Hey Rooted in Community members,

Everybody wants to bring their youth to the RIC conference in Philadelphia this year, but its not always so easy to find the funds. So, we’ve compiled some of the top fundraising ideas from RIC member organizations around the nation.

1. Fast Food Fast- One of the most creative and engaging fundraising ideas we’ve seen comes from our friends at SEEDS in Durham, North Carolina. Each youth participant wrote a short summary of their usual food habits and made it available for the community. Then they challenged themselves to abstain from fast food, soda, and other unhealthy foods for a full month and collected financial pledges from community members who wanted to support their effort. This was a great way to raise money, while raising awareness about healthy eating habits.
2. Youth Feast- Hosting a banquet (planned and prepared by your teens of course) can be a great way to raise money, teach culinary skills, and share the bounty of any gardens you’re working on. Over at the Urban Nutrition Initiative, in Philadelphia, they hold an annual feast with local musicians, student-grown foods and information about their program. We hear that the spring vegetable pot pie is to die for.
3. Tap Your Local Resources- Many of our programs have strong relationships with local farmers markets, businesses, or service groups like the Masons, Elks, or Rotary Club. Our programs bring vibrancy and education to our communities and RIC funding may be an opportunity to request their support. Local farmers markets and business have supported sending youth to RIC through sponsoring a fundraiser, donating some of their profits, or even using scholarship funds toward this youth leadership development conference.
4.  Catering To Their Needs- Do your youth cook mouth-watering dishes and grow farm-fresh foods? Then let local community members know that you’re offering catering services. It can be a quick way to raise funds and give the teenagers substantial job experience. You could even sell raffle tickets for a private meal for 10, catered by the experienced youth in your program.
5. Market Your Talents- Obviously, farmers markets can be a great venue for connecting with the local community and bringing in some new funds. If you don’t already, try selling some products at the farmers market. Or have your teens create skits and musical pieces to perform at the farmers market and encourage the audience to donate to the cause. This can be a fun, collaborative, and effective way to fundraise in your local community.