Money makes the world go round

Activities in the ACS are people-driven. However, you must have enough financial support to ensure the success of the event or activity. ACS provides money to innovative or high-impact events in several ways. Proposals are usually short (1–2 pages), and the amounts granted can be up to $7000. Local Sections and Divisions can apply for funding for collaborative programs. For example, one medium–small local section with support from the ACS Division of History of Chemistry (HIST) applied for and received a $2000 grant in partnership with the local Art Guild to host a national renowned speaker to describe the science behind art restoration. Divisions have money set aside for regional meeting programming. Smaller local sections can partner with a larger local section to hold joint events. Project SEED brings high school students into academic/industrial/government labs for summer research with ACS providing an educational stipend. NSF grant recipients can also apply for matching funds. The ACS Society Committee on Education offers grants to Student Affiliate Chapters (SACs). SACs can receive up to $500 per year. Not sure how to write a proposal? The website has examples of successful proposals and events. Don't let money be the roadblock to your local section programming. Together, we can do it!

More ambitious local sections can start a campaign to raise money for endowments. An endowment ensures long-term funding of programs. You need not re-invent the wheel. Contact the ACS Development Office , which can provide templates and help you navigate the process. Don't forget to solicit the “biggies” such as the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, or the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. Below, you will find tips, tricks, and techniques to help you and your section have a well-structured, successful, and enjoyable fundraising campaign.

How To Fundraise within the Local Section

1. Determining Your Unique Fundraising Needs

• How much money does your group need?
• When do you plan to start your fundraiser?
• When do you need your funds?
• Do you have a list of potential contributors?
• Are you going to use the money right away or put it in an endowment?
• Do you have a volunteer base to help organize and run the fundraiser?
• How would you rate the success of your previous fundraiser (if any)?
• Based on your established needs, select the ideal fundraiser.

2. Organizing a Successful Campaign

• Planning your Campaign:
• Set an objective: The objective you set for your group should include a financial figure, as well as a tangible element. For example, a group must raise $1000 for NCW activities.
• Set a deadline: Your campaign should run a maximum length of 3–4 weeks. Keeping the campaign short will keep your participants motivated and on track.
• Know your group: Involving your members helps you select potential contributors, including who to contact. They can also help determine how much to ask for (realistic donation for the contributor) and what activities a contributor will support (hot issues).
• Motivate your group: It is important to maintain close and constant contact with your group members and to motivate and encourage them constantly. Being a positive role model for the group is also important, not only in terms of how much money you raise but also in terms of how much time and effort you put into your fundraiser to make it a success.
• Managing Your Campaign:
• Appoint a chairperson to oversee and coordinate these activities.
• Incentive Prizes: Not all fundraising campaigns need additional incentives to motivate the participants.

3. Tips for face-to-face meetings with potential contributors:

• Approaching a potential supporter:

  • The manner in which a potential donor is approached may determine whether or not a donation will be made. Try this simple but effective approach:

"Hello, my name is ____________, and I'm raising money for ___________. Would you like to support our group by ___________? Thank you for your generosity, and have a nice day."

4. Key things to remember:

• List as many potential donors as you can before you begin approaching people for support. Start with family and friends, and then proceed to your neighbors and other people whom you think would be interested in your cause. Don't forget about Foundations.
• Know why your group is holding the fundraiser, and communicate this to potential donors. For example: "Our group is raising money in order to make science fun and to share science with the public”. Smile, be polite, and most importantly, be enthusiastic about your cause.
• If possible, always carry additional materials with you.

5. Recognition!

• Always, always send an acknowledgment when you receive a donation.
• Always, always send pictures (framed certificate is an added bonus) after the event. Let the contributors know what you did with their money.
• Make sure your volunteers are recognized as well - have an appreciation party!
  

Vicki Finkenstadt
Chair, Technology Tools & Operations Subcommittee
Local Section Activities Committee

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