There are many great ways to fundraise, whether you are a participant or an event organizer! The most effective fundraisers are innovative and catered to campus-specific needs. However, it can be challenging to get started. Here are a few simple suggestions to help you get started!
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1. Ask around your campus
Different facilities on campus may be willing to provide monetary or prize donations. Ask your campus bookstore, residence services, and student associations as they may be able to provide you with some free swag to use or give away at your event!
2. Send out sponsorship letters
Another great strategy to seek out donations is to create a sponsorship letter specific to your campus chapter. Highlight your mission and contributions to community services in the letter and distribute them to local businesses. In exchange for their donation you can put their names on your t-shirt and posters, allowing them to advertise their services to the community. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t hear back from some sponsors, as even by sending your sponsorship letters you are spreading awareness about mental health awareness and your chapter’s mission.
3. Host a bake sale
Never underestimate the power of delicious sweets! Have members of your Chapter bake goods and sell them to raise funds. This is also a great place to get creative! For example, you can bake cupcakes without icing and have people write positive encouraging words on the cupcakes.
We highlighted some simple effective fundraising events above. We encourage you to be creative and think outside the box in incorporating mental health awareness into your fundraising theme. Here are some examples!
Smash the Stigma
Car Smash. Contact a local junkyard, automobile dealer or auto insurance company and ask if they have a dispensable car they would be willing to donate. At the day of the fundraiser you can ask participants to their definition of or experiences with mental health stigma on the car. For a small donation the participant can have a turn at “smashing the stigma” on the car with a baseball bat! This is also a great way to relieve stress and vent out any frustrations! Alternatively, you can purchase pumpkins to smash.
Pet Therapy
Animal assisted therapy is a growing field that has proven health benefits. You can ask for a donation to allow people to pet and and interact with pets. This is a great way to de-stress too!