Fundraising
FUNDRAISING is critical for many players in the PhD Hoops Family!
Once selected for a tour, fundraising is the next most important step in making your trip experience a reality! Most players find the process to be much easier than anticipated and several have successfully raised more money than expected.
The list of fundraising possibilities is never-ending and we encourage you to use your own creativity in finding a fundraising effort that works best for you. Whether you are looking to cover all expenses or just a portion of them, the key is to be proactive, personal, and persistent in your approach. With the appropriate focus, few players should ever miss this unique opportunity due to financial reasons.
You are encouraged to use a combination of different ideas to support your fundraising efforts. The more you are willing to ask for donations, the better your response will be. Brainstorm with family, friends, teachers, coaches, and school administrators for fresh ideas.
PLAYERS: It is your responsibility to stay within all NCAA guidelines for your fundraising efforts. PhD Hoops is not responsible for any NCAA violations that occur as a result of you (or anyone else) breaking or going against NCAA rules. Be sure to stay in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA.
The Old Fashioned Fundraising Letter
In today’s world of internet and social media, many have turned to focusing their fundraising campaign strictly online.
However, we have found that the old fashioned fundraising letter on stamped envelopes is STILL the MOST effective way for players to raise funds toward their trip! In order to be successful in this effort, follow the guidelines below…
- Download our Sample Donation Letter (ABOVE) and take the time to edit the letter in your own words
- Explain the opportunity you have, the trip details, and set a deadline date to fundraise the full amount
- Ask for specific amounts to donate by giving a guideline on how much to give ($10, $25, $50, $100, $200, etc.)
- Provide the different options we have available for payments to be made: Check, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Cash App
- Consider attaching a copy of the trip's sample itinerary to better explain what you will be doing
- If you have set up an online donation page as well, be sure to include its link in the letter
- For best results, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for ease of convenience in sending a check
- Personalize the letter with your handwritten signature and a personal note before mailing it out
- Distribute to family, friends, extended family, friends of family, distant relatives, community members, community leaders, church members, local businesses, and/or anyone else you think would be willing to donate
- Follow up with a reminder phone call, email, text, or an additional letter for those who have not yet donated
- Show your appreciation by sending a 'Thank You' note ASAP after receiving a donation
Additional Fundraising Ideas
Here is a list of fundraising ideas to get your juices flowing…
Use your passions to spark new, original, and creative ideas. Your imagination can turn into a very powerful fundraiser!
Find a school gymnasium, park, or recreation center that will allow you to host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament where all admission costs go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Do you have enough hoopers in your neighborhood to host a basketball game that lasts for 24 hours?! Design it however you want, but make sure all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
This is simple and effective! Create or purchase raffle tickets, sell them for any price you want (e.g., $1, $3, $5, $10, etc.), draw the winning ticket and pay the winner! You give 50% to the winner and you keep 50% for yourself. EVERYBODY WINS!
Many business owners are looking for opportunities to help young people with educational opportunities. Do not be afraid to ask for donations where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. It can never hurt!
FYI ~ Be sure that any business you approach understands we are not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and their gift will not be considered a tax deductible contribution.
Ever wanted to be an auctioneer? Now is your chance! Host an auction where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
If you have a love for kids and/or pets, advertise your services where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts.
If you are skilled in baking cakes, pastries, and pies, find the perfect time and location to host a bake sale where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave a donation jar out in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
You clearly have a passion for basketball and, most likely, you can teach the game to less experienced players. Talk to your coach or athletic director to find out where you can host a basketball camp or multiple skills clinics where all admissions costs go toward your fundraising efforts (you can likely charge $25-50 for 1-2 day camps). Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
If you or any of your friends are good singers or musicians, host a benefit concert where all admissions costs go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
All you need is water, soap, sponges, towels, and a popular location… if you have this, you can have a car wash where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Are you a fashion guru or an avid reader? Here is an opportunity to let others enjoy something new as well by hosting a clothing or book swap where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
If you have an active Facebook account, Facebook Fundraiser has proven to be the best platform in helping our travelers raise funds toward our tours. Click HERE and you will find a very effective way to ask for donations!
Use your marksmanship to your advantage and set the rules for a free throw-a-thon where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Whether they are board games, card games, or video games, there are many opportunities to host either a game night or tournament where all admission costs go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Even if you are not a golfer, there are many around you who are. Host a golf tournament where all admissions costs go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
If you are a fraternity or sorority member, see if you can host a philanthropy or charity event where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Make a profit selling official PhD Hoops t-shirts! It’s simple… we sell you Official PhD Hoops T-Shirts for $10 apiece and then you sell them to anyone who you think would support you (family, friends, teammates, etc.) for $20 – $25 apiece, making a $10-15 profit per shirt!
Are you ahead of the game in your career preparation? If so, then use your skills to sharpen other people’s resumes where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts.
Partner with a restaurant by advertising an event at their location in exchange for tips and/or a percentage of the sales where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Consider partnering with Scentsy Family Director, April Chadwell, who will set up a fundraising event that you can share with friends and family online. She has helped youth across the country with their fundraising efforts!
You can learn more about April Chadwell by reviewing her website (https://chadwell.scentsy.us) and contacting her by email (anchadwell@gmail.com).
Are you a good cook? Host a spaghetti dinner or potluck in conjunction with your school, work, church, or neighborhood where all admission costs or proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
Sporting venues at all different levels allow groups to work their concession stands. Talk to your local parks, rec centers, arenas, and stadiums to see if you can work an event where all proceeds go toward your fundraising efforts. Remember to leave out a donation jar in case anybody would like to contribute cash toward your trip!
