How to Get Donations for Graduation Projects
Graduation is such an exciting time in the lives of teenagers. Planning graduation projects to help seniors celebrate is just as fun, but can be costly. Fortunately, when you have a worthwhile cause, securing donations can be accomplished in a few short steps. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to raise funds for your graduation projects.
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Instructions
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Assemble your team. Contact parents and school business partners who are willing to serve. Be sure to include a variety of personality types. You need people who are outgoing and don't mind approaching potential donors with requests. Volunteers who like to help behind the scenes are also essential. They can assist with mailing out request letters and following up with donation pickups.
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Prepare donation information. You need to spell out what you are doing and why so volunteers can present this information accurately to potential donors. Arm them with solid facts and details that support your graduation project. Organizations may even request someone from your team come and speak to their members. Be prepared with a speech and handouts.
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Create a list of potential donors. Once you have your team together, brainstorm potential donors. Many corporations have a certain amount of funding they set aside for donations. Consider utility companies, banks and car dealerships that serve your area, as well as small businesses. Parents of seniors may own businesses in your community that should definitely be included. Local organizations such as Rotary Club, Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce should also be on the list. Don't forget any school alumni who might be willing to support the project.
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Contact potential donors. Once the list of potential donors has been created, have volunteers sign up for the businesses, organizations and individuals they will contact. Set a deadline to complete the contacts.
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Promote your project. In addition to face-to-face contact with potential donors, mail letters, send emails and make phone calls to those who may be interested in extending support. Don't forget to utilize social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
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Collect the donations. One of the most important steps is actually collecting the donations. Keep track of who has committed and make sure the donations are picked up in a timely manner. Have receipts ready so businesses and individuals can file it with their taxes.
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Extend appreciation. Don't forget to say "Thank you." Sending a note signed by the graduating class is a gesture many businesses won't forget. Some may even frame a nice note signed by the seniors and display it in their business -- a great way to secure donations for the next graduating class that follows.
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