Finding Funding to Attend CDA
Making the trip out to Denver is going to be expensive, there is no doubt about that. However, students who are taking part in the College Democrats of America Convention have access to the cheapest housing in all of Denver. Even more importantly, you will have a bed and a roof over your head during one of the most exciting conventions in the history. Not all of us have the online fundraising prowess of, say, Barack Obama, but when you are looking to secure funds for your trip to the convention this summer, consult these helpful tips.- Your Student Government Association
- Many SGAs have a conference fund that can pay for some or all of a conference's cost
- You should apply and attempt to have your housing, food and travel costs covered by your school
- Make the case that like other conferences, it is important that your school is represented
- This conference will give you organizing tools that you can bring back to campus
- Your Government/Political Science Department
- See if you can apply to receive aid from a special government/political science conference fund as part of your college education
- Make your case that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you'll learn so much in Denver that you can bring back and share with your peers once you are back in class
- Your Local/State Democratic Party
- Many College Democrats are close with their local Democratic Clubs, the County Party, and the State Party.
- These groups want to support you and your endeavors and no matter how small the group, they would likely all love to help you as much as they can.
- Your Senator/Member of Congress
- College Democrats are the backbone of many local campaigns. You've given your all to these campaigns and now that great Democrats have been elected, they can help you out.
- Talk to your local representative or write them a letter asking for funding to go to Denver. Let them know that you will be able to help out the local races more with what you've learned in Denver. Helping you with funding will help them win their upcoming election.
- Set up a fundraising page and ask friends and family for small donations ($5, 10, 20, 50)
- Use Facebook, MySpace, or a blog to explain to people what you'll be doing in Denver, and all that you will learn there.
- Set up a meter showing how much money you've raised and how close to your goal you are at any given point - and update it frequently.
- Tell your friends and family about why going to Denver is important to you and ask them to throw in some money to help you go.
With all these sources of funding, you should easily be able to reduce your costs in Denver. Over the past few years, some students have been able to have all of their convention costs covered by asking for help from the sources above. When you are asking for funding, remember these quick tips:
- Make a budget proposal
- Lay out all your costs ($300 for a plane ticket, $150 for food)
- Make a specific ask (Would it be possible to cover my $300 plane ticket)
- You aren't going to get funding from everyone, so always ask for a little bit more
This page shows an example of a funding request letter. If you have any questions at any time, contact Lauren at wolfel@collegedems.com.
