Spring into Fundraising!

Contributed by Cathe Felz, National Consultant Team, Montana

Fundraising seems to be an important topic for FCCLA advisers all year round but by spring our energy level for fundraising may be waning a bit.  The question on all our minds is: how do I keep my enthusiasm and hold the interest of my students?   

Many chapters are raising money to attend the national leadership conference.  If your chapter raises their own funds for students to attend national conference this may be a daunting task after a year of hard work and competitions. Those attending may be very motivated to raise money because of the opportunity to attend NLC. Community backing is one of the most important things you can get when doing a big Fundraising push. Be sure to inform your community of the great leadership opportunities students will have while attending the national leadership conference and the benefits the community will see.  One way to let the community know what the chapter has accomplished is to showcase the students and their projects a community event, set up displays in local business, or write an article for the local paper, contact local media outlets such as radio and television about successful projects. When preparing for a fundraiser put student projects on display. If you school has a spring election set up a display of student projects and sell pie and coffee.

THINK SPRING! Everyone loves to get out and be active after a long (and sometimes cold) winter trapped in doors. Host a community carnival, a picnic in the park or family water games. Spring is also the season for proms and school formals. Many students like to class up their rides for the night with a limo. Ask a local car dealership to donate a car and driver for a raffle for the ultimate prom date include dinner for two, a photo shoot, and flowers. Sell tickets to students for the ultimate worry free prom date.

As the weather warms, snow melts, roads become muddy and cars become dirty. Use this as an opportunity to raise some money and get the word out about FCCLA by hosting a car wash.  Be sure members have lots of sun screen, snacks, and water.

 For those of us in the north getting out helps relieve cabin fever, sponsor a golf or Frisbee golf tournament at a local course or park. If you are still waiting for the weather to clear how about an indoor event such as dodge ball, volleyball, or basket tournament and don’t forget there is always donkey basketball complete with thrills and spills. Be sure to provide concessions!

It seems facebook is everywhere people are taking about what they posted on facebook. Use this media to invite friends and community members to your event using social media. It is surprising how many people are connected these days and the goal of any fundraiser is to draw a crowd and make a profit.

Happy money making!