If you need to raise money for projects, events, or travel, look to your local community for potential sponsors and partners. Courtney Taylor, Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, offers advice for building relationships with local businesses and fundraising.
Networking is key, so start there,” Courtney said. “Then brainstorm how to extend relationships in a way that’s beneficial for both the chapter and the sponsor.”
She suggests that chapters do their homework first by creating a realistic budget and researching potential supporters. Here’s how you can get started:
- Identify the stakeholders on your campus and in your community
- Work with your college’s foundation office
- Get to know your community (especially local employers)
- Research donors and organizations in your area
- Reach out to alumni from your chapter and other friends in your network
Once you’ve investigated the possibilities, it’s time to follow the Fundraising Donor Cycle:
Build Rapport (Rapport = communication beyond asking)
- Share good news of what your chapter is doing
- Listen (you’ll find clues on how you might collaborate)
- Show off your strong work ethic and dependability
- Invite prospective supporters to your chapter events
Ask for Support
- Go ahead and ask — it’s not as scary as a Hallmark Deadline!
- Cash and material donations can bolster your chapter’s efforts
- Be specific about what your chapter needs and why
- Don’t over-promise — offer contributors only what you can deliver
What If You’re Asking Administrators?
- Do your homework
- Be professional
- Show your enthusiasm for the project
- Think long term
Some Tools to Help You Organize
- Signupgenius.com
- SignUp.com (formerly VolunteerSpot.com)
- Facebook boosts for your fundraising events
- Crowdfunding sites such as snap-raise.com
Don’t Forget to Say Thank you
- Send handwritten thank you to EVERYONE including:
- Administrators
- Community leaders
- Participants on-site
- Volunteers
- Donors
- Report back to stakeholders on the results of your project
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