle Course
Design a martial arts-inspired obstacle course, including stations for board breaking, punching bag challenges, and agility exercises. Charge an entry fee for participants to test their skills in a fun and engaging way.
6. Self-Defense Workshop
Offer a special self-defense workshop to the community and ask for a donation-based entry fee. This event not only raises funds but also provides valuable skills to attendees, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to empowering individuals.
7. Black Belt Challenge Fundraiser
Encourage martial artists in your community to take on a Black Belt Challenge, where they set personal goals related to their training (e.g., mastering a new technique or completing a rigorous workout). Supporters can pledge donations for their progress.
8. Martial Arts-Themed Movie Night
Host a movie night featuring martial arts classics like The Karate Kid or Enter the Dragon. Charge an admission fee, sell snacks, and share a brief presentation about the APTSD Foundation during intermission to inspire donations.
9. Karate Fitness Class Fundraiser
Organize a martial arts-inspired fitness class, such as a cardio kickboxing session or a Tang Soo Do basics class. Ask for a small donation from participants to join, and highlight how their contributions will support the Foundation’s programs.
10. Martial Arts Photo Booth
Set up a themed photo booth at local events or in your dojo, complete with martial arts gear and props. Charge a small fee for photo sessions and encourage participants to share their photos on social media to spread awareness.
11. Host a Sparring Tournament
Organize a friendly sparring tournament for martial arts students or enthusiasts. Charge an entry fee for participants and spectators, and donate the proceeds to the Foundation. Offer prizes or certificates for winners to encourage participation.
12. Charity Martial Arts Camp
Host a weekend martial arts camp with workshops, training sessions, and fun activities. Charge a camp fee and use the funds raised to support the Foundation’s programs. This event can also bring the martial arts community closer together.
13. Breaking Records Challenge
Organize an event where participants attempt to break world records (or personal records) related to martial arts, such as the most boards broken in a minute, the longest kata performed, or the most kicks thrown in a set amount of time. Encourage spectators to donate to witness the exciting challenges.
14. Martial Arts-Themed Fun Run
Host a fun run with a martial arts twist! Participants can dress up as martial artists or complete challenges along the route, such as punching bag stations or board-breaking stops. Charge an entry fee and invite local businesses to sponsor the event.
15. Karate Car Wash
Take the traditional car wash fundraiser to the next level by incorporating a martial arts theme. Volunteers can wear their uniforms and demonstrate simple moves while washing cars. Add a donation jar to encourage additional contributions.
16. Partner with Local Martial Arts Studios
Collaborate with martial arts studios to host joint fundraising events, such as open houses, special classes, or competitions. Studios can donate a portion of their proceeds to the Foundation while attracting new students.
17. Virtual Kick Challenge
If in-person events aren’t feasible, create a virtual kick challenge. Participants can record themselves performing as many kicks as possible in one minute and share their videos online. En
courage friends and family to donate in support of their efforts.
18. Sell Custom Martial Arts Merchandise
Design and sell custom martial arts-themed merchandise, such as T-shirts, water bottles, headbands, or wristbands featuring the APTSD Foundation’s branding. Proceeds from sales can go directly to supporting the Foundation’s programs.
19. Birthday Fundraisers
Encourage supporters to celebrate their birthdays by hosting karate-themed birthday fundraisers. Platforms like Facebook make it easy for them to ask friends and family to contribute to the Foundation instead of giving gifts.
20. Sponsor a Student Program
Create a program where donors can directly sponsor a student’s martial arts education. Highlight the stories of those in need and show how their sponsorship can change lives.
Non-Karate Themed Fundraisers
1. Organize a 5K Walk or Run
Hosting a community 5K event is a fantastic way to raise funds while promoting health and wellness. Participants can register for a fee, and you can encourage them to gather sponsorships from family and friends. The event can also raise awareness about the Foundation’s mission.
2. Host a Martial Arts Showcase
Work with local martial arts schools or practitioners to put on a live martial arts demonstration or showcase. Sell tickets to the event, and share how the funds raised will directly support underprivileged individuals in learning martial arts.
3. Corporate Giving and Donation Matching
Reach out to local businesses to explore corporate giving opportunities. Many companies offer donation-matching programs, where they match employee contributions to non-profits. Encourage supporters to check if their workplaces have such programs.
4. Online Crowdfunding Campaign
Create a compelling story about the APTSD Foundation and launch a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. Share the campaign widely on social media, emphasizing how donations can change lives through martial arts.
5. Hold a Community Fundraiser Night
Partner with local restaurants, cafes, or shops to host a fundraising night where a portion of sales are donated to the APTSD Foundation. This is a great way to involve the local community while raising funds.
6. Teach a Martial Arts Workshop
Offer a special martial arts workshop or self-defense class for the community, with proceeds going to the Foundation. This not only raises funds but also spreads awareness of the Foundation’s mission and the benefits of martial arts.
7. Silent Auction or Raffle
Collect donations from local businesses and organize a silent auction or raffle. Prizes could include gift baskets, services, or experiences. Promote the event both online and offline to attract a wide audience.
8. Social Media Challenges
Create a fun social media challenge—such as showcasing a martial arts move or a fitness goal—and encourage followers to donate to the APTSD Foundation when participating. Use hashtags to spread the word and involve a larger audience.
9. Birthday Fundraisers
Encourage supporters to use their birthdays as an opportunity to fundraise. Platforms like Facebook allow individuals to set up birthday fundraisers for non-profits, making it simple for friends and family to donate.
10. Host a Virtual Trivia or Game Night
Organize a virtual trivia or game night where participants pay a small entry fee to join. Include questions about martial arts or the Foundation’s mission to make it more engaging and relevant.
11. Sell Custom Merchandise
Design and sell custom merchandise, such as T-shirts, water bottles, or wristbands, featuring the APTSD Foundation’s branding. Proceeds from sales can go directly to supporting the Foundation’s programs.
12. Charity Garage Sale
Encourage supporters to donate gently used items for a charity garage sale. Not only does this raise funds, but it also fosters a sense of community among participants.
13. Sponsor a Student Program
Create a sponsorship program where donors can directly sponsor a student’s martial arts education. This provides a tangible connection between donors and the individuals benefiting from their generosity.
14. Host a Talent Show
Organize a talent show for the community where participants showcase their skills. Charge an admission fee for attendees, and direct the proceeds to the APTSD Foundation.
15. Virtual Fundraising Campaign
If in-person events aren’t feasible, launch a virtual fundraising campaign. Host live martial arts demonstrations, share success stories from the Foundation, and encourage online donations.
16. Charity Sports Tournament
Host a sports tournament, such as basketball, soccer, or even martial arts sparring (following safety guidelines). Participants pay an entry fee, and spectators can purchase tickets, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation.
17. Partner with Local Schools
Collaborate with local schools to organize fundraising events, such as bake sales, car washes, or talent shows. This can also help spread awareness about the Foundation’s programs to families in the community.
18. Create a Monthly Giving Program
Encourage donors to sign up for a recurring monthly donation. Even small, consistent contributions can make a significant impact over time.
19. Host a Cultural Event
Celebrate the rich tradition of Tang Soo Do by hosting a cultural event that includes martial arts demonstrations, traditional music, and food. Charge an entry fee, and use the event to educate attendees about the Foundation’s mission.
20. Write Grants
Apply for grants from organizations and foundations that support youth programs, education, or martial arts initiatives. This is a more formal approach but can yield significant funding for the Foundation.
A Call to Take Action
Your efforts to support the APTSD Foundation will directly impact the lives of countless individuals in underserved communities. Whether you choose to organize a fundraiser or make a donation, your contribution will help provide the transformative power of martial arts to those who need it most.
Do you want to host a fundraiser? Reach out to us directly at
Your kindness and vision will make a difference beyond measure. Choose a fundraising idea today, and let’s work together to empower lives through the art of Tang Soo Do!
