2014 Intel ISEF Educator Academy Los Angeles, CA Presenters Name Title / Position Organization Month, Day 2014 Cora Beth Abel Executive Director, Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) May, 2014

“Why Fundraising for Science Fairs is Like a Science Fair Project!” Title / Position Organization Month, Day My thanks to Eleanor Tishler, MSSEF Director of Development, who created the forms in your handouts and developed many of the guidelines in this ShopTalk! © 2014 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

3 The “Fundraising” Science Fair Project! Ask a question, research the topic and create a hypothesis What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce? Develop a Research Plan What are the fundraising goals, timeline and approach for each company, and who will lead the effort? Collect & analyze data to use in a presentation Prepare a Case for Support and pilot-present it! Draw conclusions that raise new questions – begin again!

4 Ask a Question & Research the Topic What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce? Research Sources : Website searches Local Biz News STEM Trade Associations Other local science education organizations that post their donor lists Friends, parents (especially science fair families)

5 Create a Hypothesis In my LOCAL area, these organizations are likely to support STEM Education …and/or to partner with Science Fairs to achieve a common mission: Corporations - cash for operations and prizes, student internships, STEM teacher externships and special initiatives Colleges & Universities – scholarships, internships and partnerships for STEM teacher PD and student mentoring Science education organizations and museums – student prizes, internships, and mentoring programs, and teacher PD. Colleges: ADMISSIONS OFFICES STEM Companies: WORKFORCE Local Biz: COMMUNITY from the bank to the grocery store

6 Develop a Plan What are the fundraising goals, timeline and outreach strategy, and who will lead the effort? Create Committee/Select Chair Establish Goal(s) Develop Timeline Identify Donor Prospects Use the research list you developed in step #1 and build/expand relationships.

7 Collect & Analyze Data for Presentation Your Case for their Support! Request Letter Introductions & “Importance of STEM Education” Where, when, # of students, geographic area Contribution amount - operations/awards Donor recognition Thank you for your consideration; “I’ll be in touch” Include Separate Science Fair Fact Sheet Goal & Mission – Why Science Fairs are important History of Science Fair/student & school participation Structure, including leadership, committees, SciFair host Projected budget Sponsor recognition & employee volunteer opportunities Sponsor donations – payee, address, tax-exempt info Contact for further information Past Science Fair photos (if good quality)

8 ShopTalk Handouts Work on Your Plan! Overview of 5-point MSSEF Fundraising Plan Guidelines for Developing Plan Goals Fundraising Committee Budget Timeline Case for Support Worksheets : Budget Form & Case for Support Information about the Curious Minds Initiative (CMI) partnership & funding model.

9 Relationship Matters! “Success in nonprofit fundraising relies largely on connections made, swift follow-up and a strong belief in the mission.” - Habitat for Humanity VP Development

10 Relationship Matters Volunteerism is a great first step! Judges, Speakers & Parents can create links to corporate sponsors & the media.

11 Relationship Matters “Thank You” and “Please” are powerful words. Follow-up is Key

12 Relationship Matters Tell A Story that will be Remembered! Your Science Fair students have fascinating stories behind their research.

13 Relationship Matters Inspiring Students to Pursue STEM Encouraging Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Public Service

14 Relationship Matters Opportunities for Sponsor Recognition Fair flyers/book Program Ads Website Sponsor Banner Fair Media & Gov

15 Fundraising for Special Initiatives Support the Science Fair mission Foundation giving (not events) Create a model or address priority areas such as high- needs schools Programs with high-impact or leveraged impact on students in support of a common mission Partnerships enable larger initiatives

Curious Minds Initiative(CMI)  Tools & Resources for Schools, Students & Teachers  Professional Development for STEM Teachers  Program Improvement based on Evidence  Support “Next Generation” Science Standards © 2014 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF) GOAL: 35% Increase School Participation in MA Science Fairs by 35% Over 5 years RESULTS: 36% Up 36% after 5 years 250+ teachers in CMI PD $1.9M+ raised Grants to 30+ CMI schools Impact 50,000+ students/year Learn more at:

3 CMI Courses = 3 Steps to Great Science Fairs! Inquiry  Project-based Science  Science Fairs Complete all 3 CMI Courses to earn the STEM Certificate in Science & Engineering Practices

Stay Focused – Have Fun! Fundraising has its ups & downs! Stay upbeat Highlight rewards - working with SciFair students “Selling” an outstanding product Never forget -- YOU are making a difference! “Dry Mitt” glove to reduce arthritic hand pain Reducing children’s backpack-related injuries

Work on Your Project! “Why Fundraising for Science Fairs is Like a Science Fair Project!” 19 Thank You for Your Participation in this Shop Talk! Cora Beth Abel, MSSEF Executive Director © 2014 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

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