Tips for a Successful Philanthropy

QUICK TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHILANTHROPY EVENT

Historically, IFC chapter’s put on some of the most successful and well-known philanthropy events on campus. As an IFC, our chapter’s take pride in success if our events and actively seek to improve an event each year. Events can range from small dinners and online fundraisers to larger events such as sports events or dance marathons. We do not have any restrictions on the types of charities a chapter can donate to. As each chapter typically nominates its own charity (oftentimes chapters have national affiliations that local chapters adopt), these gifts go to a multitude of causes. According to the IGI guidelines, chapters are encouraged to sponsor at least one major philanthropic event per semester. In order to maximize the success of these events, we recommend the following:

START EARLY: It’s never too early to start and it will take stress off you later
Plan for the Unexpected: Think of all the things that could go wrong and what your response would be)
Use the campus as a marketing platform: Use social media (Facebook pages), dinner announcements (sending a group of members to talk about the event at other chapter houses
Apply for the IFC Sponsorship: Under “Service” on the IFC website
Seek out sponsorships from local restaurants and realty offices: Will help fund your event and can help the sponsor gain local customers
Create a “Sponsorship Package”: The goal is to lay out the different incentives for the sponsor if they choose to donate
Makes sure your idea is unique and differs from others on campus
Draft a detailed plan for the day: including each member’s individual responsibilities to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible
Check in with your National Office to makes sure they understand your event and approve of it.
IF YOU COLLECT ANY PHYSICAL CASH ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY, THE CASH MUST BE PUT INTO YOUR RSO ACCOUNT OR ELSE YOU WILL LOSE YOUR RSO STATUS: Super Important, any questions contact the IFC Service Chair with questions
Submit the date of your event to the Vice President of Service ahead of time to add to the IFC calendar to avoid conflicts with other houses: Just so we can all stay organized
Team up with a sorority: Provides a larger market for donations as well as more help to make your event more successful
Make an appointment to meet with the IFC VP of Service or the FSA Advisor for more ideas on how to maximize the success of your event!

WAYS TO INCREASE SERVICE

Service is not only personally fulfilling and helpful to the community as a whole, but it is also a great way to demonstrate character and leadership to future employers. Unfortunately, we still see some chapters struggle to meet the minimum required number of service hours per member each semester as per the IGI standards. In an effort to increase service, we suggest chapters and individual members take the following measures into consideration when planning service events:

Implement a mandatory minimum number of hours per semester for each chapter member

Encourage members to go in groups to promote accountability and also make service more fun

Consider incorporating a service element into your new member education program to help instill the values of community and charity in each pledge class

Find something local that is easily accessible

Make a weekly routine so that you have time built in to volunteer

Be sure to report your chapter’s monthly service hours with as much detail as possible via the Service Report forms on our IFC website

Work on resume critiques to stress the importance of community involvement to future employers

Partner up with a sorority

Consistently pass along upcoming and ongoing service opportunities to your chapter

The Office of Volunteer Programs (OVP) sends out weekly emails with information regarding local service events; their website is very useful in seeking out fun ideas for ways to serve the community

Schedule an appointment with the IFC VP of Service or an FSA advisor