For Wisconsin 4-H Outbound International Programs ParticipantsA Guide to Fundraisingfor Wisconsin 4-H Outbound International Programs ParticipantsAuthorKay Hobler, Wisconsin 4-H Outreach Specialistwith contributions from International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) alumni.Revised January 2009Michael Gobin, Wisconsin 4-H International Programs AssistantErin Gries, Wisconsin 4-H International Programs AssistantUniversity of Wisconsin-Extension431 Lowell Hall, 610 Langdon St.Madison WI 53703-1195Last updated January 2009An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. Developed by the Wisconsin 4-H Office, 431 Lowell Hall, 610 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703. The 4-H name and emblem are federally protected under Title 18 US Code 707. Table of ContentsPurpose of Fundraising4Why Fundraise?4Before You Begin.5Guidelines for Fundraising6Use of the 4-H Emblem in Fundraising6Fundraising Dos and Donts7Establish Goals8Brainstorm Ideas! 9Develop a Plan10Seek Publicity10Take Advantage of Free Advertising!11Seek Sponsors through Personal Contact & Letters 12Contacting a Donor13Written Solicitations and Samples14Special Events16Sell Something!17Bake Sales18Raffles18Bingo Regulations19Setting Up a County IPC 20Guidelines for County Leaders Association 23International Program Committees 25Common Concerns for IPCs and Leader Associations27Example of IPC Guidelines 29Sample IPC Guideline Agreement Form 31Example of a County IPC 33Exchange Sponsor Chart 35Fundraising Report 37Example Solicitation Letters 41Sign for IPC Fundraisers45Wisconsin International Programs & Contacts46Fundrai$ingThe prospect of running a fundraising campaign can be staggering for anyone who has never done it. However, good planning and organization can make your fundraising activity a great learning experience. You may be surprised at how much fun it can be! Read the following pages carefully for ideas and suggestions on fundraising before devising your own plan.Purpose of Fundraising Fundraisers should promote healthy youth development. In addition to raising funds, the project should be one in which 4-H members can have an educational experience and learn life skills. Fundraising should only be conducted to meet a specific goal established through broad input of a 4-H organizations membership. Generally money raised during the course of the 4-H year should be spent that same year unless the fundraising goal is long term, such as the establishment of an endowment fund. It is not recommended that 4-H entities hold more than one years operating budget in reserve. Why Fundraise?Wisconsin 4-H exchangees are required to earn at least $1000 of their trips total cost for several reasons. Fundraising will alleviate stress on the family budget, but it will also prove to be a valuable learning experience as you develop self-confidence and new-found skill in marketing strategies while improving interpersonal communication and organizational skills. You will be exploring new avenues in leadership as you work with your county International Programs Committee (IPC) or your local 4-H club to develop a successful fundraising campaign.Fundraising is easy if you believe in yourself and your goals. This is an easy sale! You have been selected for a very special opportunity on the basis of maturity, demonstrated responsibility, leadership skills, and interest in other cultures. You will be representing your community, state, country, and the national 4-H program. The program staff is certain that you will not take this responsibility lightly. 4-H homestay programs offer the opportunity to live within different cultures and observe them firsthand, which is a great advantage over simply traveling through countries as a tourist. This will be an experience of a lifetime! Before You Begin.Discuss your fundraising activities with your county Extension 4-H Youth Development agent. You will need to investigate how international program fundraising in your county has been handled in prior years. Be sure to ask:1. Is there an established IPC (International Programs Committee) or other exchange committee in your county? If not, you will want to consider starting one. (See the following section on IPCs.)2. Has the county Adult Leaders Association set up a special bank account for international programs funds collected? All 4-H funds must be deposited in an authorized 4-H account. Usually, checks are written to an Adult Leaders Board account with “County International Programs” written in the memo line (see sample below). An individuals name should not appear on the chec