Sources of Funding for STANDFast
When you are planning your STANDFast events consider approaching the following funding sources for support. It is a good idea to provide a one-pager on STANDFast and where donations go when you make the ask. Be prepared to answer questions—check out our STANDFast FAQ’s for help. Come prepared with STANDFast, Civilian Protection, and Donation one-pagers!
1. Family and Friends
Start your fundraising with the people you know best. Family members and 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 sample STANDFast fundraising script, for asking in person or on the phone, and our sample STANDFast fundraiser letter for fundraising from friends and family.
2. Academic Departments and Faculty
Virtually all academic departments have funds available 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. They can often provide assistance or the “inside track” on funds that are available from faculty. They may also require you write a journal or paper in order to receive the funds.
3. Administrative Departments and Individual Administrators
Similar to academic departments, administrators have funds available for the same type of student programming, but with fewer restrictions. They are free to give funds to a broader range of activities. This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t take a strategic approach to raising money from administrators, as 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 STANDFast, the Community and Government Relations or University Advancement departments are good places to start.
4. Student Government and Student Programming Boards
Student governments and programming boards have the largest pool of funds directly available for programming events. Each has its own process for individual 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!
5. Community Organizations and Religious & Faith-Based Groups
Community groups such as civil rights organizations, women’s groups, queer organizations, local unions, religious, and faith-based groups, and other community organizations are fabulous places to approach for donations. 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). Check out our sample community partner invitation and one-pager that will help your chapter engage community groups in STANDFast.
6. Local Businesses
Local businesses, especially those that serve student populations, are great potential STANDFast donors! Start with businesses that have supported other events, either at your university or for other charitable causes. For example, you might ask a local restaurant to provide food for an event or to donate a percentage of its nightly profits to STANDFast. Businesses are often more willing to donate items than money, so you might also approach businesses to donate prizes for a raffle or silent auction. Use this sample STANDFast letter when approaching businesses.
