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
 Return to Leaders'
Institute Reading Room
|
|
