Funding Your Volunteer Programs

To be eligible for funds available through the Student Union, you must be a Student Union-recognized club.

The Department of Community Service can help you identify possible sources of grant funding.

Donations can come in many forms: food, money, services. Be creative about what you solicit!
Use the entire Waltham community and surrounding areas.
Remember, donors give for the following reasons:
- It is hard to turn down students
- Tax-deductions
- Good publicity
- They can get rid of items they no longer need
- They are passionate about your cause or project

Start early; it often takes 2-3 months to arrange for donations, especially from corporations
Making your first contact…
- Call the organization and get a contact name (manager, PR person, owner, etc) and a correct mailing address.
- Talk to the contact person, introduce yourself, your position and what you are doing, mention why they might be interested in donating, for example, publicity.
- Tell them you are going to send a formal letter explaining the program and the donation request in detail.
- If it feels appropriate and they sound interested, ask for a donation then instead of offering to send a letter.
Send Formal Letter. Samples letters are available on request from the Department of Community Service.
Send Confirmation Letter/ Reminder Call
- “Hello, my name is _______ and I sent you a letter about a donation 1 week ago. I wanted to follow-up to see if you have had a chance to look at it and if I can answer any questions for you.”
- Find out if they need any information from you: tax id number, paperwork they need submitted, etc.
Send a thank you letter. Include publicity materials, information about the program or event, photos, etc.

The biggest problem in fundraising isn't getting people to give, but finding the right people to ask.
People give money because of relationships, neighborhood or religious outlook.