It’s a hot topic: fundraising. From PR and marketing collateral to sending your Delegate to National Convention, there are several things throughout the year that your Chapter will need to fund. Therefore, it’s important to have a focus on holding successful fundraisers. Bake sales are great, but they can get stale (pun intended) after a while. Don’t worry, we’re here with two new ideas for fundraisers thanks to the Delta Mu Chapter at the University of Maine and the Beta Mu Chapter at George Washington University!

Lincoln for a Lincoln with Delta Mu Chapter

What is it? 
Lincoln for a Lincoln is a fundraising idea that the Chapter learned about from a few Members last term. The Chapter writes letters describing who they are, what they do and what the money they’re asking for is going towards. They then attach a Lincoln (a penny) and request that the recipient send them back a Lincoln (a $5 bill).

What all is involved?
The whole Chapter worked together to write and approve the letter, which would be customized with the name and information of the Member who would be sending it. Everyone in the Chapter was then asked to provide ten or more names and addresses to send the letters to. They would sign the letters themselves and the Fundraising Committee would hand address each envelope, including a return envelope complete with a stamp, and then put them in the mail.

The outcome?
The Chapter had 13 Members provide 113 addresses. So far, they have raised $595 to send their Delegate to National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Why does the Chapter recommend this fundraiser?
Delta Mu Chapter Fundraising Chair, Heather Hall, says “It’s super easy, doesn’t require a lot of planning, and I think it’s a great way to help get the name Phi Sigma Pi out into the world while also letting friends and family know what you’re up to.” 

PSPotatoes with Beta Mu Chapter

What is it? 
PSPotatoes is a fundraiser where students can write a message on a potato and have it sent to a person of their choosing. The Chapter sells the potatoes at a table and hand delivers them themselves.

What all is involved?
The first step of planning this fundraiser is deciding when to do it. The Beta Mu Chapter has held this fundraiser multiple times, once doing it around Valentine’s Day so students could send their Valentine a potato love letter. The Chapter would reserve table space in a common area to sell the potatoes. Next, and most important, is buying the potatoes! The Chapter made a Facebook event to advertise the fundraiser as well as talked to students walking by their table. Potatoes were sold one for $2 or two for $3. The Chapter would then deliver the potatoes to their intended recipients.

The outcome?
The Chapter has held this fundraiser multiple times. One such time, they raised around $250. Not only do they raise money, but they connect with students on campus and raise awareness of Phi Sigma Pi.

Why does the Chapter recommend this fundraiser?
Beta Mu Chapter Fundraising Chair Ilana Fried says, “We would recommend this because people were so intrigued and interested in sending funny messages on potatoes to their friends that it really generated interest on campus. The potatoes were also relatively cheap.” She goes on to say that “PSPotatoes was the most fun I’ve ever had running an event because people thought it was hilarious. I personally had a really awesome time talking to people and grabbing the attention of people walking by to get them involved in our fundraiser.” Fried does mention that sorting the potatoes and making sure they went to the correct place was a bit of a challenge. They used a Google Spreadsheet to organize the information, but suggests looking into alternatives.

As you go through next academic year’s budget, be sure to start thinking of unique fundraisers that your Chapter can hold and set goals for your Chapter to raise what you will need. If you ever have questions about fundraising or want to run an idea by National Staff, send it to us at ask@phisigmapi.org.