<p>this isn't my usual area of expertise, but it's one of those things you see kids doing all the time in newspaper articles about ivy admisions (so-and-so raised $40,000 for cancer research...), so i figured some of you might know.</p>
<p>i'm interested in raising some money for a specific purpose. i've found an organization that seems legitimate and does the sort of work i'm interested in, but i don't know anything about the logistics of fundraising and how to actually do it in practice.</p>
<p>does anyone have any resources or places i might start? i know i sound incredibly uninformed, but i read about this issue recently (sexual violence in the congo) and it's haunting me; i just want to do something to help.</p>
<p>for the record, i'm already a sophomore at dartmouth, so this isn't some getting-into-college thing.</p>
<p>Good to see you post again, c! If you've found an organization that seems legitimate (check the tax status, among other things), I'd recommend contacting them, explaining your interest in fundraising for the cause, your interest in the cause, etc., they probably be more than thrilled to help you get started. Good for you for wanting to do something, too--warms my heart a bit (sounds cheesy, but it's true. :) ).</p>
<p>writing to the organization is a good idea; i didn't even think of that. it's the international</a> rescue committee, by the way... i'd never heard of them before, but from their website it looks as if they do some good work.</p>
[quote]
The IRC is especially committed to the protection of women and girls, providing them with life-saving care, helping them heal, and reconnecting them with safe, healthy and supportive communities. In some 21 war-affected countries around the world, from emergency to post-conflict settings, the IRC works in partnership with local and international organizations to make a difference in the lives of women and girls.</p>
<p>The IRC saves women’s lives by providing emergency obstetric care and treatment. We train local health workers and traditional birth attendants to make delivery safe. By providing women with access to family planning, we help prevent the multiple pregnancies that increase the risk for complications in childbirth.</p>
<p>The IRC also focuses on providing services and programs to meet the needs of women and girls who have suffered violence, instituting measures to protect their rights and taking action when those rights are violated or endangered. We work with women and girls to help them gain the skills, self-assurance and opportunity to speak on their on behalf and strengthen their economic, social and decision-making power.
<p>As far as the mechanics of fundraising, the typical method is to hold some kind of event, a dinner, an auction, a race, a bake sale, a book sale, sponsored activities where you try to get individuals or corporations to kick in $$ to support your activity like a walk across the country. The possibilities are endless. But what a great excuse to contact Mia Farrow and ask her, "How can I help?"</p>
<p>Reaalize that given the economy, this is the hardest time in decades to raise money. Organizatios are desperate for money and anticipating it getting worse, so your efforts will be much appreciated!</p>
<p>its hard to raise money even when the economy is good! When I did some fundraising, I contacted every single local corporation/company and had a typed up letter explaining the cause and said any amount would be appreciated. I then posted a bulletin in my hs so parents could contribute (maybe ask some fellow students). Ended up only around $6,000 for about 4 months of work, but I guess every $ counts. Good luck!</p>
<p>I've found that the easiest way to fundraise is to do it with an organization that would naturally want to support your cause. It's usually not a good idea to try to fundraise all by yourself. </p>
<p>Since you're at Dartmouth, perhaps a sorority, international students organization, community service or honor society would be interested in helping with the cause that you're interested in assisting. Try talking to the leaders of the student group, and getting their support for you to make a presentation to their overall organization. Having a powerpoint presentation or something similar could help touch their hearts so they wish to support your efforts.</p>
<p>Be open to their fundraising suggestions. People are most likely to support activities that they helped to shape.</p>
<p>I just spent almost a week in Stockholm with Dr. Monika Hauser and women from Medica Mondiale - medica</a> mondiale e.V. · We support traumatised women and girls in war and crisis zones ·<em>Home</em> They are worth checking out - I think you will find them far more "grassroots" in their approach than the IRC. Also, there is a specific political angle to their work, as they are working to have rape in time of war declared a "war crime" - an uphill battle to be sure, but very, very forward thinking.</p>
<p>If you would like something country specific about women and war, I would check out the work of Asha Hagi and Save Somali Women and Children - Save</a> Somali Women and Children (SSWC) or Asha</a> Haji Elmi Asha is a "great-souled" one, and through extraordinary persistence, has succeeded in having women declared a "sixth clan" in all peace negotiations and parliamentary apportionment in Somalia. There are also about a million people - mostly in internally displaced people's camps, and mostly women and children - from the war in Somalia. They also promote breast feeding, and an end to female genital mutilation.</p>
<p>(If you would like direct introductions to either of these folks, contact me privately.)</p>
<p>I agree that you should connect with an organization and ask them how you can help support their fundraising goals and priorities, possibly through a campus organization. It's great to be passionate about something and want to help, but it's always good to find an established organization to link to and to know exactly what they need (not just what you think they need). There are many good, reputable print and online resources on fundraising. Peruse Amazon for ideas (e.g., Joan Flanagan, Successful Fundraising for Volunteers & Professionals). Check the online resources from the Fieldstone Alliance for some background information about nonprofit fundraising. Keep in mind that special events can yield a low return on investment. And also keep in mind that the economic climate is not great. (I'm saying no to everything except two local charities that I always make an end-of-year contribution to. I feel bad, but that's reality.)</p>