$$$ FUNDRAISING $$$ Athena Lao BEST Foundation

Logistics Recap Read bestfoundation.bg thoroughlybestfoundation.bg Know deadlines Register through Speechwire (starting Nov. 1) Collect information from students (names, events, ISBN, titles, M/F split, classes, phone #’s, etc.) Bring required judges and chaperones Investigate travel, hotel, food costs + cut costs Start early!

Fundraising: what and why Raising money for a cause Why do you need to fundraise for BEST? – BEST can’t cover everything for everyone – Important life skill – Instill leadership and spirit of social giving in students

What BEST Provides TOTAL = 13,000 leva ($8378 USD) Split over 30+ schools, and (est.) students BEST financial aid is SUPPLEMENTARY, not PRIMARY Covers travel only! Must show evidence of fundraising attempts

Adults: what is covered ETAs who serve as a JUDGE for their team are covered for travel + accommodation – ETAs who serve as a CHAPERONE are NOT covered BULGARIAN TEACHERS/OTHER HIGH SCHOOL GRADS who serve as a JUDGE are covered for travel + accommodation – Must bring 1 judge for every 10 students! TEACHERS/PARENTS/ADULTS who serve as chaperones – ONE chaperone will be paid for!

Scholarship Forms Complete scholarship form (google doc) before each tournament – MUST PAY REGISTRATION FEES AND FILL OUT FORM ON TIME TO BE CONSIDERED FOR $$ – LATE REG = PAY PENALTY FEES, NO SCHOLARSHIPS Meet priority deadline (3 wks before, Nov. 22) = Access to “Early Pot” + “Regular Pot” Meet regular deadline (2 wks before, Nov. 29) = Access to “Regular Pot” ONLY

Step 1: The Budget Registration Fees = 5 lv. per student Round-Trip Transport – Train! – Bus? – Private transport Accommodations = lv./ night per student Food -> estimate 15 leva per day per student

Step 2: The Strategy Save as much $$ as possible first School-level – Ask Director – Appeal to other students + teachers Community-level – Company sponsorship – Student initiatives Loved ones + supporters back home – Crowdfunding – Personal appeal Anything else?

Step 3: Execute Show passion Get everyone involved Give donors something in return Create structure for student/team participation Make others care Make giving process as easy as possible

The Bulgarian Context “Fundraising,” America-style, is NOT a thing in Bulgaria. Really not a thing. #notathing You may face a lot of resistance at first Use school bank account if possible for in- country appeals Get formal letter from Director (with signature and stamp) for sponsorship requests

What To Do Next Read rule booklets Read registration and scholarship policies on our website Make budget Ask us questions Set up student practices/meetings Inform director and mentor teacher

Q&A Best practices? Questions? Concerns? Comments? Kittens?