Fundraising Guide
Honor Code! students are encouraged to seek support from family, friends, small businesses, community service organizations, corporations and associations to find the funds needed to make your participation possible.
Fundraising is a challenge and requires you to be organized, creative, determined and resourceful.
Understand, that there is ample opportunity to conduct successful fundraising activities, and plenty of willing donors for such a worthwhile goal.
Fundraising often starts with directly contacting family members for funding assistance, and then quickly moves into seeking sponsors, conducting fundraising events, and more.
Generally, it is good to start your fundraising efforts by getting organized. Establish a draft budget and identify your needs. Then, establish your goals and objectives, with an accompanying timeline. Commit your thoughts to writing and put a plan together which you can share with potential donors. Clearly identify your financial commitment to the funding effort by identifying your contribution.
Brainstorm ideas which fit your style and comfort level. This is the area where you can become creative and allow your individual style to shine through.
Most students start by utilizing their own abilities before asking others for support. Students can attempt to gain part-time employment, selling unneeded items, etc. Sometimes, your efforts and contributions will be matched by supportive donors.
Some students elect to expend their efforts entirely within their family and immediate circle of friends. These are some ideas which have been successful:
- Direct or matching donation from family and friends
- Fundraising letter mailed to family and friends
- Funding gift for your birthday, etc.
- Collection box for “camp fund”
- Conducting odd jobs
- Conduct a raffle, where you offer your time and skills to the winner
- Sell any special skills which you possess
- Host a fundraising party or event
Some students elect to focus on community resources.
These are some areas which have been successful:
- Seek direct donations from community organizations and businesses
- Send out community letters to businesses and community organizations
- Establish a fundraising table at a local store, fair or other event
- Create a fundraising activity (car wash, lawn care, clean-up, etc.)
- Sell a product (pizza, candles, candy, cookies, etc.)
- Set-up donation boxes in local businesses
- Submit a article to the local newspaper
- Use your own creativity…
You will be surprised at how supportive your family, friends and community will be in aiding your pursuit of this worthwhile goal. Big dreams, require great efforts.
