Built for Fundraisers
Build a fundraiser around the game your community already cares about. A shared Squares board gives supporters a reason to join in before kickoff, stay engaged through every score, and rally around your organization’s mission together. The value-added tools below are designed to help organizers increase participation, keep supporters engaged, and make the most of each fundraising opportunity.
Guided sample tour is playing.
Q1 sample score: Home 7 · Away 3
Each event has its own random number draw. Select a quarter again to see that its drawn numbers stay the same.
Select the highlighted winning square to view the sample winner and configured payout. Any manual interaction pauses the tour.
A fundraiser-ready ledger
Many basic online Squares tools stop at square selection, leaving organizers to track payments, winners, and prize fulfillment elsewhere. The Squares Game includes a built-in ledger: every square, payment commitment, collection method, winner, and prize or payout status is recorded in one shared operational view.
Organizers can see what has been collected, what is still outstanding, and what needs follow-up—creating a clear, reviewable record of the fundraiser without reconciling texts, spreadsheets, and paper notes.
Automatic game-day operations
Choose a scheduled matchup from the game picker instead of typing team and game details by hand. When the game begins, The Squares Game automatically draws the row and column numbers for each configured event.
As live scores update, the system identifies the winning square and player, calculates the configured payout from the eligible amount and payout percentage, and keeps the result connected to the ledger until the organizer records it as complete.
Stripe Connect card payments
Give supporters a simple in-app card option while keeping collections under your organization’s control. After your fundraiser connects its Stripe account and enables card checkout, players can pay for squares by card in the app, with funds going directly to the fundraiser’s connected Stripe account.
Each card payment stays linked to the player and square in the ledger, creating a clear record for future manager actions such as refunds. You can still provide instructions for the direct payment methods your supporters prefer.
Managers remain responsible for card charges, refunds, disputes, and chargebacks associated with their grid.
Prize Mode and sponsor-backed prizes
Prize Mode helps fundraisers offer meaningful winner rewards without tying every winning event to a cash payout. When prizes are donated by sponsors, purchased at a nonprofit discount, or built around unique items or experiences—such as signed memorabilia—the organization can direct more of each square purchase toward its fundraising goal.
Why use Prize Mode?
Fundraisers are most effective when supporters have a fresh reason to participate again. A cash-only payout can feel transactional and may not appeal to every supporter. Rotating distinctive prizes—such as one-of-a-kind memorabilia, community sponsor gift cards, or event experiences—can make each fundraiser feel new while giving supporters another reason to join.
Managers add a link to their prize catalog, so players can see the rewards available to winners before joining the grid. Winners and prize fulfillment remain easy to track in the grid ledger.
Ask local businesses to donate a gift certificate, product credit, or distinctive item in exchange for a clear sponsor mention in the fundraiser’s player message, event materials, or prize catalog.
Some supporters may avoid paid-entry raffles because of personal, faith-based, or financial convictions. Together with the optional Sweepstakes Mode, which provides a separate form-based free entry with no payment required to enter, Prize Mode lets those supporters participate without a paid entry. The free-entry option does not itself determine legal compliance, so organizers should still review applicable requirements.
- One-of-a-kind fundraiser items, such as signed shirts, jerseys, sports equipment, or other memorabilia
- Gift certificates from local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, caterers, grocery stores, and local markets
- Family experiences from movie theaters, bowling alleys, local attractions, and sports venues
- Useful home and seasonal gifts from florists, garden centers, home-goods stores, and hardware stores
- Services from salons, barbershops, spas, fitness studios, auto-detailing shops, and car washes
- Gift cards or product bundles from pet stores, bookstores, and independent local retailers
Sweepstakes Mode
Sweepstakes Mode adds a form-based free way to enter alongside paid Squares. Each approved submission receives one automatically assigned free square, up to the grid’s configured maximum squares per player.
Each free entry requires a separate Squares-issued form request. Each request can be redeemed once.
Why use Sweepstakes Mode?
Some supporters may avoid paid-entry raffles because of personal, faith-based, or financial convictions. Sweepstakes Mode provides a separate form-based free entry with no payment required to enter, so those supporters can participate without a paid entry—giving fundraisers a more inclusive way to invite the whole community.
Paid raffles, lotteries, and similar prize promotions can have stricter state-specific requirements. Sweepstakes Mode adds a free way to enter, which may be relevant to the financial-consideration analysis for fundraisers, but does not determine the game's legal classification, eliminate permit requirements, or guarantee compliance. Check applicable local laws and your organization's policies, and consult qualified counsel when needed.
Allow joining after game start
Keep fundraising after kickoff. Supporters who missed the original square-selection window can still join for the remaining scoring events. The app limits their entry, price, and payout eligibility to the portion of the game still ahead.
That gives the fundraiser another chance to earn participation revenue without giving late entrants access to prizes from events that have already started.
Remove unpaid squares when a configured event starts
Use standing reservations for regular supporters. An organizer can pre-reserve a usual number of squares for supporters who often join a grid, then invite them to confirm and pay for that specific game.
If someone decides not to participate, they can leave the reservation unpaid. When the configured event begins, the app removes that unpaid square from the applicable payout event so it does not remain eligible.
This supports an opt-in recurring-participation workflow: supporters can be offered their usual spots for each new fundraiser while retaining the choice to skip an individual grid. It is not recurring billing or an automatic commitment across future grids.
Auto Expand Grid (Rounds)
A standard Squares board has 100 squares. For a larger fundraiser, Auto Expand Grid creates additional 10 × 10 rounds as earlier rounds fill and routes new supporters to the next available round.
Each round keeps the same sport, price, payout settings, and single player link, so a successful fundraiser can continue accepting participation instead of turning supporters away after the first 100 squares.
Invite and manage regular supporters
Share one player link in email, social posts, newsletters, or sponsor communications so supporters can choose available squares themselves. Organizers can also import a roster or assign squares in bulk when they already have supporter commitments.
Less game-day volunteer work
Automatic number draws, live score tracking, winner identification, and one shared board reduce manual score updates, screenshots, and repeated winner questions. Supporters and organizers can return to the same grid throughout the game.
Common questions
How do I run a football Squares fundraiser?
Choose a football matchup, create the board and prize plan, then share one player link with supporters. The Squares Game keeps the board, payment and prize records, game updates, and winners in one place so organizers can focus on the fundraiser.
Can I use Prize Mode for a Squares fundraiser?
Yes. Prize Mode lets the organizer configure prize catalogs for the grid instead of a cash payout layout, then keep winner fulfillment organized in the grid ledger.
What does Sweepstakes Mode add?
It adds a form-based free entry option alongside paid Squares. Squares validates approved submissions and automatically assigns one free square for each approved entry, up to the grid’s maximum squares per player.
Does Sweepstakes Mode make a fundraiser compliant everywhere?
Paid raffles, lotteries, and similar prize promotions can have stricter state-specific requirements. Sweepstakes Mode adds a free way to enter, which may be relevant to the financial-consideration analysis for fundraisers, but does not determine the game's legal classification, eliminate permit requirements, or guarantee compliance. Check applicable local laws and your organization's policies, and consult qualified counsel when needed.
Create, share, and run game day
Set up one organized football Squares fundraiser, share a single player link, and let The Squares Game handle the game-day work that is easy to lose track of manually.
- 1
Create your fundraiser
Choose an upcoming matchup, set the square and prize plan, and create a board built around your organization’s goal.
- 2
Share one player link
Send the same link by text, email, social post, newsletter, or sponsor communication so supporters can choose their squares and see how to pay.
- 3
Run game day automatically
The game start, number draw, live scoring, winners, and configured payout calculations stay connected to the board and its ledger.
The work the system handles for you
Easy grid setup from the game schedule
Choose an upcoming game and quickly set up your grid in one guided, in-app flow
Stripe Connect card payments
Accept card payments directly into your Stripe account
Automatic game-start detection and number draws
Automatically detect game start and draw the numbers
Automatic winner identification
Automatically identify winners using real player names
Automatic winner calculation and payout tracking
Calculate real winner payouts and track when winners are paid
Integrated player payment ledger
Track real payment amounts, methods, balances, and paid status
Start free—no account required. Choose an upcoming football game, share the player link, and let The Squares Game handle number draws, live scoring, and winners automatically.
No account required. Real scores, winners, and manager-managed payment and payout tracking. Coordinate collection and payouts directly, or upgrade for configured payment options and more automation.
Which winning events are included?
Your free grid uses the regulation scoring events for its game—such as Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 for football, or the matching basketball periods.
How are the numbers assigned?
The app automatically draws a fresh set of numbers for each winning event, so no one is stuck with the same number combination for the whole game.
Do managers or players need an account?
No. Managers can create a free grid and players can join without an account. An email is optional when someone wants to find their grid or use the same player identity across devices.
How are winners chosen?
The app follows the live score and identifies the matching winning square automatically. If the first 100-square round is not full and the winning square is empty, an eligible player is selected by a weighted random draw from the filled squares.
What if all 100 squares do not fill up?
The game still has an event winner. When the winning square is empty, the free-grid lottery automatically makes a weighted draw from the players who have filled squares, giving each filled square one entry and declaring the winner.
Are payments and payouts real?
The grid records real payment status and payout completion. Free grids use manager-managed coordination: arrange collection and payouts directly with players, then use the grid to report or track the status. Upgrade for configured payment options, secure invitations, and additional manager automation.
What are simulated players?
Managers can optionally seed simulated players to see a fuller board and experience the game, payment tracking, and winner flow before inviting a real group.
How do I onboard players?
Share the player link in a private message, group chat, or email so players can choose their own squares. If you prefer to assign squares, import a CSV roster or add players manually. For a free grid, a player name is enough to assign squares; an email is optional for cross-device access and is needed only to send that player an email invitation.
Can players join after the game starts?
Yes, when future scoring events remain. New squares are eligible only for the events that have not happened yet.
What happens after the first 100 squares fill up?
The free grid can automatically expand into another 100-square round so more players can join without starting a separate game. Each round has its own winning square, and the app automatically identifies winners for every scoring event.
How many free grids can I run?
Each manager can have one active free grid at a time. Once that game is final, you can create another free grid. There is no lifetime limit on the number of free grids you can run.
How do I get help with all the controls?
Turn on Help Mode. It provides simple, in-context explanations for the toggles, lists, buttons, and other controls as you use them.