AIAS University of Arkansas Chapter Secretary, Phoebe Norcross (left), and Chapter President Sarah Peil sell sweatshirts to their fellow classmates of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design as a fundraiser for their chapter. This was their first year selling the swag and have raised about $800 so far. “We will be doing another round of sales this semester since there has been a huge interest in them,” said Peil.
With FORUM less than two months away, we want to make sure your chapter is maximizing its fundraising efforts. Here are some great tips we’ve heard chapters are doing to make sure their efforts go the extra mile:
- Your AIAS chapter is an integral part of your school and studio culture. Ask your dean/chair to donate school funds to help inspire you and thenext generation of leaders of your school.
- If your college or university has a M.Arch program, ask your grad admissions to fund a grad student to show off your grad program at the College + Career Expo.
- Sell items, like t-shirts, mugs, food to professors, students and alumni.
- Ask your student government to help fund your trip and/or support any of your fundraising efforts. They may even have a line item where they will help pay for the items your chapter sells.If both your AIAS chapter and Freedom By Design (FBD) receive funds from the student government, each entity could ask for funds as there are multiple FBD sessions at FORUM.
- Reach out to your local AIA chapter. They may have a budget line item to support AIAS or other organizations.
- Send a letter to local firms asking for support, especially those with AIAS alumni. Describe how FORUM is an integral part to you and your chapter as you continue your path in architecture and design.
Remember to show gratitude and appreciation towards your supporters, regardless of their financial contribution. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, especially in the early stages of building your networks for yourself and your chapter.
We hope these ideas will help you keep the FUN in fundraising. See you in San Francisco!
Stay tuned for future in depth posts about fundraising inspiration and examples.
