Fundraising Toolkit

Washington Business Week (WBW) will teach you business skills that you can use in your career. This guide will help you raise the funds you need to attend WBW, while learning sales & marketing skills along the way. 

Let Your Ambition Lead the Way! 

Attending Washington Business Week is an incredible opportunity—but we understand the cost can be a concern. Don’t let finances hold you back.

Many students are able to fundraise from their community to afford the WBW program, when combined with scholarships and the subsidies WBW provides all students, summer camp can be within reach. 

Start by figuring out the full cost of attending WBW. This includes tuition, travel, and personal expenses. This will help potential sponsors understand your financial needs and determine an appropriate level of support. 

Complete our fundraising form to let us know that you’re fundraising to attend Washington Business Week. This is important, so that we know who people are sponsoring when they donate.

Think about what you can contribute personally—savings, help from family, or other resources. Then, brainstom potential sponsors who might want to support your experience.

Tip: Ask your parent, teachers, or counselor for help thinking of people. Some ideas are listed below.

Now’s your chance to market yourself! A fundraising & outreach packet will explain to people why you want to go to WBW and help convince them it’s worth the investment. Here’s what to include.

• A Sponsor Letter – This letter will briefly explain who you are, what WBW is, and how their support will help you attend. You can make a copy of our template to get you started or use Starfriend our fundraising robot to help you write one.

• Your Personal Profile – Make a one pager about you (or a resume), including school info, GPA, activities, interests, community involvement, and future goals. Canva has some great About Me templates, your counselor might also have a resume building tool you can use.

• Details About WBW – Make sure you include information about Washington Business Week, like a link to our About Page, this printable one pager, or a flyer for our programs.

• Sponsor Form – Provide the link to the form for sponsors to complete. They will be giving us important information including the amount they are sponsoring you for and their payment information.

Go meet with the people you brainstormed in Step 3. Talking with someone is always the best way to get them excited to support you.

How to get a meeting

How to meet with someone depends on who they are.

• Family & Friends – Call or text them to ask them to discuss something you’re excited about.
• Local Organization – Look on their website for the email of their President, an Officer, or a contact email.
• Local Business – Go to the business and ask to speak with a manager.

Having a meeting

Make sure you have your materials prepared and printed out or ready to email. In the meeting, share with the person who you are and why Washington Business Week is important to you.

Following up

Whether you were able to meet or not, make sure to provide the person all the information. Leave them with your Outreach Packet or email it to them.

Tip: Create time pressure by giving your prospective sponsors a deadline. Our deadline to signup is two weeks before camp.

One week after your conversation, check in with each prospect. This can be hard to do, but most people will be happy your checked in.

Thank them for their time, whether or not they donated. If they donate, send them a thank you note (a physical card or letter is best!)

If they didn’t donate, ask them if they know someone who might be interested. People love to help others, so even if the person you approached can’t donate, it’s possible they can introduce you to someone who can.

After Camp

Remember, after you attend Washington Business Week, make sure you get back in contact with everyone who donated and thank them again, sharing what you learned.