This week the theme of the PHR Student Blog is student leadership and strengthening your PHR Chapter.
Fundraising — now, over the summer, or early into the next school year — can help your PHR Chapter get off to a strong start next fall. Some students have told us that being short on funds interfered with hosting events. If you’d like to raise some money, PHR is here to help.
Some of the most popular methods are listed in the Fundraising section of the Chapter Toolkit:
- Grants: Research tools include Foundation Search or searching for “[your city]” or “[your state]” and the word “foundation.” Grants may be available on your campus. Follow the directions carefully, and if the grant offers TA (technical assistance), go ahead and call to ask for help.
- Ticketed events: You could host a gala, a dessert tasting, or a talk by an esteemed professor.
- Almost famous: Local celebrities can attract considerable attention. Consider a cocktail reception, a speech, a dunking booth, or a car wash.
- Sponsorship: Remember grade school bowl-a-thons? Ask supporters to sponsor something new: a stair climb in the tallest building on campus, a bike- or walk-a-thon, or a penny for every mile you’re traveling this summer to practice your clinical skills.
- Raffles or silent auctions: Put together a couple of big-ticket items and some fun theme packages and gift certificates.
The Toolkit reveals one of the big secrets to raising money: Don’t be afraid to ask. Try to remember that friends and family like to be involved in the causes that you support, and this is a good way for them to contribute. Local businesses like to be associated with student activities. Build relationships over time so that you feel relaxed about asking and the donor enjoys the chance to help and will want to give again.
Still nervous about asking? Tell yourself, “They won’t give unless I ask.”
What has your Chapter done to raise money? Share your ideas in the comments section below. And email me at hobrien[at]phrusa[dot]org for more ideas and support.
Stay tuned! Tomorrow I’ll outline opportunities for student leadership in your region and announce the new Student Advisory Board.
