Fundraising is an opportunity not only to raise funds for the chapter, but also to share with your college and community the mission of Phi Theta Kappa. People are more likely to contribute financially to your chapter when they understand all the chapter is doing to promote scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

From literacy programs to support the America Read Challenge, Phi Theta Kappa’s International Service Program, to honors forums promoting the current Honors Study Topic: "The Pursuit of Happiness: Conflicting Visions and Values," chapter members are making a difference on the campus and in the community with quality programs.

Financial contributors will want to help your chapter realize its fundraising goals because everyone benefits from the chapter’s goals!

Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia, is realizing the treasure it has in its Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Each year Lord Fairfax Community College sponsors two professional development days for campus employees. Classes are not scheduled and all employees participate in a variety of professional development activities. In the past, the college has provided lunch for participants through an outside vender.

Last year, the Campus Dean approached the Phi Theta Kappa chapter about the possibility of hosting this luncheon. The college would give the organization $750 to cater the luncheon. To help offset their cost, the chapter received many donations of food (spaghetti, sauce, garlic bread, salad, and desserts). In the end, after a day of cooking and wonderful fellowship opportunities with fellow Phi Theta Kappans and college employees, the chapter pocketed approximately $675.

Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, Virginia, collaborated with McDonald’s Restaurants on a Halloween Haunted Walk and Fun Fair. Children and their parents were guided in groups of 15-20 people through a section of wooded area around the college campus on "The Scary Walk." On the walk there were visits by Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein, witches, a headless horseman, a benevolent scarecrow, and a skeleton in a rusting vehicle. Performers were the Eastern Shore Community College students, members of the Board of Directors, and community members. Following the predetermined trail, the groups exited the woods into a sun-filled meadow where games such as a scavenger hunt, three-legged races, a jello-eating contest, prizes and souvenirs awaited them.

Although the event was free to the public, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Eastern Shore Community College hosted the concession stand as a fundraising event. The chapter sold fall favorites such as apple cider and candied apples. Scholarship was also a part of this event. Chapter advisor Robin Rich-Coates played the "Mad Scientist" with demonstrations involving biology and chemistry. Some Phi Theta Kappa members who are also science majors assisted Rich-Coates with the demonstrations. The goal of the event was not only to have fun and raise money, but to allow children to see that education can be fun.

Phi Theta Kappans at Ivy Tech State College in Richmond, Indiana, have earmarked one fundraising effort toward the Service Hallmark. One chapter member is creating bookmarks on her computer, while another is going to laminate them. The bookmarks will be sold for $1 each. The chapter will use the funds to buy books for a local community center.

The chapter considers fundraising a good way to fellowship. "It really becomes the lifeblood of the chapter. It allows us to do so many things," says chapter advisor Bill Graesser. "Where would we be without fundraising?"

Food Works. Food is the staple of many great fundraisers. From a booth in the college’s student union to concession stands at local sporting events, chapters have reported success with food sales of many kinds. Here’s a sample list of items that have sold like hot cakes: Submarine sandwiches, pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, candy bars, lollipops, baked goods, and Valentine "Candy Grams." Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth, Florida, provides a service to hungry nighttime students on the go with their "Nite Bites" stand.

Jazz Cafe Evening of Jazz & Java. At Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, the chapter hit a high note with this musical fundraiser. Proceeds from admission sales totaled $500. Admission price included popcorn and homemade desserts and a local coffee house supplied flavored coffee and tea.

Donated Goods. St. Johns River Community College in St. Augustine, Florida, gained $1,800 for the chapter’s coffers through a Yard Sale and a Silent Auction. The secret to their success: All items for sale were donated.

Kiss the Pig. Many chapters have used this porcine profitmaker to make a sizable deposit to the chapter’s bank account. At Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois, faculty and administration (Be sure to gain their permission!) were put into a pool of about 12 contestants. Each individual’s jar was displayed for at least a week. The one with the most money has to kiss a live pig.

Raffles. Be sure to check with your college administration to determine if this is legal in your state. Tried-and-true raffle prizes include "Beanie Babies," a coveted parking space on campus, a one-course tuition scholarship, a bike, and cash.

Gift Wrappers. Phi Theta Kappans at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, made $200 a day as volunteer gift wrappers for a bookstore.

Ushers. A contract to serve as ushers for all plays and shows at the Arts Center at Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, guarantees the chapter $500 each semester.

Buy the book. Several chapters have turned books into bucks by sponsoring a used book sale on campus, with the college administration’s approval. Phi Theta Kappa members at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, pocketed $500 from their book sale.

A "Gym" of a Deal. Brevard Community College in Titusville, Florida, put a new spin on the garage sale idea by hosting the event in the college’s gymnasium. Tables were rented for $10 to the general public.

Arts and Crafts. Sponsoring an arts and crafts show can be a great way to show off local talent while providing a fun (and profitable) event for your chapter. Profits come from charging exhibitors for display and work space and charging an admission fee.

Flower Power. Phi Theta Kappa members at Hagerstown Community College in Hagerstown, Maryland, came out smelling like roses with their fundraiser tied to the college’s graduation ceremony. By selling roses during the event, the chapter raised $400. Other chapters have found success with flower sales featuring carnations, poinsettias, and birthday bouquets.