Introduction
If you’re searching for Amazon fundraising for sports teams, you’re not alone. For years, teams across the country relied on AmazonSmile, a simple way to generate donations while supporters shopped. But that program is no longer available.
So, what happened to AmazonSmile? And more importantly—what’s the best replacement?
In this post, we’ll break down:
- How AmazonSmile worked and why it ended
- Why sports teams need passive fundraising
- Why AllGives is a much stronger, year-round alternative
- How to get started in 5 minutes
🛑 What Was AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile was launched by Amazon in 2013 as a way for shoppers to donate 0.5% of their purchases to a nonprofit or cause of their choice. Many sports teams and school booster clubs registered under umbrella 501(c)(3) groups to participate.
Shoppers would visit smile.amazon.com instead of the main site, and a portion of their eligible purchases would support their selected organization.
❌ Why Did Amazon End AmazonSmile?
In early 2023, Amazon announced it was shutting down AmazonSmile, stating:
“…our ability to have an impact was often spread too thin. We believe we can make a greater difference by investing in other philanthropic initiatives.”
While the intent may have been positive, this left thousands of local sports teams without a passive fundraising stream—often just months before the spring or summer season.
⚽ Why Sports Teams Need Passive Fundraising
Whether you’re part of a club soccer team, cheer squad, travel baseball team, or high school athletic program, you already know: sports are expensive. Raising money for a sports team shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—but for many parents and coaches, it does. Between organizing events, managing paperwork, and trying to motivate participation, traditional fundraising often burns out volunteers before the season even gets rolling. That’s what makes passive fundraising tools like AllGives so powerful. They allow your team to earn support in the background, without pulling focus from practices, games, or family time. It’s not just convenient—it’s sustainable, and it can help fund a variety of team expenses, including:
- Custom uniforms
- Tournament and registration fees
- Equipment, gear, and field rentals
- Out-of-state travel and hotel stays
- End-of-season banquets and awards
Families are busy, and traditional fundraisers like car washes and bake sales don’t always cover the gap. That’s why passive fundraising is so valuable—it earns money without requiring time-consuming events or extra spending.
✅ Why AllGives Is a Stronger Alternative to AmazonSmile
AllGives is a free fundraising platform that works similarly to AmazonSmile—but with more flexibility, more retailers, and a bigger impact.
Here’s how it works:
- Supporters install the free AllGives Chrome extension or download the iOS app
- They shop online like usual at over 300 major retailers (not just Amazon!)
- A portion of each purchase becomes a donation to your team
Unlike AmazonSmile:
- ✅ AllGives works at 300+ stores
- ✅ Donations are often larger than 0.5%
- ✅ You don’t need to be a formal 501(c)(3)
- ✅ It works automatically in the background once installed
- ✅ You can use it alongside other fundraisers
💰 How Much Can Our Team Earn?
If just 20 families on your team shop regularly online using AllGives, you could raise $500–$1,000+ per season, without ever selling a thing.
Even better—it runs year-round, meaning your team keeps earning during:
- Back-to-school shopping
- Holiday gift buying
- Preseason gear purchases
- Everyday online orders
🧠 How to Get Started with AllGives (In 5 Minutes)
- Go to AllGives.com
- Create a fundraising profile for your team
- Share your unique signup link with parents and supporters
- Encourage everyone to install the Chrome extension or shop on the app
- Watch donations roll in automatically while your families shop
It’s fast, free, and hands-off—the way fundraising should be.
📣 FAQs About AmazonSmile and AllGives
Q: Can I still fundraise on Amazon?
A: Not through AmazonSmile—it was shut down in 2023. But AllGives lets you shop at over 300 major online retailers.
Q: Do I need to be a nonprofit to use AllGives?
A: No! AllGives works for any group—teams, clubs, religious organizations, and more.
Q: Can this replace our main fundraiser?
A: It can supplement it beautifully. Use AllGives as your ongoing passive fundraiser alongside raffles, merch sales, or events.
Q: Is it really free?
A: Yes. Retailers pay commissions when we send shoppers their way, powering the donations you earn.
🚀 Final Thoughts
AmazonSmile may be gone, but your fundraising doesn’t have to stop. In fact, with AllGives, you can do even better. More stores, more donations, more control—and all without asking parents to spend extra or sell a thing.
If you’ve been looking for an AmazonSmile replacement for your sports team, this is it.
👉 Sign up for free at AllGives.com/organizations and start earning today!
