How a Young Franchising Company Is Making Big Moves in Youth Sports Fundraising For the third year in a row, it comes in as #1 in the fundraising category on the Franchise 500.

When it comes to having a passion for sports, there's perhaps no one more involved than the team at Fundraising University. Founded in 2009 and franchising since 2020, they are on a mission to aid school sports teams in setting and achieving their funding goals, while helping establish strategies to bring even greater growth in subsequent seasons.

And it seems that a lot of people are equally as determined to help keep sports programs alive and student-athletes active. Fundraising University has 74 total units across the U.S., growing more than 60% over the last three years.

This steady growth and other positive factors add up to why Fundraising University is #1 in the fundraising category on the 2025 Franchise 500—for the third year in a row. They come in at #491 on the overall list.

When Entrepreneur evaluates franchises for the Franchise 500, we look at more than 150 data points — including very visible ones like size and growth, but we also take a holistic view of the business, the industry it operates in, and the opportunities available to prospective franchisees. That includes things like franchisee support and training, brand strength and marketing, and more.

A franchise that supports success

Here's one of those standout stats: For this year's list, Fundraising University scores in the top 10% for support. Franchisees work with a professionally trained mediator with extensive experience in both entrepreneurship and sports, often spanning many years. "With a steadfast focus on bolstering franchisee success, we provide a proven system, and the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly growing market," says Fundraising University owner and CEO Mike Bahun.

And, over the last year, Fundraising University has made significant investments in developing proprietary technology designed to enhance the success of its franchisees. "This includes a comprehensive CRM system, a Learning Management System for ongoing franchisee development, and robust tools to manage the financial aspects of their businesses," Bahun says. "These innovations provide a major value-add by streamlining operations and empowering franchisees with the tools needed for growth and success."

All of this plus the company's core principles led Fundraising University to realize a 4% increase in EBITDA over a three-year period, Bahun says.

An attractive franchise opportunity that helps make a difference

Among the many franchise opportunities available today, Fundraising University offers one that's a low-overhead, service-based franchise model which requires no employees, no real estate, and no inventory investment.

What is required is a passion for youth sports. The brand's dedication to helping young athletes and coaches build successful fundraising campaigns creates strong, ongoing relationships with clients, leading to "stellar residual income," Bahun says. "Franchisees have the opportunity to build a profitable business that not only offers financial success but also provides personal fulfillment through meaningful work with youth sports programs," he says.

Click here to learn more about Fundraising University and their exciting franchise opportunities.