Introduction to Fundrai$ing for $tudent Groups $arah Westover, $OU Campus Organizer, Oregon $tudent Association

Do I Even Need To Fundraise? Before you begin your epic quest, ask yourself a few questions. What specifically, am I trying to fund? Are there other places I should seek funding first? Use good accounting practices Other funding sources to check: Talk to Bonnie to see what you club balance is The SOU general fund Academic Departments SFC/ICCAC Pooling resources with other clubs and orgs

Types of Fundraising Sponsors Donations Businesses Community Members Donations Monetary and In kind Local businesses/chains Individuals Foundations Partnerships with similar groups Grant writing

FUNdraising Events! Raffle Bake sale Community dinner Sponsored community service or marathon Organize a canvass (Door to door or at an event) Other ideas?

Preparing to Fundraise Outline a budget breakdown and set overall goals. Goals should be specific ($ amount or items? volunteers?) and you should be able to describe exactly what funds will go towards. You are more likely to be successful if you frame your fundraising efforts around an ISSUE! ID potential donors, collect contact info. Create systems: keep and update an organized database. Develop talking points and materials. Train and role play with your volunteers Identify mechanism for collecting funds (Checks? Cash? Paypal? Square?

Donation Letters 1)Set goals and ID a list of potential donors 2) Write your letters in a letter in a problem, solution, action format. Ex: Problem: “deregulation of the timber industry has led to deforestation in Oregon. This has displaced hundreds of Who’s, Oregon's most adorable and vulnerable forest inhabitant.” Solution: We need to plant 1,000 trees over the next year Action: By donating $10 a month you can finance our tree planting efforts and hire the Lorax to speak on behalf of the trees. 3)Deliver letters and follow up. Meet in person if possible. Follow up be phone or drop by.

Making the Ask! Direct Ask: a direct, concrete ask that makes it difficult to answer anything other than yes or no. 3 C’s and an F! Connect-Relationships matter! Context- Show them they can make a difference Commitment-Make the ask specific! Follow Up- Payment details and thanks! Expect a Yes! Understand that there will be “No’s” but keep a positive attitude and be confident!

Donation Letters: Tips for Success Make it personal: Describe how this issue impacts you or why you care. Keep it brief: Letters should be no more than one page. Include specifics: and interesting facts about your issue. E-mail or Hand deliver letters: In person is best especially if you are not sure exactly who to address it to! Set Deadlines: Give potential donors a date to respond by and details on payment (Checks? Online? In-kind?) Follow up: Call or drop in 1 week after letters are sent/delivered Keep Track! Create an excel sheet that details points of contact, responses and amounts. This helps you know who to thank!

Saying Thanks! Thank you cards- Hand written! Include pictures of your event, have everyone sign the card! Offer Promotion-Promote sponsors at your event. (Add space in program, tweets, FB Posts, logo on posters etc…)

Que$tion$?