Funding Ideas
1. Challenge other schools in your area. This will not only create bigger results in your school (everyone loves competition) but will also divide the traveling expenses between all participating schools. Ask your advisor, councilor, or school principal to help open the door for you to get other schools on board!
2. Integrate your ’15 Days of Kindness’ into a major theme such as Cultural Awareness Week, Health Day, Red Ribbon Week, etc. Depending on your theme, federal grant money may be available. For example, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA) might approve a funding request for a speaker who address alcohol and drug prevention, anti-bullying, tobacco use, gangs, crime and violence prevention. Kindness is a topic that can apply to all.
3. Contact your school’s PTO/PTA. Share your plans with them. They are more likely to contribute funds if your plan is well thought out.
4. Have student leaders contact local business organizations: Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Elks, Chamber of Commerce. Present your plan and request their sponsorship.
5. Create a win-win situation. Contact several of your larger local businesses. Ask for the owner, CEO or Community Service Department. If they are willing to help sponsor the speaker, you can exchange the favor by announcing their support to your students, within press releases, and all printed materials.
6. Invite multiple clubs on campus to participate and help in a fund raising project. A cooperative effort helps students collaborate and learn about the realities of time and effort in acquiring funding in the real world.
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