Chapter Fundraising

By Sonika Tamilarasan, Illinois FBLA State Treasuer

Need more money for chapter social events or for travel expenses? Fundraising can help you out! However, when it comes to fundraising, it is vital to choose the right one, or it can end up eating the funds you already have. This article will cover a few tips and tricks when it comes to choosing the perfect fundraiser for your chapter.

Tip #1: Find a fundraiser that will suit you. 
The first step in conducting any fundraiser is choosing the right one. If you are a larger chapter, you can fundraise with your members themselves, but if you are a smaller chapter, consider expanding to your school or even to outside businesses. Here are a few ideas that can potentially help you out: 

• A selling fundraiser 
  
• Movies night 
  
• Community Yard Sale
  
• Car Wash
  
• Sports tournament 
  

Tip #2: Choose the right fundraiser company!
When deciding to do a selling fundraiser, don’t partner with businesses that require you to buy your fundraising items beforehand. This could potentially result in a loss. Additionally, ensure there are no additional costs for brochures and other advertising materials. 

Tip #3: Choose the right items. 
You don’t want to do a fundraiser for an item that won’t be popular. This could waste not only your money but also your time. Look at the list below for popular fundraiser items! 

• Coffee
  
  
• Cookie dough 
  
• Gift wrap (this one is especially popular during the holidays!) 
  
• Gift cards with upfront values 
  
• Candy 
  
• Household items that people use daily