FBLA TBL February 2023 - 11

Fundraise Your Way to the National
Leadership Conference in June
5 Ideas for Successful
Fundraising at the
Chapter Level
As expenses for travel and everything else continue to
rise, fundraising is more important-and in many cases,
necessary-than ever. Whether your chapter is working to
raise money for a community service project, purchase an
FBLA class wardrobe, or attend the National Leadership
Conference this June in Atlanta, Georgia, here are some
helpful ideas and tips for making the most of fundraising and
sponsorship opportunities.
Reach Out to Local Groups and Businesses
Whether it's a small, family-owned local business or
the headquarters of an international corporation, many
businesses see an investment in the local FBLA chapter as
an investment in future community leaders, employees,
and customers. The Grenora High School (GHS) chapter in
Grenora, North Dakota partnered with Dairyland Donkey Ball
to host a donkey basketball tournament-where the players
rode actual donkeys-along with a free-will donation soup
dinner in January. Through the tournament and dinner, the
chapter was able to raise more than $5,000 to help with state
conference expenses.
Research Local, State, and National Grants
& Scholarship Programs
There is no shortage of programs at all levels of government,
and in business, available to help you achieve your goals.
Grants.gov is a great place to start your search for federal
government funding opportunities. State and local government
websites may have information about programs offered only
in your area. And don't forget that you can apply for an NLC
scholarship directly from FBLA! Applications are due April 15.
Start a Business with Your Chapter
The Washougal High School (WHS) chapter in Washougal,
Washington put their business skills to work to start
Washougal Co, a student-run store selling student-designed,
school-branded swag like T-shirts and lanyards. " I like that
they are going from absolutely nothing and seeing their creative
process turn it into something tangible, " WHS adviser Nicole
Simek told the Williston Herald. " With entrepreneurship and
marketing, you can't get complacent, so they're looking for new
challenges while they're learning. They're continuously trying
to improve. " Items sold out quickly, but the store is hoping to
extend their offerings online to the broader community.
Launch a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Peer-to-peer fundraising simply means reaching out directly to
your friends, family, coworkers. Social media can help, as can
sites like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Indiegogo. Peer-to-peer
campaigns are also a great way to spread the word about the
many opportunities available in FBLA and the work your
chapter does in your community.
Host a Raffle and Offer Prizes
Players at Grenora, North Dakota's High School FBLA chapter
raised more than $5,000 by partnering with a local business for
a donkey basketball tournament.
Raffles are a simple but effective way to fundraise and can be
conducted at virtually no cost to your chapter-even if you're
offering prizes! No luck reaching out to local businesses with
direct fundraising appeals? Businesses not willing to give hard
cash are often happy to provide a gift card or items for a gift
basket instead.
FEBRUARY 2023 | 11 |
" Members got to apply what they've learned in FBLA by
going out and not only networking with local businesses, but
forming partnerships with them as well, " said GHS FBLA adviser
Ashley Lampert. " We live in a small rural community and ran
out of seating in our school gymnasium for everyone ... Our
community really showed up and supported our event! "
http://www.Grants.gov
FBLA TBL February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of FBLA TBL February 2023
