Beyond the Bottom Line: Surprising Benefits of Creative Fundraising
Steven Hassenplug is Phi Theta Kappa's 2005-06 International Vice President for Division III, representing the Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minn-Wi-Kota, Missouri and Oklahoma/Arkansas Regions. He is majoring in biological science at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas.
At some point, almost every chapter has to raise money, whether it is for attending regional meetings, sponsoring membership fee scholarships or traveling to the International Convention. A common solution is to start a campus fundraiser, selling products from companies who specialize in helping student organizations raise money. However, since many campus groups participate in similar fundraisers, sometimes chapter members may be reluctant to take home another box of candy bars or one more gift-wrap catalog.
If your chapter needs a break from traditional campus product sales, put the "fun" back in fundraising by approaching it from a different perspective. Our chapter discovered that fundraising is not only about raising money; it can increase chapter visibility, encourage administrative support and uplift member morale.
Since Coffeyville Community College is in a small town in a rural area, our chapter had to get very creative to bring in money. Our advisor, Linda McFate, encouraged us to use what we have around us, so we began to look for ways to tie the college and the community into our fundraising activities. Now, we make money doing many things that most people would not think of as fundraising.
When our community has a special event or festival, we call the local Chamber of Commerce to inquire about paid work opportunities. For instance, each year the town hosts Dalton Defenders Days, a reenactment of the raid of the Dalton gang on two Coffeyville banks. Our chapter earns money for working every night of the festival and, even better, gets recognition for our community involvement.
We took a similar approach on campus, and found that the administration was willing to allow us to take on chores around the college. Cleaning the gym and the football stadium after home games takes only a few people about 30 minutes and yields over $100! The college also lets our chapter place items in its annual auction supporting scholarship programs. Proceeds from our contributions, including vouchers for yard work and house cleaning as well as items donated by members, go to the chapter. If there is not a similar auction your chapter can participate in, this idea could also work just as well at a local garage sale.
When your chapter demonstrates creativity, community support, and campus involvement, you may find your college administration taking notice and increasing their support of the chapter. Obviously, an increase in funding from the college would be great, but your chapter could also benefit from other types of administrative support, like office space or the college president speaking at your induction ceremony.
It doesn't matter whether you are trying out a brand new idea or refreshing a tried and true fundraiser your chapter has used many times. Just add a little creativity - and a lot of fun - and your chapter members will be making money and having a great time!
Contact Steven at steven.hassenplug@ptk.org.