Fundraising Ideas

Look below for some potential ideas to fundraise for the Registered Campus Organization.

One of the most popular off campus fundraiser are restaurant fundraisers. These work by partnering with a local business, fast food chain, or food vendor who agrees to donate a portion of their sales to the RCO. Contact location managers at least a month in advance to discuss what percentage of profits they offer, possible dates, and other details. 
TIP: Confirm with the restaurant manager if you can host a social event or flyer to customers during the time of the fundraiser. Encourage your membership to purchase from the restaurant during the time of the fundraiser.

A car wash can be a fun way to raise funds for a specific goal. It can be helpful to define the purpose of the car wash (charity, members retreat, new equipment, etc.) and set a financial goal. Secure a location with sufficient space and approval from property owner; it is best to use a property with access to water and appropriate space considering traffic flow. Choose a date and time that offers good weather, purchase necessary cleaning supplies, and create a plan. To gather customers create eye catching flyers and posters to promote the date, location, and purpose early! 

Ticketed events off campus are typically held in rental spaces, including private or public venues. Popular ticketed events include pop-up markets, banquets, sport games, film screenings, etc. Ticket prices help fundraise and pay for the cost of the event (including venue costs, catering, parking, furniture rentals, etc.). Confirm with venue manager if they have a ticketing system or if the RCO need to manage ticket sale and disbursement for the event. Abide by city regulations regarding ticket sales, food or beverage sales.

NOTE: Isla Vista has local laws prohibiting pay-to-enter parties. Selling tickets for attendance at a party in a residential zone is a violation of 6-70-.02(a) and event organizers/hosts should expect to be immediately shut down and cited for violating this section. For more information, click HERE. 

Registered Campus Organizations can set up pop-up markets to sell merchandise or food by contacting potential vendors, venue spaces, and obtaining relevant city permits and abiding by city regulations. Preparation is key! Start planning the event logistics two to six months in advance. Consider size of locations, relevant permits, vendor availability, and marketing tactics. RCOs should also determine if they are selling good they are making themselves or if they are working with third-party vendors to help sell their products.

RCO Officers can be financially liable for fines if unsanctioned events are hosted in public or private spaces. TIP: Be sure to have conversations regarding insurance, permit fees, and event expectations with venue managers and vendors early in the planning process.

Click below for more information about:

RCO’s can fundraise at any time of the year by selling custom designed merchandise. Look into local and online vendors that print custom designs onto products including stickers, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, etc. Some vendors provide in-house design support or creation software like Canva or Photoshop can be use to create design proofs. RCO’s should decide on merchandise pricing that will cover the cost of buying and, if applicable, shipping the merchandise. Limited time merchandise can be a fun way to create revenue, promote the RCO’s mission, and create a sense of community among the membership.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships can be an excellent method to attain funds for a particular event. The RCO can create different levels of sponsorship for a particular event like a Spring Festival. The festival can have blue and gold levels of sponsorships, and each tier has different amounts with different requirements on behalf of the RCO. A gold sponsor, for instance, may be able to say a few words at the events, while a blue sponsor only gets their logo on publicity. Suggested sponsors include businesses geared towards a college demographic, such as restaurants, energy drink companies, or even an app.

Donations

Private donations from corporate companies or local businesses can be a good option for some RCOs. Some companies may only be willing to donate funding to a nonprofit organization. Establishing the RCO as a non-profit can difficult (for more information about applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS, click HERE). However, a few businesses may provide donations without a nonprofit tax ID; therefore, it is important to do your research beforehand. Be prepared to answer questions on why you would need a donation. Many local businesses may not be able to provide a check, but can provide a percentage of sales for a day, a food donation, or gift certificates.

Never claim to be a tax-exempt, charitable organization unless you have IRS 501(c)3 status. 

Donations should not be sent to be processed through the University and should be accepted directly by the RCO. 
 

Recommendations For Requesting Donations:

1. Identify what is needed

  • Know why the RCO needs the donations, who it is for, how it will impact operations/the event, when it is needed by, etc.

2. 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 the letter is printed out and personally delivered.

3. Know the RCO's mission

  • Potential sponsors may ask for additional information about the RCO, so know fast facts about the RCO( e.g., history, impact, audience, past events held, etc.).

4. Wait for a response

  • It is best to give businesses 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.

5. Create a thank you letter

  • Once the donation is received, 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. Maintain good relationships for the future!

6. Keep a list:

  • 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 RCO

  • What is the purpose of the donation, describe the event, who it will impact, etc.

  • What type of donations are being requested

  • RCO officer name, contact information (phone and email), and RCO’s website 

  • RCO Tax ID Number (if applicable)

  • Signature