Events, Fundraisers, & Community Service
Fundraising
Definition
Fundraising is the organized activity of seeking financial support for a club's operations, projects, or goals. It involves various methods such as events, campaigns, or direct appeals to gather donations from individuals, businesses, or foundations. The primary purpose of fundraising is to secure the necessary resources to achieve the club's mission and objectives, enabling activities like purchasing equipment, organizing events, supporting travel, which might not be possible through current funding.
Types
Fundraising can take many forms, from large-scale events to smaller, ongoing efforts. Here are some common ways clubs raise funds:
Events
Events are often the most visible and engaging forms of fundraising. You can host:
- Ticketed Events: People buy tickets to attend. This could be a gala dinner, concert, talent show, movie night, or a themed party.
- Activity-Based Events: Participants pay to take part in an activity. Think a fun run/walk, sports tournament like basketball or a video game competition.
- Sales-Based Events: Sell goods or services directly. This might be a bake sale, craft fair, or a merchandise sale (e.g., t-shirts, hats with club logo).
- Experiential Events: These offer unique experiences for a fee. Examples include a "pie-in-the-face" fundraiser, or a silent/live auction of donated items or services.
Campaigns
Campaigns are focused efforts over a specific period, often with a clear goal in mind. You might organize:
- Donation Drives: Directly asking for monetary donations through online platforms, mail, or in-person appeals.
- Crowdfunding: Using online platforms to solicit small contributions from a large number of people. Online platform must be setup through CWI by emailing clubs@cwi.edu.
- Sponsorship: Partnering with businesses or individuals who provide financial support in exchange for recognition or advertising.
Ongoing Initiatives
These are continuous efforts that generate funds over time, such as:
- Merchandise Sales: Selling branded items on an ongoing basis.
- Passive Fundraising: Programs where a percentage of purchases from partner businesses are donated back to the club (e.g., restaurant fundraising nights).
Prior Approval for fundraisers is required. Fundraisers can be requested by emailing clubs@cwi.edu. Student Engagement will communicate request issues, approvals, and denials to the club officers and advisors.
Community Service
Definition
Community service refers to voluntary work performed by a club for the benefit of their local community, often without any financial compensation. The primary goal is to improve the quality of life for others, address specific community needs, or enhance the well-being of those involved.
Events
The following are considered a community service event:
- Direct Service: Activities that directly help individuals or groups, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen, organizing a park cleanup, or hosting a donation drive for a local shelter.
- Indirect Service: Activities that support community organizations or initiatives, such as fundraising for a local charity.
- Skill-Based Volunteering: Utilizing specific skills or expertise to benefit the community, such as tutoring students, providing demos in K-12 classes, or providing technical assistance to non-profits.
The following do not qualify as a community service event:
- Religious Missions: Activities primarily focused on promoting a specific religion or converting individuals.
- Political Activities: Events organized to support a political party or candidate.
- Activities with Personal Gain: Events that primarily benefit club members or the College itself, such as social gatherings or club recruitment events.
- Required Academic Activities: Service activities required for a class or academic program do not count as additional community service for the club.
Events
Definition
Events are organized gatherings, activities, or occasions that serve a dual purpose for a club. Events provide engaging experiences for its members and the campus community and serve as a primary method for recruitment. By hosting events, a club also builds camaraderie, attracts new members, and raises awareness for its mission.
Types
Events can take many exciting forms, each designed to appeal to different interests and achieve specific goals:
- Social Gatherings: These events focus on building community and allowing members to connect in a relaxed setting. Examples include a themed party, a movie night, a game night, or a potluck dinner. The primary goal is to foster social interaction and strengthen member bonds.
- Activity-Based Events: Participants engage in a specific activity together. This could be a spirited fun run/walk, a friendly sports tournament (e.g., a basketball or video game challenge), or a creative workshop (e.g., painting, crafting), or a bake-off. These events encourage participation and shared experiences.
- Educational or Informative Events: These gatherings aim to share knowledge, skills, or insights related to the club's interests. Examples include a guest speaker presentation, a panel discussion, a skill-building seminar, or a documentary screening followed by a discussion. These events enrich members' understanding and expertise.
- Performance or Showcase Events: These events provide a platform for members to demonstrate their talents or for the club to showcase its achievements. This might involve a talent show, a concert featuring member performances, an art exhibition, or an open mic night.
- Community Service Events: These events involve the club interacting with and contributing to the wider community. Examples include a park clean-up day, or volunteering at a local charity. These events highlight the club's positive impact beyond its internal membership.
Regardless of the type, successful events require planning, teamwork, and active participation from a club's members. They are a fantastic way to foster a vibrant club community and achieve its overall objectives.