Fundraising: Helping Your Chapter Become Financially Fit
Striving to become financially fit can be frightening for a chapter. Let’s take a look at how to break it down into a manageable format: Why does your chapter need money? Brainstorm potential expenses for the year, such as basic chapter supplies (emblem, pens, notebooks, etc.), affiliation dues, community service projects, fun activities and field trips, recognition of members and sponsors, and attendance at the Fall Leadership, State Leadership, Cluster, or National conferences.
Next, create a budget. FCCLA programs, such as Financial Fitness, may help you get this in motion. It is important to know both where the money is coming from and going to, in order to set financial goals for the chapter. The budget will be based on this process.
There many things your chapter can do to bring in money. First, explore what type of fundraising is already done in your school and community. Find out why some projects are successful, while others are not. What are strong needs for goods and services? Who will be making the purchases and what would be an acceptable price? What are the costs to the chapter for providing these goods and/or services?
FCCLA chapters have sold submarine sandwiches, pizza, apple pies, and special seasoning blends. Some rake yards, shovel snow or provide childcare during special events. For more fundraising ideas and to share your experiences, network with other members at the state and national meetings, on facebook and by blogging. Teen Times, the FCCLA national magazine, is full of ideas from around the nation. Visit mifccla.org and fcclainc.org for more fresh ideas on fundraising in your chapter.
There are many opportunities at the local, state and national level to fund the type of activities that FCCLA members participate in through grants. Advisors receive notices about grants from the state and national offices, and you can visit the websites to view current ideas.
Lastly, many communities have service organizations that provide financial support to youth who are participating in leadership activities. Adults understand that it is the youth who will be our leaders of tomorrow. They want to encourage members in organizations such as FCCLA to reach their potential. They may require an application, presentation, or participation in one of their events to qualify. The outcome could have at least two positive outcomes: sharing information about FCCLA and financial support for years to come.
Whatever methods your chapter chooses, get as many members involved as possible. It will be a terrific opportunity to learn new skills and have fun along the way! Good luck to your chapter in becoming financially fit!
