Tutoring

News Flash
Fundraising Tips

December 2007

How Does the No Child Left Behind Law Relate to Tutoring?

President Busch signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 on January 8, 2002. This Act reauthorized the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The NCLB law principles are accountability for results, more
choices for parents, greater local control and flexibility, and an emphasis on doing what works based on scientific
research. Under this law children can receive free tutoring or supplemental services if the child attends a Title Ifunded school that has failed to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three years or more. To learn more about
Title I-funded schools, visit: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg1.html. To learn how NCLB is making a
difference in Illinois, visit: http://www.ed.gov/nclb/overview/importance/difference/illinois.pdf.

Tips for Raising Program Funds

Raising funds to support program activities is an ongoing challenge for many non-profit organizations. Here are a
few tips and suggestions to assist fund raising efforts and promote a stable funding foundation:
Tip # 1: Create a Fund Development Plan
A fund development plan can help you predetermine costs annually. Keep in mind the
following when you develop your fundraising plan:
Set realistic, attainable goals
Always have a start and end date to raise funds
Allow enough time to plan the fundraising effort
Develop a budget based upon your goals
Decide on the most feasible fundraising strategy
Find people to assist with fundraising efforts
Tip # 2: Diversify your Funding
When diversifying funding you should think of all of
your operational needs. Do you need office space,
food, printing and copying, or transportation for the
participants?
Determine if in-kind donations are appropriate
Identify and list potential funding sources
Develop a gift/donation chart
Build a team of supporters to help spread the word

Guiding Principle:
People will only give if you ask!

Tip # 3: Continue to Recruit New Donors

Individual donations are the leading fundraising
strategy for many non-profits. The following tips
will help you recruit new donors.
Identify key community/fundraising team
members to recruit donors
Identify incentives for peoples involvement
Write a well-structured presentation to describe the
program and goals
Write fundraising letters that appeal to both the
heart and head of potential donors. Appeal to a
donors sense of compassion, but also mention that
donations are tax deductible
Cultivate relationships in the community including
schools, businesses, and social service agencies.
Tip # 4: Motivate your Donors to Keep Giving
Keeping donors motivated is essential. Here are
some tips to keep donors invested in giving:
Empower your Donors. Communicate how you are
helping them make the world better
Show how past donations are at work and make a
difference
Share program successes with a Donor Newsletter
Say Thank You! with a card created by a
program participant. This adds a special touch!

Fund Development Web Resources:

How to Write Better Fundraising Materials
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/fr/writematerials.htm
How to Write Grant Proposals
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/ht/proposals.htm
How to Build a Gift Chart
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/giftchart.htm

Foundation Center
http://foundationcenter.org/
How to Write Better Fundraising Materials
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/fr/writematerials.htm
Prevention First: Funding Resources and Opportunities Resource Guide
http://www.prevention.org/ProfDev/Resources.asp
Prevention First Tutoring Toolkit
http://www.prevention.org/ProfDev/Mentoring_Tutoring.asp

This News Flash is the fourth in a series aimed at spotlighting key elements of successful Mentoring programs.
Feedback is always welcome! Contact the Professional Development Services Coordinator at 800.252.8951,
ext. 122, if you have a topic idea or resource to share.