Philanthro-What?The word phi+lan+thro+py (fil+lan+throw+pee) means helping human welfare--usually by giving money. It comes from the Greek word for "loving people." Aww. That's sweet. Around here, we just call it Raise It and Donate It. It's easier. But the idea is the same.
Some people think that you have to be a zillionaire like Bill Gates to give money to an organization doing something good. Not true. Most philanthropists are normal people, not the mega-rich. Believe it or not, the most generous givers are those with the skinniest wallets. It's a fact. In 1998, American households with incomes of less than $10,000 a year gave 5.2% of their income as opposed to those earning more than $100,000 who only gave 2.2% (can you say cheap?).
We know what you're thinking: "Hello I have an after school job, I don't have any money to give." But the cool thing about philanthropy is that it is also about giving away other people's money. It's sort of like being Robin Hood, except more polite--you ask for it instead of taking it. Just think, if you convinced 10 of your friends to give a little--one week of their allowance, a day's pay from their job, or the price of one movie ticket--you could raise a decent amount of money that could make a BIG difference to someone in need.
So how can you be a philanthropist? It's easy! YOUTH NOISE's Raise It and Donate It Toolkit is designed to give you practical advice from other young people who've been in the fundraising trenches. There are no lectures, just step-by-step information and easy to use tools.
Ready, get set, go...be a fundraising leader!
1. Ready? Deciding to Fundraise (First Things First)
A. Top 10 List for Choosing a Fundraiser -- different types of fundraising events, and their pros and cons2. Get set! The Treasure Hunt (Get Free Stuff)
A. The Art of the Ask -- yikes, it's hard to ask for money, but here are some tips to make it easier3. Go! Organizing a Fundraiser -- as easy as 1-2-3
B. Apply for Mini-Grants
A. Getting Started -- putting the plan to work4. Now that You've Raised it -- Donate it!
B. The Big Day -- putting the plan to work
C. Wrap-Up -- count your cash and evaluate your success
D. The Skinny on Specifics:
5. Toolbox: Nuts and Bolts of Raise it and Donate:
A. Plan6. Sample letters, receipt and forms:
B. Big Day
C. Wrap-Up
D. Thank you, thank you, thank you
E. School/Community Outreach
F. Anything-a-thon pledge sheet
G. Sponsorship Form
A. Making the Sell
B. Closing the Deal
C. Donation Worksheet
D. Sample Receipt
YOUTH NOISE cannot guarantee any financial outcome as a result of using the Raise It & Donate It Toolkit. In addition, we suggest looking to your state's charity regulators for any restrictions and/or requirements for fundraising. We also recommend checking with the charity for which you are fundraising to find out about their particular donation and fundraising restrictions and/or requirements.
