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Raising money is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the long-term existence of your Trips For Kids® chapter. While fundraising may seem like an arduous task, it can also be fun. The following resources will give you an idea on how to get started. To enhance this valuable resource, feel free to send us documents or links you want to share with the Trips For Kids community.
As noted in the trademark agreement, all chapters must contact Trips For Kids before approaching any major national foundations or national corporations with requests for financial support. Allowing us to coordinate requests prevents any confusion that can occur if chapters approach the same organization for support. Getting PreparedAs a first step to raising money, write a development plan. This example was written by Rick McFerrin of TFK Calgary. With or without a plan, one thing that you should do is build a donor base. Also be prepared to solicit donations at the spur of the moment. Make sure that you always carry flyers that promote your program and a simple donor form like those created by TFK Twin Cities and TFK Philadelphia. Remember: people won't give money unless you ask. Important Note. If you raise enough money, you will need to file taxes. According to IRS rules, if your chapter regularly has gross receipts of more than $25,000, you will need to file a Form 990 (or Form 990-EZ). You can learn more about the federal filing policy at the IRS website. Check with your state tax entity for more information about filing state taxes. Sample ProposalsFinancial documents to help you get started:
Simple Funding RequestsOften a simple letter or email, and material about your program, is all you need to ask for funding. Samples:
Facts to Support Your ProposalsFacts and stories enliven any proposal. Collect information about the impacts of your program. Jeremy Jones of TFK Project Transformation suggests the United Way's Outcome Measurement Resource Network, the United Way's 170-page manual Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach and Search Institutes's 40 Developmental Assets. Examples of data collection devices used by TFK chapters include:
If you want to tie your work into Trips For Kids global successes, you can peruse these statistics that we've amassed since our inception as well as ethnic and gender breakdown of participants from 2009. You also can peruse "Why Trips For Kids Matters," a problem statement that we use in our grant proposals and that you can use in your proposals as well. Finally, we strongly recommend that you collect quotes from kids, agency leaders and volunteers. Quotes can enliven your proposals and inspire potential donors. Peruse the library of quotes from TFK Marin and from other chapters, and please share your own gems with us! On-line Giving Sites & ToolsConsider registering with some on-line giving sites. Typically these sites enable the donor to contribute directly to your chapter with a credit card, and most will take a share of the donation (3% is typical) to handle their administrative fees. Try:
Alternatively, Trips For Kids Marin has signed up with: Online Fundraising ResourcesNumerous on-line resources are available to you:
Local FoundationsThe following foundations only fund local projects and organizations. Approach through the companies' local offices or stores is often best.
As noted in the trademark agreement, all chapters must contact Trips For Kids before approaching any major national foundations or national corporations with requests for financial support. Allowing us to coordinate requests alleviates any confusion that would occur if several chapters approached the same organization for support. Funding Ideas from IMBARegister with IMBA so you receive periodic news and information via their website. Also look into the following grants at IMBA:
Funding Ideas from the National Park ServiceCheck several site to see if funding from the National Park Service and US Forest Service is possible for your program. However, from the Park Service perspective it is very important that you are providing more than a one time experience. If your chapter is working with a state park land manager talk to them about how you are getting kids out doors.
Event IdeasTake the time to write a development plan that has a well-rounded approach to fundraising, and does not rely solely on grants. Keep in mind the following ideas that other chapters have used to raise money and publicity. If you have great ideas of your own, please share them with us. Bike Ride Fundraiser If you don't want to put on your own ride, here are some other ways that you can make money out bike riding.
Brews, Bikes and Bucks Brews, Bikes and Bucks is an event that takes place at a local Marin County brewery on a Sunday afternoon in February (a slow time for the brewery). Proceeds of food and drink sold that afternoon are given to Trips For Kids. The event usually brings in about $2,000, with several hundred people attending. Find a brewery that is willing to work with you, let them know that you would like to have an open party during a slow time for them, invite everyone you know, tell them to bring their friends, let them know that TFK will be raising money based on food and beer sales, decide how your proceeds will be shared, hold a raffle to raise extra money, use this as an opportunity to let folks know how they can volunteer and help, and do PR to let people know that your event is taking place. You can get a feel for these events by checking out the promotional materials from Swanky's who pitched in to help TFK Denver. Eat Food, Drink Beer, Make Money Pat Childers of Trips For Kids Metro DC contacted his local Chevy's and set up a night where 10% of proceeds from customers' bills were donated to Trips For Kids. To do it: hand out certificates to everyone you know, invite all the volunteers for a volunteer appreciation party (you buy the first round of beer, they buy the food), have a board meeting that evening and then go to dinner at Chevy's. TFK Charlotte organized a fundraiser with the Good 'Ol Days restaurant. And Max & Erma's restaurant sponsored a benefit for TFK Detroit. Community $upport Day at Whole Foods On Community $upport Days at Whole Foods, a selected non-profit organization receives a portion of a local store's profits for a day. Call your local Whole Foods Market and speak with their Marketing Director to find out how to apply. Rick McFerrin in St. Paul ran a free basic bike tune-up in the parking lot of the store that day. An increasing number of establishments are doing similar one-day donations, such as Border's, Baja Fresh, and Chili's. Other Ideas
Thanking FundersYour hard work will pay off. You will raise money. And once someone gives you money, it's important to thank them for their contribution. In addition to providing people a heart-felt thanks, you'll definitely want to give them a tax receipt and you may want to provide them a little special memento of their good work. Here are some examples. |
Making It!
We made it to the top! And I still can’t believe that I did it! – Angela |