A booster club is an organization that is formed to help support the efforts of a sports team or organization, or a specific department or cause in a school. Booster clubs are generally run and organized by the parents of the students in the supported organization in high schools, and by athletic supporters and fans at colleges. The main function of a booster club is to develop support for the student program and raise funds to supplement shrinking public support as a result of budget cuts. Booster clubs play a key role in supporting school activities in many ways, such as:

• Volunteering time
• Raising money
• Contributing funds to better enhance the team or organizations performance
• Printing approved promotional items
• Providing additional funding for coaches, staff, and event workers
• Organizing team events, such as pregame or postgame dinners or social events during the season

Booster clubs may perform, meet, or organize in any way that supports or "boosts" the program they are formed to support. Membership fees are also a key fundraising element, especially at the college level. A popular way for booster clubs to raise money is with raffles held at sporting events for some item that would be donated by a local business, clothing such as t-shirts with the schools name and mascot on it, or the sale of popcorn, hot dogs, and other food items to the fans who attend a game, tournament, or other athletic event. With the popularity of the internet and social media, many programs are turning to online crowdfunding platforms to reach out.