For some chapters, donations are a significant part of the budget. Donations involve no sales and no overhead, but as with fundraising, success comes with advance planning. Use the following ideas to develop a strategy for getting donations for your chapter.

• Make a list of those most likely to contribute to your chapter. Consider alumni members, college faculty, parents of members and local businesses.
• Educate prospective donors by telling them about Phi Theta Kappa, your chapter’s goals and the reason you are currently seeking donations. Be specific about your chapter’s needs, but provide several options from which contributors may choose.
• Be honest and upfront. Avoid exaggerating your needs or being dishonest about the purpose for which you are raising money.
• Don’t rule out non-monetary donations. Many businesses will not donate money to your chapter, but they might be willing to donate their services (free printing) or their goods (free dinner for two) to the chapter. You can auction these items, offer them as free gifts to other donors or use them as raffle prizes. Check your state regulations before planning a raffle.
• Phi Theta Kappa chapters are IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Therefore, donors may deduct their contributions on their income tax returns. Ask your advisor or contact Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters for your chapter’s taxpayer identification number to give to interested donors.
• Always send donors a letter of thanks, and make them feel a part of the chapter’s success by including an anecdote related to how their donation was used. For example, include a quote from a scholarship recipient or an Honors Institute attendee about their experience.