Fundraising

The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance should apply for university or student government funding. In order to supplement that funding and increase the likelihood that university funding is awarded again, the FMLA will need to raise additional funds. FMLA fundraising takes two major forms: co-sponsorship and FMLA fundraising events or actions.

I. Co-Sponsorship

Other progressive student groups and departments may be willing to co-sponsor events by contributing to the cost. These donations quickly add up to a significant amount of money, and having the support of co-sponsors strengthens publicity and impact.

• Begin early, soliciting funds several months or weeks before a major event. Some organizations meet monthly or even less frequently and must have sufficient time to discuss the proposal and vote on it.
• Develop a well-organized written proposal that describes the nature of your request, a tentative budget for the event, and its benefits for the campus community. Have the project well thought out before the presentation, and be prepared to answer questions.
• Target supportive groups, departments, and organizations with the project proposal. Make an appointment to present at a meeting. Send a copy ahead of time, and take several additional copies to the meeting.
• Make appointments with the directors of various departments to inquire about their willingness to sponsor speeches or educational programming. Departments can be a good source of money, as well as vehicle to publicize the event. Remember to approach graduate student groups and faculty.

Sources of Co-Sponsorship

• student government
• progressive student organizations
• progressive and other appropriate academic departments
• university president, vice president, and deans
• women's centers and cultural centers
• graduate, medical, and law school clubs
• offices of residential life and student life
• sororities and theme houses
• women’s alumnae organizations

II. Fundraising Events

FMF Product Sales
The Feminist Majority has a variety of products that FMLAs can use to raise funds. FMF products include Ms. memberships, long-sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, mugs, stickers, bumper stickers, hats, tote bags, and buttons. Contact a Campus Organizer for information about FMF product sales.

Car Wash
Organize a car wash with a local gas station. Suggest a $10 donation from car owners.

Yard Sales or Book Sales
Solicit donations from FMLA participants, faculty and staff team, and supporters. Hold the sale in a high traffic area on campus. Begin publicizing the sale early, and ask for donations at least a month in advance!

Raffles
Ask for donations from local businesses by presenting them with information about the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, where the proceeds will go, and tax exemption. Contact your Student Activities Office to inquire about state or county laws governing raffles.

Pay Equity Bake Sale
Put a feminist twist on the traditional bake sale! Advertise prices for baked goods at $.72 and $1.00 for men. Include facts about pay equity, particularly pay equity for women of color, at the table or on the baked goods packaging. Ultimately, in the interest of equality, charge women and men the same price ($.50 or $1.00)

Silent Auction
Hold an auction where instead of bidding vocally, participants bid silently by writing down the amount of their bid. Solicit creative donations: ask friends and faculty to offer services, such as dinner for two or free laundry for a month. Be sure to state the minimum starting bid and the increment each bid must increase. The highest bidder at the end of the day wins.

Adopt a Feminist
FMLA members volunteer their time to faculty, staff, alumnae, or local community organizations in exchange for donations. Members could rake leaves, paint rooms, shovel snow, or stuff envelopes.

Tournaments
Host a game or sports tournament where individuals or teams pay an entry fee to participate: card playing tournaments (spades, euchre, hearts, uno), sporting tournaments (basketball, darts, volleyball), and board game tournaments (chess, checkers).

International Women’s Day Cards
Design a special card that students and faculty can buy and personalize with their own special message. Include appropriate facts or figures to give the cards an educational, feminist flair. Offer to mail the card for them.

Poetry slam, Open Mic, Coffeehouse
Charge admission and/or sell beverages and pastries at these types of events. Solicit donations throughout the event.

Tips

• Use all fundraisers as an opportunity to spread your message by having information, handouts, and petitions available.
• Consider holding small fundraisers as a part of a larger event such as a Rock for Choice show.
• When conducting these fundraisers, keep your costs as low as possible, so as not to spend your earnings.
• Although these are small projects, always think them out thoroughly ahead of time and try to troubleshoot.
• Never take money until you are sure you can deliver your product. Returning money is both complicated and costly!
• When selling products, always arrange for safe storage and transport of products between sales shifts.
• Always keep exact count of all products sold and all money received, as well as who made each sale.
• These are only suggestions, share new fundraising ideas with your Field Representatives and Leadership Alliances on other campuses.

Other Resources

Download Chapter 8 - Budgets & Fundraising of the Organizer's Binder for more information.

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