How To Fundraise For Dance Marathon Without Going Broke

All right there's no denying it: as college students experiencing a tuition hike and rip-off rents, fundraising isn't easy, especially since half your friends seem to be broke. But we always have at least 300 a year who manage to fundraise their way to the dance floor--here's how they do it :)

1. Don't Panic!

tumblr.com

All right, I confess. When I found out I needed to fundraise for Dance Marathon, my first reaction was this. But giving up isn't the way to go!

2. Make a Facebook event

tumblr.com

In many ways, social media is the bane of our college existence. But on the flip side, it’s a wonderful way to spread news, fast! Make an event, and title it with something appropriately catchy or click-worthy, write a short blurb about your DM efforts, and include your personal fundraising link. Then, invite everyone you know!

3. Send out a letter or email

tumblr.com

This is great for teachers, friends’ parents, and extended family. This is also the biggest money-maker. Again, write a blurb about DM and include your fundraising link. Make sure to keep it personal - include juicy details about your life! Trust me, adults love stuff like that. Click HERE for an email form you can download and send out ASAP!

4. Ask friends to join your team

tumblr.com

This is an indirect form of fundraising, in that it does not get added to your personal fundraising total, but the end result is the same. When you get a friend to register and fundraise, that is another $35 donated to the foundation (remember, $35 is enough to save TWO children's lives!) Not only that, but it also gives you another buddy to dance with! The more the merrier, am I right? (Answer: yes)

5. Have a bake sale

tumblr.com

If you haven’t noticed, college students never learn to lay off the sweets. Grab some cake mix, whip up some cupcakes, and wha-la! If you live in the dorms, sell them door to door. Easy bucks. It’s like taking candy from a baby.

6. Free and For Sale

tumblr.com

Remember that annual Christmas sweater that you only wear twice? Or that third flat iron you bought? Free and for Sale is one of the best venues for Cal students when it comes to selling new or gently used items. And hey, why not use the money toward your DM fundraising goal?

7. Perform tasks from the laptop

tumblr.com

Fiverr, TaskRabbit, Freelancer, and Elance all offer cash in return for performing services which range from video-making & photography to helping out folks in the neighborhood.

8. Psych experiments

The U.C. Berkeley Psychology Department has a list of current and new experiments requiring subjects. Many of them pay at least $10/hr. All it takes is 3 visits and you're good to go!

9. Host a pancake breakfast

tumblr.com

Admit it, pancakes bring you great joy. You will be glad to find that the rest of the world shares this sentiment. Schedule a Saturday brunch in your dorm lounge, sorority, or apartment, make some good ol’ chocolate chip pancakes (with walnuts if you’re fancy) and feed your friends and neighbors! Enticed by your delicious cooking, they won’t even think twice before whipping out their wallets for a $1 donation.

And just a reminder..

tumblr

All it takes is $5 from five different sources. Remember those kids back in high school who you always gave rides to or still owe you money? Hit them up. The idea behind fundraising is that at least initially, none of the money should come out of your pocket. Try emails as the first step--the up4thefight website has a portal where you can sync your contacts and email everyone you know about the event.

Registration is at berkeleydm.up4thefight.org! It costs $10 to register and you need to fundraise $25. Make sure to follow our Facebook page for updates!

And feel free to email us at info(at)berkeleydm.org if you have any questions!