The IUSA Funding Department has assembled a collection of resources for all student groups to utilize in their efforts to find potential funding sources. This site is intended for the benefit of student organizations at Indiana University-Bloomington. 

For many campus organizations, fundraising events are an effective method to earn income. Success requires good program selection, excellent timing, careful execution, and dedicated group members.

 Fundraising Guidelines

The following guidelines are applicable to fundraising events sponsored by registered campus organizations. More detailed information can be found in the Student Organizations Handbook available on the Student Activities Office website.  You can view the SAO website at www.indiana.edu/~sao

Planning a Fundraising Event

The SAO office can assist with the budgeting and planning process for a successful event. The following steps are recommended when planning a fundraising event.

1. Make sure that the organization is registered. Only registered organizations may sponsor fundraising events on campus.

2. Determine what kind of fundraising event is desired. Information on fundraising ideas can be found in the SAO Student Organization Handbook.

3. It generally takes funds to make funds! If an organization is short on available funds and needs working capital to start a fundraising event, there are several possible options:

   1. Use membership dues as capital.

   2. Identify co-sponsors, i.e. other campus organizations or department sponsorships.

   3. Use personal funds which can be reimbursed following the event.

4. Plan the event. Sometimes certain programming details are overlooked during    the planning stages. The advising staff at SAO is available to assist with this process to ensure a successful event.

5. Advertise the fundraising event as effectively as possible. Banners, posters, flyers, radio spots, newspaper advertisements and public service announcements are all effective strategies.

6. When in doubt, contact the SAO. The advising staff can assist with program development and fundraising strategies.

Fundraising Ideas

The following suggestions are types of fundraisers which an organization may want to sponsor:

SALES

Sales Items are very labor and capital intensive fundraisers. To have a successful sales fundraiser, members must be very dedicated and establish concrete sales projections. Timing, the right product, and a committed membership are essential for raising funds.  Check with the SAO front desk to pick up the handout which explains how to sell on campus with a selling permit form attached. Possible sales items:

1. Arts/Crafts

2. Auctions & Drawings

3. Charge Dues

4. Product or Theme sales, e.g. hats, t-shirts

5. Holiday sales, e.g. flowers on Valentine's Day

6. Appointment books/calendars

7. Selling Pizza

8. Plants, flowers, balloons

9. Seek co-sponsorship(s)

10. Coupon book sale

11. Talent Shows

SERVICES

Services are another popular fundraising event. To be successful, an excited, dedicated membership is required. Timing and good planning are necessary for a successful event. Multiple services are offered in our community.

• Carwash

• Candy & Bake Sales

• Game booths or Dances

• Distribution of publications

ENTERTAINMENT

Showing a movie is not done as frequently as in the past. Selecting a very popular title and timing are necessary for success.

Dances on campus can be financially successful and require limited overhead cost.

Concerts require both capital and labor. The right talent and timing are critical for success.

A-thons - coordination with established area a-thons is essential. Successful a-thons require a lot of work, but are a great and fun way to raise funds. Members can also participate in another group's a-thon and raise funds through pledges.

Suitcase party, i.e. drawing tickets are sold to all who attend, one couple wins a trip to San Francisco, Hawaii, etc.  Be sure to check Indiana State laws for such events.

Other Fundraising Ideas:

Car wash	Dance	Walk-a-thon	Bake Sale	Book sale
Contest	Performance	Recycling Drive	Bowl-a-thon	Silent Auction
Study Marathon	Garage Sale	Rake-a-thon	Candy-grams	T-shirt sales

Indiana University Advertising Ideas:

1. Attend other student organizations meetings.  Let them know what you are doing!

2. Place ads with the IU Bus Service.  For more information call (812) 855-8385.  Costs are approximately $65 per month for 2- 11” x 17” posters on each bus.

3. Distribute handbills and flyers, be sure to place them in academic offices and student organizations.  Student organizations may have a mailbox with the Indiana Memorial Union, and Greek letter organizations have mailboxes in IMU 371.

4. Flyers can also be placed in residence halls, student service buildings, offices and campus kiosks (Dunn meadow, Woodlawn Field, near Ballantine and north of the Chemistry Building).  Don’t forget the IMU Commons Desk!

5. Chalking is also an excellent way of advertising.  Be sure to check the Student Organization Handbook for the most up to date policies.  In brief, no chalking is permitted near residence halls, on the exteriors of buildings or other freestanding structures, on steps, or underneath any covering or within 10 feet of any door.

6. The Student Activities Office emails every student organization on the IUB campus each week.  If you want to be included in News You Can Use email your event to sao@indiana.edu.

7. Several local radio stations provide organization information as public service announcements.  Contact either WFIU-FM (103.7) at (812) 855-1357 or WIUS Student Radio at (812) 855-7862.

8.  IUTV provides slide show television ads.  To submit an ad use the website at www.indiana.edu/~iutv/iutvhome.htm.

9.  Indiana Daily Student offers many avenues for advertising an event. 

• To place an ad, call (812) 855-9410 for more information.  They can also help you design you ad. 

• To run an article on your event, call (812) 855-0760 for more information.  Be sure to call far in advance.

• To submit information into “The Campus Kiosk”, call (812) 855-0763.  Remember to include time, place and contact information in your message.

• To submit information into the IDS “Happenings” section, submit information on the web at www.idsnews.com/happenings.