fundraising
Here are some helpful tips for you to start fundraising money and supplies for your club organization and the events you wish to hold.
Donations:
Nonprofit organizations- If you are a nonprofit organization and it is recommended to register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and obtain a tax ID. For more information, click here. Some sponsors require this nonprofit status in order for them to distribute donations.
All other organizations- Some businesses that provide donations may not require a nonprofit tax ID, so call ahead of time to find out. Be prepared to answer questions on why you would need a donation.
Suggested Sponsors:
- Trader Joes
- Albertsons
- Ralphs
- Costco
- Target
- Wal-Mar
- Panera Bread
- Krispy Kreme
- Baskin Robbins
- Pizza Hut
- Chipotle
*These sponsors may give you money to purchase items from their store. Some may give you a gift certificate or a check. It never hurts to call local businesses to see if they are willing to donate!
*HINT: Some suggested sponsors like Albertsons have stores all around Orange County, and each store may donate a different amount, so check a couple of them!
Recommendations for the donation process:
- Identify what you need.;Know why you need the donations, who it is for, how it will impact the party, when you will need it by, etc
- Create a donation letter.Distribute this donation letter to potential stores. Also call ahead of time to see the store's requirements for donating. It is recommended that you print out the letter and personally deliver it to them.
- *Potential sponsors may ask for additional information about your organization, so know your organization's history (ex: past events held)!
- Wait for their response.It is best to give them around a month in advance, because they may take up to two weeks to respond. If they haven't responded, call or visit for a follow-up.
- Create a thank you letter.Once you received the donations from them, send them a thank you letter. If the donations were for an event, it is recommended to send them pictures and information on how the event went and how their store donations helped. You want to maintain good relationships for the future!
- Keep a list.If you keep track of who is willing to donate, it is easier for the upcoming years to set up the donation process.
Donation Letter Checklist:
- Name and address of sponsor
- Introduction of your organization
- What is the purpose of the donation, describe the event, who it will impact, etc…
- What type of donations you are looking for
- Your name, your contact info (phone# and email), your organizations website
- Tax ID # (if applicable)
- Signature
Documentation:
- Keep your sponsors organized! Create a binder to keep track of who donated and what they donated. For future reference, add their address and phone number.
- Keep a sample of the Donation letter for future reference.
- Keep a sample of a thank you letters.
On Campus Fundraising Ideas:
UCI Dining-Check the website or call to find out which on campus restaurant will donate a percentage of profit from customers who bring in flyers. Phone number: (949) 824-4182.
- Wahoo's
- Jamba Juice
- Panda Express
Boothing- Use the Ring Mall to set up booths to raise funds!
- Korean BBQ
- Lollicup Tea & Coffee
- Hot dogs
- Bake sale- Muffins, Cupcakes, Brownies, Cake, etc
Off Campus Fundraising Ideas:
Car wash-Visit a gas station and ask to set up a car wash at there, and negotiate on what percentage of profits to distribute to them. Gas stations usually supply the water, and all you need are the hoses, buckets, sponges, towels, cleaning disinfectant, and manpower.
Dine at restaurants-Depending on the restaurant; they may donate up to a certain percentage of the bill from customers that bring a flyer to eat at their restaurant. Call ahead of time to figure out the percentage your organization would receive.
Suggested Restaurants:
- Cha for tea
- Ruby’s Diner
- Gina’s Pizza
- Souplantation
- Rubio’s Mexican Grill
- Tacos N Co
- CPK
- Jamba Juice
