How do I raise money for my student organization?
There are many creative and successful ways to fundraise for your student organization when members plan effectively. Some ideas might be sporting events, music festivals, fashion shows, international dinners with ethnic musicians, raffles, bake sales or selling products. Many student organizations have found attending a television taping pays its members. You may also want to visit www.csulb.edu/sld for more information. The first step in raising money is always to create a plan with your organizations goals and objectives.
Can I ask any business in Long Beach for a contribution?
Before asking any business for a contribution, you must be prepared to provide the following: a mission statement, contact information, a proposed program description, your goals and objectives—including how you plan to obtain those results, a budget including expenses and revenues, and a copy of your organization’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Many organizations call upon businesses that might share common interests or background. For example, it might seem reasonable for an art club to solicit an art supply store or an engineering student association to solicit an established engineering business. Create a database of the businesses you intend to solicit so you can record the donation amount or type, and later use it as a referral to write thank you letters to the donors.
If you ask for any contribution of $250 or more, it MUST be coordinated through a Development Staff Member. Because many businesses already have a long-standing relationship to CSULB and make significant contributions to the University, we discourage student organizations to approach area businesses for donations unless they have spoken with a development staff member first. We will provide clearance procedures as mandated by the University.
I need the CSULB Tax Identification Number.
No problem, give us a call at (562) 985-2402 or send an e-mail to asi-development@csulb.edu and we’ll be happy to provide it for you.
If I get a gift-in-kind contribution, what should I do?
Fill out the information on the Gift Form and turn it into us via e-mail at asi-development@csulb.edu. A “gift in kind” is often times a donation of product from a business. For example, if a local donut shop donated 3 dozen donuts for your bake sale, the development staff member can assist you in filling out the appropriate paperwork to acknowledge the “gift-in-kind” and an appropriate thank you letter will be sent on behalf of the University.
If I get cash or check contribution, what do I do?
The deposit of all contributions must be made to the CSULB Foundation located in the Foundation Building (FND-332), 3rd floor. You will fill out a “Deposit Transmittal” form and deposit your cash/check into the “Associated Students Clubs Clearing Account.” The donation will be recorded and the University issues gift receipts and thank you letters. Do NOT deposit donations directly into your Agency Account.
Donors should make checks payable to “CSULB Foundation” and write the name of your student organization in the memo section of the check. CSULB Foundation 6300 State University Drive, Suite #332, Long Beach, CA 90815.Full spelling of your organization’s name is a must – no acronyms.
When will I get to spend the money?
Contributions will be transferred to your Agency Account in the Associated Students Business Office in 30 days (around the first of each month) and a memo will notify you in your organization mailbox (2nd floor of USU) when the funds are available.
NOTE:
In order for donors to receive the tax exemption benefits of a donation, student organizations MUST deposit gifts to the Foundation. Your student organization falls under CSULB’s Nonprofit Status of a 501(c )(3) organization. Therefore, we must maintain records of how the donation was spent. The ASBO does this by requiring your Advisor to sign your spending requests.
