Fund-raising - a success story
by rrusczyk, Jun 17, 2006, 3:21 PM
Recently Young Jeong, one of our outstanding AoPS students, wrote me to share his success story about raising money to enroll in WOOT. He gracefully gave me permission to share his experiences. In order to raise money, he simply wrote a letter to many people in his neighborhood. He was so successful that he raised considerably more than the WOOT enrollment fee, and is thereby able to enroll himself in some other programs in addition to WOOT. He passes on these valuable pointers for writing such a letter:
I know it's hard to get started with fund-raising - it's something we struggle with when trying to raise money for our Foundation to support the USAMTS or the San Diego Math Circle, or to find sponsors for WOOT. However, there are many people out there who understand how important supporting the education of eager students is.
Very special thanks to Young for sharing his experience! Those interested in learning more about getting support for themselves or their programs might also read this article by Jeff Boyd, coach of the 2005 National Championship MATHCOUNTS team from Texas.
Quote:
1. Trying to point out your struggles without having to do what you are trying to do (in this case taking w00t), then emphasize on your improvements that shows you are capable. Rich people, as well as others who donate, aren't going to be satisfied if their donation goes on a waste.
2. Assure them that you are special in some way. Hey, it worked for me. I said I was one of the first people born in the city to be qualified for USAMO.... at least in 30 some years. I also said I transferred school because I was the only one interested in doing Olympiad math.
3. Be direct about your financial status. Since my parents were split, I said they were not able to fully support. Sometimes when someone writes a letter, they forget to mention their financial status. It's a good thing to tell them WHY you are doing what you are doing.
2. Assure them that you are special in some way. Hey, it worked for me. I said I was one of the first people born in the city to be qualified for USAMO.... at least in 30 some years. I also said I transferred school because I was the only one interested in doing Olympiad math.
3. Be direct about your financial status. Since my parents were split, I said they were not able to fully support. Sometimes when someone writes a letter, they forget to mention their financial status. It's a good thing to tell them WHY you are doing what you are doing.
I know it's hard to get started with fund-raising - it's something we struggle with when trying to raise money for our Foundation to support the USAMTS or the San Diego Math Circle, or to find sponsors for WOOT. However, there are many people out there who understand how important supporting the education of eager students is.
Very special thanks to Young for sharing his experience! Those interested in learning more about getting support for themselves or their programs might also read this article by Jeff Boyd, coach of the 2005 National Championship MATHCOUNTS team from Texas.
February 2012
January 2012