• These are ideas, not rules. Make them your own. Mix and match methods, or use them to springboard into something new.
• These are tools, not formulas. The missing element is you. It will work when you take ownership of your own fundraising plan and then make it happen.
• Don’t forget we’re here for you! If you could use some help or advice, contact your mentor or a member of the Cabinet. We’d count it a privilege to assist!

A few tips:

1. Since you’re asking for support, sending a thank you (including your experiences, lessons learned, pictures, etc.) after the event, is a great gesture.

2. Ask that donations be sent in sufficient time for you to submit them by the  deadline.

3. Note that donations to Patriot Academy are tax-deductible, so please clearly ask donors to address donations to Patriot Academy, not you!

1. Approach your area community service clubs (VFW, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce) and ask them to sponsor you for $100 (If you can, research their giving policies ahead of time.)

2. Approach your area conservative political clubs and ask them to sponsor a portion of your tuition fee. (If you can, research their giving policies ahead of time.)

3. Ask your area elected officials (City, County, State, Federal) to sponsor a portion of your tuition. They should be able to use campaign funds for this purpose.

4. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors. The people close to you will be happy to contribute at least $10 to assist you in fulfilling your goal.

5. Create a crowd funding page/campaign (Facebook, GoFundMe, etc.) Several students have enjoyed great success by effectively using this tool.

6. Design and distribute a brochure about the event you want to attend, explaining why you want to be a part of it. It gives donors something to keep with them and provides a great reminder of your goal.

7. Ask a donor to match donations you receive, either at a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. It is a great way to motivate people to contribute, knowing that their investment will double through matching funds.

8. Babysitting for a cause. Let them know you are putting their pay for childcare toward your tuition.

9. Hold a garage sale. Either physically onsite, or online using Facebook market place, ebay, etc. Have friends, family, or businesses donate items for you to sell either onsite to online.

10. Have a car wash.

11. Mow lawns.

12. Ask 5-10 people to save their spare change for you for the entire month.

13. Ask people to donate toward your Leadership Congress tuition in-lieu-of a birthday or graduation gift.

14. Ask businesses around town with a lot of administrative/organizing work to contribute to you in exchange for completing this work for them.

15. Ask a veteran to sponsor you. Explain that you appreciate the sacrifices he/she made to protect your freedom and that you want to learn to accept the torch of freedom and pass it on to the next generation. Your interest and appreciation of their sacrifice for your freedom means a great deal.