Congratulations on your achievements and your eligibility to participate in the National Honors Convocation. Although NHC works hard to help as many students as it possibly can fund their NHC program, unfortunately, we are unable to assist every student that would like to attend.

As an alternative, many students work hard to raise the funds to attend their program. This NHC fundraising guide is provided as a resource to help you develop your own successful fundraising plan. In addition to this guide, be sure to research resources that may be available to you locally. Meet with organizations in your community who raise funds on a regular basis. Talk with school organizations, like band or cheerleading, who might be willing to share their wisdom with you. Utilize every resource available to you and create a fundraising plan that will work best for you.

You’ll find that funds can be raised in a number of different ways including part-time work, business, community or family sponsorships, and fundraising projects. All methods of fundraising can help you get closer to your goal. During this process remember that no amount of help is too small, every little bit helps you get closer to your goal.

The most important aspect of a successful fundraising guide is making a plan. Planning ahead and attention to detail are essential. Before you get started on the specifics of your campaign and your methods of fundraising, you need to make sure you have all of the relevant information about the program you will be attending, why you want to attend, and how the program will help you achieve your goals. This is the first step in your fundraising journey.

Gather Information for Your Fundraising Campaign

NHC Program Information

Sponsors will want to know about National Honors Convocation before supporting your participation in the program. A sample fundraising letter is included at the back of this guide that describes the history of NHC and our mission of helping outstanding youth achieve their career goals. Feel free to use this letter as is and filling in your personal information or make any changes you think will suit your fundraising campaign. You should also copy the program guide from our website and have that available for any sponsors that ask for the information.

Personal Information

Sponsors will want to know about you before supporting your participation in an NHC program. Outside of the personal meetings you arrange, you need prepare a cover letter and resume to include in your fundraising packets. The cover letter will include information about NHC and also information about you and your desire to attend the program. See the sample cover letter at the end of this guide.

A solid understanding of your goals and the reasons you want to attend the NHC can help you sell yourself to your potential sponsors. Before you complete your cover letter and resume, answer the following questions.

Personal Brainstorming Questions for Fundraising

To download this worksheet please click here.

What are my career goals?

Why do I want to pursue that career?

When did I decide this was the career I wanted to follow and were there any pivotal events in my life that helped me realize that was my career goal?

How will attending NHC help me achieve my career goals?

Why should sponsors support my involvement in the program?

What are some personal characteristics or accomplishments that make me unique?

Are there any special circumstances regarding my request for sponsorships?

By answering these questions you can create a powerful cover letter to include in your fundraising packets you send to potential sponsors.

Preparing Your Cover Letter

To download the sample cover letter please click here.

Although a sample cover letter is provided, the answers to the previous questions will help you personalize your letter. Remember the cover letter may be the first impression you make on a potential sponsor. You need to carefully proof the letter and be sure it includes compelling information regarding your hopes and dreams and your goal of attending the NHC.

Preparing Your Resume

In addition to the cover letter you should prepare a resume. Your resume should include the following categories. A sample resume is included in this guide. To download the sample resume please click here.

High School

Extra Curricular School Activities

Community Activities

Honors and Awards

Work Experience

Hobbies and Interests

Planning your fundraising campaign

Now that you have gathered the program and personal information, the next step is to determine the amount of funds you need to raise.

Determine your Fundraising Goals

Working towards a goal gives essential meaning to your fundraising activities. You will experience a great sense of accomplishment every dollar you raise towards your goal. First determine what that goal is, namely what is your total cost to attend the program.

Here is an example of the list of costs you may need to attend your program. The total amount required may be different for each individual. Don’t forget to add things like professional dress which will be required for limited portions of the program.

Tuition	$2299
Airfare If Applicable	$300
Spending Money	$100
Total Funds Required	$2499.00

Second, determine the funds you currently have available and the source of those funds.

Here is an example of funds you may already have available for your program costs.

Your Savings	$100
Parental Contribution	$500
Part-time Job Money	$100
Current Funds	$700

Once you determine your total costs and your available money you can calculate the amount you will need to fund raise.

Total Funds Required: $2599

Current Funds: - $ 700

Fundraising Goal: $1799

Don’t be intimidated by the amount. Fundraising for your program will take place over several months and you can utilize a variety of different sources to help you achieve your fundraising goals. Now that you know what your goals are, the next step is to determine the ways in which you will raise the funds.

Methods of Fundraising

You can raise funds for your journey in a number of different ways. The more varied and detailed your efforts, the better the results. You can choose to fundraise in four major ways:

Obtain community and business sponsorships
Obtain family and friend sponsorships
Sell a variety of different fundraising items or organizing fundraising projects
Part-time Jobs.

The best fundraising programs will utilize a combination of methods. Remember no amount of help is too small. If an Aunt can contribute $5.00, that is $5.00 closer to your goal.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships can come from friends, family, local businesses, civic organizations, and any other source you can think of. Make a list of all family members you would like to request a donation from and do your research to determine local businesses and civic organizations you would like to send donation requests to. A list of potential sponsors is included on the next page. This is only a brief listing of possible sponsors. Please do not limit yourself to this list. Contact any organization that will assist you in attaining your goal.

You should contact potential sponsors by phone first. In your research phone call obtain the name and address of an individual who can approve sponsorships and request an appointment with that person. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, request the mailing address and mail the fundraising packet to their attention.

Use the tracking sheet provided to track everyone you mail a package to and everyone you meet with personally. Follow-up by phone approximately one week after your meeting or one week after they received the package.

Always be gracious, even if the person you meet with or mailed a packet to is unable to sponsor you, be professional and courteous at all times.

Preparing Your Fundraising Package

You should send a complete fundraising packet to all organizations you are seeking donations from. In terms of family, you may not need to include the full packet but let them know you are taking the process seriously and treat them like you would any other potential sponsor. Your fundraising package should include the following items:

Cover Letter
Resume
Information About NHC
Sponsorship Response Card
Sponsorship Receipt Form
Self-Addressed Return Envelope

Cover Letter: Use the sample fundraising letter that follows to create your own letter, a variation of the letter or use the letter verbatim. Be sure to include in the letter exactly what you are asking for and the relevant information needed to submit donations.

Resume: Use the sample resume to create your own resume. Each section of the resume is important. Be sure to provide potential sponsors information that indicates why they should sponsor you for this program.

Information about NHC: Although the cover letter will contain some information about NHC, you may also ant to provide potential sponsors with a copy of the NHC program guide. The program guide should answer any questions potential sponsors may have about the program. To download the program guide please click here.

Sponsorship Response Form: Make it very easy for sponsors to support you. Create your own sponsorship form or use the sample attached. Sponsors will send this form back to you and you will keep for your record and to help you track donations. To dowload this form please click here.

Sponsorship Receipt Form: When you receive a donation, you need to send a thank you note along with a receipt back to the organization. At the back of this guide is a sponsorship receipt form. Use the top half of the sponsor receipt form to send back to the sponsor for their records and the bottom half to send to NHC along with the sponsors donation.

To download this form please click here.

Self-Addressed Return Envelope: This will make it very simple for your sponsor to return a check to support your endeavor.

Ideas for Potential Fundraising Sponsors

and Fundraising Projects

Potential Sponsors

Potential Projects

American Legion

Churches

Employers

Kiwanis Club

Local Newspapers

Student Council

Banks

City Council

Jaycees

Knights of Columbus

Lion’s Club

Junior League

VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)

Chamber of Commerce

Elks Club

Fast Food Chains

Law Firms

Rotary Club

State Representatives

Local Congressman

Local Businesses

Individuals

Dances

Yard Sales

Car Washes

Raffles/Contests

Cleaning Services

Tutoring

Yard Work

Bake Sales

Baby Sitting

Errand Service

Selling Items (see websites on next page)

Selling Items

There are several companies that specialize in helping youth raise funds. Be careful before selecting any company to work with. Be sure that they are reputable and read very carefully all the literature and information regarding how much money you will receive for selling products.

In determining which company to work with, consider the following:

What is the profit margin after all costs to you? Specifically ask about shipping charges, brochure charges, return policies. You don’t want hidden costs to eat up your profits.

How long has the company been helping youth raise funds?

Do they list a home office address and phone number?

Call the company and note how long it takes them to return your call and if the representative on the phone is able to answer all of your questions?

Ask specifics about the product guarantee and look for a guarantee policy online? You don’t want to get stuck with defective items that you can’t sell and you don’t want unhappy customers. You want to be sure that the company will stand behind its products.

Here is a list of resources to begin your research. Please note that these websites are provided as a resource only and NHC does not endorse or guarantee any of the organizations listed below. Please do your research on any company before you decide to partner with them in your fundraising efforts.

Fundraising Companies

http://www.fundraising.com

http://www.currentinc.com

http://www.mark1.org

http://www.gourmetfundraising.com

http://www.agifundraising.com

http://www.aromalightcandles.com

http://www.chef-co.com/

http://www.abcfundraising.com/

http://www.ross-smith-pecans.com/fundraising.html

http://www.pizzafundraiser.com/

FUNDRAISING POINTERS

Never Give Up!! Follow Winston Churchill’s advice. You may get several no’s before you hear one yes.

Do your research. Call local organizations and businesses. Ask them if they have a gift program.

Prepare your fundraising packets. Be sure to use nice paper and that there are no wrinkles or stains on the packet when you provide your potential sponsor the information.

Make an Appointment to meet in person. Presenting personally rather than through the mail can increase significantly your chances of gaining a sponsorship.

Make a good first impression. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This includes how you dress, a firm handshake, eye contact. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

Be Enthusiastic – let them feel how excited you are to take advantage of this opportunity

Be an active listener and look for connections between you and your potential sponsor.

Be prepared to answer the question “Why is this program so important to you and what do you stand to gain by participating in the National Honors Convocation?

Be Professional and courteous and take no for an answer with grace.

Send a thank you note to everyone you meet with, weather they chose to sponsor you or not.

SAMPLE FUND RAISING LETTER

To download the sample fundraising letter please click here.

NHC Student Name

NHC Student Address

NHC Student City, State, Zip

Date

Mr. or Ms. Potential Sponsor

Company

Address

City, State, Zip

Dear Potential Sponsor.

My name is [insert your name] and I am a [insert your year in school] at [insert school name]. I have recently been selected to participate in the 2006 National Honors Convocation to be held at Loyola Marymount University. Students are selected to participate in the prestigious National Honors Convocation based on academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular activities and honors.

NHC brings together students from around the globe to focus on building leadership and achieving their career goals. As a member of this group, I will spend ten days at Loyola focusing on my academic pursuits. Each NHC program begins with a leadership curriculum and culminates with a hands-on career focused practicum in Business, Law, Medicine or Television & Film. I will be attending the NHC on [insert program here]

[Insert personal information here regarding your career goals and how the program will help you achieve those goals i.e. - I have wanted to pursue a legal career for as long as I can remember. During the NHC on law we will be studying and learning the major aspects of trials and before the end of the program present an entire trial with a partner. We will be making trips to law firms, courthouses and meeting with lawyers in a variety of different fields. NHC also provides us with the path to achieving our goals helping us develop the skills we need to achieve our goals. Attending the NHC on law will help me in my pursuit of a career in the law.]

The all inclusive program tuition is $2199 and is due April 21, 2006. The tuition includes all academic curriculum, room and board, and on site transportation. $50 from 42 sponsors would allow me to raise the tuition for the program. I am also working part-time and working hard to raise money for the program in any way I can. [if you have any special family circumstances you should include them in this paragraph.]

Your financial support in any amount will make a big difference in helping me attend the NHC. I have enclosed a sponsor response card. If you are able to sponsor my participation in the NHC please make the check payable to “National Honors Convocation” and [insert your name – insert your ID number] in the memo line of the check.

I have enclosed additional information on the conference and my personal resume. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact me at [insert phone number here]. You can also contact NHC directly at 866-856-6819. I will contact you next week to discuss my request. I welcome any suggestions that will help me in reaching my goal to attend the NHC on [insert your program here]. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

NHC Student Name

Enclosures

Sample Resume

**Use This only as a Form–Customize with Your Personal Information**

To download the sample resume please click here.

NHC Student Name

NHC Student Address

NHC Student City, State, Zip

(p) NHC Student Phone/NHC Student E-mail

OBJECTIVE:

To pursue a career in the legal profession. Attending the National Honors Convocation on Law at LMU will help me plan for my future and reach my goal of going to law school.

EDUCATION:

L.A. High School Los Angeles, California

GPA 3.85, Ranked 12th in Class of 350 Class of 200_

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Debate
Model United Nations
Cheerleading
Student Council
Drama

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer at Soup Kitchen

HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:

Sterling Scholar Award for Speech and Drama
National Honor Society
NSHSS
Honor Roll

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Any Company USA Los Angeles, CA

Customer Service Associate June 2004-Present

Answer the phones and provide support to customers. Prepare daily transaction logs.

National Honors Convocation - Sponsor Response Card

To download the Sponsor Response Card please click here.

Student Information (to be completed by student)

Student Name:______________________________ Student ID Number:__________________

Student Phone Number_______________________

Student Address:__________________________________________

___________________________________________

Sponsor Information (to be completed by sponsor)

Sponsor Name:___________________________________________

Organization Name :_______________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

________ Enclosed please find my sponsorship check made payable to the National Honors Convocation.* Sponsors - Please make checks out to: National Honors Convocation. Please be sure to include the student’s full name and ID number on the check.

________ I am interested in help you attend the NHC but need more information. Please call me at: ____________________

________ I am unable to help you attend the National Honors Convocation.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

National Honors Convocation - Sponsor Receipt Card

To download this form please click here.

Detach this Portion along the lines and send along with Thank You Card to Provide a Receipt to Your Sponsor

________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your generous sponsorship for my attendance in the

2006 National Honors Convocation!

Here is a donation receipt for your records.

Student Information:

Student Name:______________________________

Program Student Will Attend:__________________________

Student Phone Number_______________________

Student Address:__________________________________________

___________________________________________

Sponsor Information

Sponsor Name:____________________________________________

Organization Name :________________________________________

Sponsorship Amount: __________________

*Under IRS regulations, donations to an individual are NOT tax-deductible. General donations to our scholarship fund are tax-deductible as a

501-C donation.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Detach this Portion along the line and send with your sponsors' check to NHC

________________________________________________________________________________________

NHC Sponsor Contribution Form

Student Information:

Student Name:______________________________ Student ID Number:_________________

Program Enrolled In:__________________________

Sponsor Information:

Sponsoring Individual and Organization:____________________________________________

Sponsorship Amount: __________________