Alumni Outreach and Fundraising Guidelines
One of the ways that Sport Clubs can increase the funds available to support their activities is through fundraising. As a Recognized Student Organization (RSO), clubs have limited ability to approach outside entities for contributions to support their activities using the University's not-for-profit, 501(c)3 status. Clubs can do some fundraising on their own; however, certain fundraising activities require University approval.
The University can work with clubs to plan their approach and identify groups that might be contacted for support. If a club would like to pursue outside sources of funding, they must first speak with their RSO advisor, the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness, before approaching the prospective donor. The University, via RSO advisors, will work with clubs to ensure that they have the greatest chance of success.
Fundraising Activities That Sport Clubs Can Do On Their Own
- Sell program ads or ask local businesses for less than $500
- Ask local businesses to make in-kind donations (food, supplies, etc.)
- Sell items in the Reynolds Club Marketplace, the Bartlett Lobby or outside Cobb
Note: Online sales using utilities such as PayPay, or credit card sales using applications like Square are prohibited. Contact your RSO advisor or Finance Office for more information.
If a club is going to fundraise in this way, please:
- Contact your RSO advisor for advice on how to approach companies
- Offer local businesses public recognition in exchange for their donation. Companies are more likely to make a gift if they receive recognition on posters, in programs, etc.
- Send a thank you letter to the businesses that provide support. A thank you letter can go a long way in encouraging businesses to donate again in the future.
Fundraising Activities That Require University Approval
Some clubs may also want to spend more time and effort to:
- Contact your group's alumni, friends, and parents to ask them for support
- Ask a company for sponsorship over $500
- Apply for grants from foundations
These activities require explicit approval and may take considerable time to coordinate, but your RSO advisor can help with these fundraising efforts.
Working closely with the University's Development Office, Alumni Association, the College and the Office of Campus and Student Life, a club’s advisor can:
- Meet to discuss fundraising goals and possible sources of donations
- Identify opportunities for Alumni outreach.
- Coordinate required approvals processes to reach out to possible donors.
- Connect your club to resource guides which list foundational and corporate funding sources and provide information on the types of projects they fund with sample letters and proposals.
- Ensure that gifts to your club are processed correctly so that the donor receives a University of Chicago receipt for tax purposes.
