Fundraising Tips

Fundraising Tips

• ​​​​​Determine the fundraising priorities for the year.
  Make a list of your wants and needs and be prepared to share it with potential donors. Donors like to dive towards specific items or events, not just general operations.
• Create a letter-writing campaign. 
  Have members send 10 letters to people they know asking for support.
• Some small-scale fundraisers are more work than they are worth.
  Example: Chipotle has to make $300 before they give you anything from the sales you generate. 
• Consult with Student Affairs Development when asking for a donation of over $1,000. 
  When asking a company for a large donation, consult with Student Affairs Development who will help craft a message and strategy around the ask.
• Apply to use Spur Change
  Spur Change is a new crowdfunding platform. This is great if you have a specific goal or item you are raising money for.
• Create an online giving link to share with supporters. 
  If you are having a fundraiser and want an easy way to share the link for supporters to give online, contact ASI Club Services for a personalized giving link. 
• At the beginning of each school year, map out when your fundraisers are going to be and ask businesses early. 
  There are over 400 clubs at Cal Poly and dozens of local non-profits in the area who are also fundraising for good causes. If you are going to ask a company for support or to host a fundraiser, know that you are probably not the only one asking. 

Steps to take when receiving a donation

• If you are receiving a check: ​
  1. Have all checks made out to "Cal Poly Foundation" with your club or organization's name in the memo line.
  2. All checks should be submitted to ASI Club Services with a Cash/Securities Gift Form for processing. This will ensure that supporters get the information they need so their gift is tax-deductible. Checks made out to individual club or organization members are not tax-deductible. 
• If your donor is employed, research if their company has a donation matching program.  
  Some companies will match a donation with the amount your donor contributes. This is often a missed opportunity to receive more money.
• Always write a thank-you note. 
  Student Affairs will send out a general thank you, but a personalized letter from your club or organization means more.