Fundraising Tips for STAND's Chapter Retreats
All the skills used by good organizers are the very same skills used by good fundraisers. Check out some simple ways to get started below.
Five Ways to Fundraise for the Chapter Retreats
1. Set a Goal
Create a tentative budget for the estimated costs of travel and any expenses associated with attending STAND’s Chapter Retreats. Include the total cost of travel, hotel (if you’re not receiving volunteer student housing), food, etc.
2. Ask
You already know all the people you need to know to raise funds for your campaign. Ask EVERYBODY for contributions, whether it be cash or an in-kind donation. Use your recruitment skills to present the issue in a way that appeals to their own needs. Even if they can only give a little, you can make it go a long way. Start with school officials. Schools often have funds to help students attend national trainings and conferences. Write to rich relatives! Ask faith-based or community groups in your area to sponsor a couple of students from your chapter to attend! Click here for a complete list of “Where to Find Funds.” Unsure of how to ask?
Download our sample script and letter.
3. Sell Merchandise
Selling merchandise raises funds and promotes the campaign. Plus, selling merchandise often provides excellent opportunities for leadership development. Sell t-shirts, mugs, candy, brownies, etc. Sending a delegate from your chapter to the Chapter Retreats will help you be better organized for the future- it’s an investment, not a cost.
4. Offer Sponsorships
Connect with local, regional, or national organizations that are working on the same or similar issues. By sponsoring your work, they can help the cause as well as receive free advertisement (or something comparable) from you.
Download our STAND Sponsorship Template.
5. Hold an Event
Again, a great way to raise funds, and promote the cause. Examples of low-cost and effective events include: movie nights, “Dinners for Darfur” or restaurant nights, and Teach-Ins.
Where to Find Funds for STAND’s Chapter Retreats
Academic Departments and Faculty
Virtually all academic departments have funds available for students who want to attend conferences or for organizational programming. Often, individual professors have their own discretionary funds, which can be made available to students. The important factor when approaching faculty for money is a clear connection between the program or event and the academic mission and goals of the particular department. Finally, get to know active faculty members on your campus. Often, they can give you assistance or the “inside track” on funds that are available from faculty. Faculty may also require you write a journal or paper in order to receive the funds.
Administrative Departments and Individual Administrators
Similar to academic departments, administrators have funds available for the same type of student programming. However, unlike academic departments, administrators usually don’t have as many restrictions. They are free to give funds to a broader range of activities. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a strategic approach to raising money from administrators. Each department has its own agenda and set of goals. They will be more willing to give funds to student programming which will further their department’s mission. For a student vote campaign the Community and Government Relations or University Advancement departments are good places to start.
Student Government and Student Programming Boards
Student governments and programming boards have the largest pool of funds directly available for individual conferences and events. Each has its own process for individual conferences and events. Usually they require the student or organization to show how the program or campaign will contribute to the overall educational environment of the campus. These funds are usually first come first serve, so you need to get your funding request in early in the semester!
Community Organizations
Community groups such as civil rights organizations, women’s groups, queer organizations, local unions, and other community organizations are fabulous places to approach for funds. It usually takes a meeting with the local President or Executive Director, and some good follow-up to receive a small amount of funding. They will usually ask that they be acknowledged as a co-sponsor on materials for events and campaigns. Your community fundraising efforts will be more successful if you have developed a working relationship with the organization you approach. It is important to community groups to see some investment in their work (beyond just asking for money).
Family and Friends
Start your fundraising with the people you know best. Family members and family friends can be your biggest supporters. Many people feel uncomfortable about asking friends and family for money, but remember-- you are not asking for money for yourself, you are asking for money to support a cause that is very important to you. See our template letter for fundraising from friends and family.
