Students attending the CYLC program National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Secret Service at the White House in Washington, D.C. A student at the CYLC program National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. viewing the Vietnam Veterans memorial The presidential plaque in Washington, D.C.

Fundraising Success Stories

Michael's Story

Total Raised: $1,758

I gave local businesses and family members a letter explaining the background of the JrNYLC, how I was nominated and why I was interested in attending the Conference.  I delivered the letter personally, not through the mail.  I like talking to people one-on-one. I found that introducing myself with a smile and a handshake and being kind are very important to the fundraising process!

From this experience I have learned how to fundraise (meaning what it takes for the whole process: making lists of contacts, typing letters, handing out letters personally, making follow-up calls to contacts, sending thank-yous to sponsors before I go and when I return from the Conference with a recap of my experiences).

Whatever you do, don't give up!!!  It takes awhile to fundraise so be prepared to wait.  I gave out 78 letters and received sponsorship from 24 of them.  I went out on three separate occasions that each took a few hours to complete.  Also, don't be scared about making follow-up calls to contacts that you haven't heard back from yet.  People are busy and sometimes they need a little reminder. Good Luck!

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