Fundraising + Outreach Introducing the SPS-Galileoscope program for SPS chapters

Galileoscope + SPS = benefits for many!  SPS National and the Galileoscope team are offering chapters a new outreach and fundraising opportunity:  To sell high quality replicas of the instrument that Galileo used at a reduced price and still make a profit. With Galileoscopes, people can follow the orbits of Jupiter’s satellites just as Galileo did— backyard astronomy has never been this fun or accessible! Responding to a need. Image credit: History of the Microscope invented-the-telescope.php invented-the-telescope.php Image Credit: One of Galileo's Moon drawings from 1610, and a portrait of Galileo by J. Sustermans ( )

Basis for the Fundraising Program 1.The Galileoscope is high quality, low cost telescope kit perfect for education programs and backyard stargazing 2.These scopes are great for educational group activities, as well as individual use 3.Selling Galileoscopes is a great way to take what you love and bring it to the public in an accessible way, while raising money to support SPS chapter activities Three fundamental concepts: Image credit: IAU ail/iau0908/

Funding for Student Programs  18 zones, 750+ Chapters….thousands of SPS undergrads… Who needs it? general budget for weekly meetings or travel or outreach or many other expenses incurred by an active SPS Chapter! For what?

Fundraising Details  The SPS Galileoscope fundraiser follows the “Girl Scout cookie” model:  Participating SPS chapters receive a Galileoscope to use as a sales sample, along with order forms  Chapters collect orders and payments and submit them to the SPS National Office  Chapters receive a shipment of Galileoscopes and deliver them to customers  SPS National Office coordinates the effort on behalf of chapters Basic plan.

Cost Details  $180: The cost per case of Galileoscopes (one case = six individual telescope units); chapters must submit orders in increments of cases.  $40: Sales Price This is at least $10 less than in stores or on Amazon TM !!  $60: Profit per case sold This is how much an SPS chapter net for each case of Galileoscopes sold.

Timeline and Deadlines for Ordering  For fall 2013 orders  December 1, 2013 – Deadline for chapters to submit orders to the SPS National Office  December 15, 2013 – Galileoscopes arrive on campus. Each chapter delivers the telescopes to their buyers.  For spring 2014 orders  April 15, 2014 – Deadline for chapters to submit orders to the SPS National Office  May 1, 2014 – Galileoscopes arrive on campus. Each chapter delivers the telescopes to their buyers. Mark Your calendars!

When, where, and how to sell Galileoscopes Sell to individuals Remember: Chapters will have to deliver the scopes that they sell, so stay local.  Take orders during public astronomy programs. Set up a Galilesocope and take orders during a viewing night! Or even during the day with a sun filter  Be visible at community events.  Sell Galileoscopes during local festivals, farmers markets, science cafes, or family nights at community centers.  Advertise on campus.  Set up a table near the cafeteria or another busy spot on campus and offer faculty members and students the chance to purchase a Galilescope at the discounted price. Ideas for getting started.

When, where, and how to sell Galileoscopes Selling to educational groups Let group leaders know that there are lots of educational resources available on the Galileoscope website, including lesson plans, activities, observing guides.  Reach out educational community groups.  Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have astronomy programs – approach local troops and similar groups about purchasing some Galileoscopes to use on their camping trips and in their badge programs.  Approach local schools.  Teachers are always concerned about enhancing programs for students at a low cost. Promote the Telescopes4Teachers donation program ( and have teachers collect donations for Galileoscopes for their classrooms, or encourage them to purchase classroom sets. Ideas for getting started.

About the Galileoscope  The Galileoscope is a high- quality, low-cost telescope kit developed by a team of leading astronomers, optical engineers, and science educators.  It comes in a kit  easy-to-assemble, 50-mm (2-inch) diameter, 25- to 50-power achromatic refractor  The Galileoscope works best with a tripod. (not included in the kit) Fun and useful!

Resources for users  Telescopes4Teachers:   Resources for Chapters and users   Training workshops  Multiple resources available.

Get started today! The SPS website has everything you need to get started with this fundraiser. It is simple to start.