The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
November/
December 2000
Issue
Fundraising: How to Think Green
Each year Phi Theta Kappa chapters everywhere find themselves asking the same question, “How can my chapter conduct a profitable fundraiser?” Whether you wash cars, sell candy, kiss pigs, or solicit corporations, these tips and ideas should help your chapter make the “Big Bucks!”
What Are Your Objectives?
The first step to a successful fundraiser is to know what your objectives
are. Every chapter’s objectives are unique; however, all chapters should
begin with these basic goals:
- To Raise Money
- To Gather Support from Your Campus and Community
- To Create Chapter Awareness among Your Campus and Community
- To Gather New Ideas For Future Projects
Fundraising Basics
1. Establish a Chapter Account with the College or Bank
- Allows customers to write checks to the organization
- Provides a safe place for funds to be held
2. Form a Committee
- Responsible for researching fundraising options
- Coordinates fundraising activities
3. Know the Rules & Regulations
- Before beginning any fundraiser, fully understand your college’s rules regarding fundraising
- Secure proper permission or permit for any fundraiser
4. Know Your Monetary Goals
- How much money is needed to reach your goals?
- What is your deadline?
5. Keep Good Records & Create a Report
- Make sure that all financial records are kept up-to-date
- Provide updated reports for members and contributors to see the chapter’s fundraising progress
6. Publicize the Contact Person
- All members should know who the chapter’s fundraising coordinator is
- Your contact person can address any problems that may arise
Five-Step Plan to Get Donations
1. Identify!
- Identify those capable of making contributions to your chapter and make a list of those most likely to give.
2. Educate!
- Choose the best ways to tell prospective donors about your chapter.
- Get your chapter name publicized as much as possible.
3. Cultivate!
- Let the donors know your chapter’s commitment.
- Try to establish some personal contacts (ex: chapter alumni).
- Be honest and upfront in order to win their hearts.
4. Solicit!
- Be specific about what your chapter needs.
- Be brief and courteous. Also, remember to listen carefully.
5. Appreciate!
- Write a handwritten note of thanks.
- Keep the donor informed during the year as to what their money has accomplished.
- Make the donor feel like they are a part of the chapter’s success.
Fundraising Success
Stories: Chapters Tell All
So you have
all the basics covered, but you still don’t know which types of fundraisers
really work. Take a look at projects that have spelled success for other
chapters.
- Ink Collection
- The chapter at Owensboro Community College in Owensboro, Kentucky,
is asking local businesses for their used ink and toner cartridges.
A recycling company has offered to pay them $.50 - $5 for each cartridge.
The great part is that the donating companies can write their donation
off as a tax deduction. So far, this fundraiser has worked well for
several chapters.
- 50/50 Raffle
- This is a very profitable fundraiser, which has been used by many
chapters. The chapter at the Community College of Baltimore County
in Baltimore, Maryland, plans to sell up to 2,000 tickets. The money
collected is split evenly between the raffle winner and the chapter’s
coffers.
- Tape A Teacher
- This is a fairly new idea, but it is catching on fast! The chapter
at Williston State College in Williston, North Dakota, is choosing
one volunteer faculty member at random and taping that person to the
wall. The chapter plans to sell pieces of duct tape to the student body
for $1 a piece. The students will then get to tape the faculty member
to the wall. Even the college president is involved in this one!
- Sponsorship - Never be afraid to ask! The chapter at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Mississippi, plans to recruit successful alumni to sponsor active members. The sponsor donations will be used for travel to regional and international conventions.
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