If the cost of attending China Future Leadership Project (CFL) poses a problem for you, have no fear! In addition to doing our best to find corporate sponsors and grants to help defray travel and accommodation costs for participants, we have put together a comprehensive fund-raising guide designed to get you to CFL. Read on to find out how you can get started.

Step One: Creating a Budget

This should be done immediately, as soon as you are confident about attending the project. Creating a budget is a very simple process, and should be completed for each individual and for the delegate. Keep in mind which costs your school may be likely to cover for you, and which costs will be covered by you, or which cost your parents may be likely to cover for you.

Your budget should include, at the very least, estimated costs for the following major items:

-China Future Leadership Project (CFL) fee for each delegate (includes all project activities and project materials, as well as the use
of the project equipment, accommodations, meals during the project)
-Self travel-related expenditure
-Telephones cost contact with family or friends
-Transport to/from the China Future Leadership Project (CFL) start city
-Visa and passport fees

Step Two: Publicizing You

Publicity is an undervalued tool. If you has a presence in the local community's newspapers, newsletters, or even streets and campus sidewalks (by way of posters and flyers), you are that much more likely to obtain funding. Sponsors like to support groups that are well-known in their communities and have a good reputation with the public, and this starts with good publicity. Consider appointing a member of you as a Publicity Director. Have them send out a press release describing your activities and the project itself, perhaps even including a group photo of you. Listing previous accomplishments of you (projects attended, awards won, present whereabouts of successful "graduates" of your CFL program and the testimonies of alumni and faculty advisors) can also be of significant help. Emphasize the educational, leadership and teambuilding skills that China Future Leadership Project (CFL) fosters and you're sure to gain the support of organizations encouraging youth community initiative, international experiences, out of classroom education, etc.

Later, when you solicit sponsors, this document can be sent along with your letter of request, providing information about you as well as demonstrating that you have taken initiative (if it gets published in the newspaper, clip the article and attach it instead). This person can also be responsible for publicizing events and activities, through the use of colorful flyers and posters.

Also consider creating a brochure for you. This can be inexpensively produced with just about any personal computer and a copier! Insert a picture of you, a list of activities and events you have planned, and information about your participation in the project. This brochure can be used to advertise at activities fairs if your school has them (useful for recruiting new delegates), as well as in meetings with potential sponsors, or in the initial letter you send them. Each year, you can keep the same brochure and modify just a few pieces of information to keep it up to date.

Some previous China Future Leadership Project (CFL) delegates have even set up websites with their delegates' credentials - listing their resumes and their accomplishments in the CFL circuit. This is a great way to advertise yourself potential sponsors are a click away from finding out who you and why you need their help to meet you goals! Also, this would allow you to work in collaboration with other CFL groups in your region!

Step Three: Meeting Your Needs

Sponsorship

There are many ways to raise money, and one of the most effective of these is approaching local businesses and organizations for support. These need not be large corporations in major cities -- often, some of the best sponsors are local neighborhood stores that need some publicity with the student body of your university. Alternatively, look to your government's Foreign Affairs department or the Board of Education for supporters of international experiences for students.

Start by negotiating the terms of sponsorship; in other words, what can you offer your sponsors- Perhaps, for example, you can put their names on delegate t-shirts or hats, or mention them on banners or flyers for social or CFL events. Check with CFL if you are unsure about where you can and cannot advertise at the project, as we will also be working with project-wide sponsors. Also, make sure that any publicity you offer supporters is in accordance with your school's policies for campus groups.

Then, create a list of potential organizations to approach in your area. These can include stores and restaurants used often by students on your campus, banks, and even community organizations (such as the groups with an international focus). Try to ask friends and family members if they have any contacts with the potential sponsors you have identified.

Next, draft a letter requesting sponsorship. Describe clearly what your objectives are (to raise money to attend CFL, allow for more on-campus CFL activities, etc), and what you will offer your sponsors in return for their support. Offer to meet with them and give a brief presentation of the work of you, and make sure to follow up 1-2 weeks after sending out your letter. The more organizations you can contact and identify, the better.

Remember: do not limit yourself to monetary donations from sponsors. Often the most helpful donations come in the form of t-shirts, laptop rentals, or other helpful in-kind contributions. If you decide to host a fund-raising event, perhaps your sponsor can provide refreshments or allow you to use their location for the event.

Writing a Grant Proposal

Before writing a proposal, it is important to bear the following in mind:

-Does the foundation's interest or range of awards include the type of program you are proposing?

-Does the foundation make disbursements in your geographical area?

-Does the foundation tend to support groups/individuals like you?

-Does the foundation have specific application deadlines and procedures or does it review proposals continuously?

Every proposal, be it to a corporation or a foundation, needs to have a cover letter. Several elements should be present. First, the letter should describe yourself--your name, college or university affiliation, your field of study and any specific experiences you have had which would prepare you for China Future Leadership Project (CFL). You want to explain that you are not just another student wanting to attend the project, but that you have something unique to offer the project, either in terms of background, beliefs, experience, etc.

Next, you want to talk about the project. Some things you should highlight in your letter:

1) China Future Leadership Project (CFL) is one of the most authentic long tern and historical project in the world. It is important that you stress that this project is truly international is unlike almost any other project. With respect to the international nature of the project, there are several things you should mention. First, you should mention the international constituency that constitutes the China Future Leadership Project (CFL) delegates. China Future Leadership Project (CFL) attracts more than 1000 applicants and 200 attendees and about 40 speakers every year from the United States, China and all over the world. It is the biggest China related project in North America exploring relevant issues in leadership, Chinese economy, business and society. You should explicitly state the importance of having your nation represented at world leading universities, such as Harvard and MIT, or work leading multination companies, such as NBC, GE, etc. Second, you should mention that the project is held in a different city each year and explain how you could benefit from the experience of being in a foreign city. It is important that you mention the educational benefits, so the potential grant-giver does not feel he/she is providing you with a subsidized vacation. The international aspect of the project may be especially appealing to corporations, which may agree to sponsor your trip, providing that you hand out information or corporate items, such as pens, pins, etc.

2) You should of course also stress the importance of China Future Leadership Project (CFL)'s mission. You will wish to mention that the China Future Leadership Project (CFL) allows you to experience, first-hand, the complexities and nuances of international leadership and Economy. In addition, you will want to assert different aspects of the project depending upon whom you are writing. Businesses may be more interested in the project as a way of promoting their name; universities will probably be more interested in the educational aspects of the project. Be sure to include a copy of the brochure with your letter--the more information you send and the more detailed your proposal, the more likely you are to receive money.

The following sources may be helpful in crafting a proposal: 

- Bauer, David G. The principal's guide to grants success. New York: Scholastic, c1994. (vi,226 p.: ill.; 27 cm.) 

- Belcher, Jane C. (Jane Colburn). From idea to funded project: grant proposals that work. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press, 1992. (v, 138 p.: ill.; 28 cm.) 

- Greene, Jon S., ed. Grantsmanship: money and how to get it. Orange, N.J., Academic Media [1973]. (27 p. 28 cm.) 

- Decker, Larry E. Grantseeking: how to find a funder and write a winning proposal. Charlottesville, Va.: Community Collaborators, c1993. (96 p.: ill.; 23 cm.) 

- Geever, Jane C. The Foundation Center's guide to proposal writing. New York: Foundation Center, c1993. (xi, 191 p.: ill.; 24 cm.) 

- Nauffts, Mitchell F. Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grantseekers, 12th edition. New York: Foundation Center, c1993. 

- Reif-Lehrer, Liane, The grant application writer's handbook. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, c1995. (xx, 472 p.; 26 cm.) 

- Ries, Joanne B. Applying for research funding: getting started and getting funded. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, c1995. (xi, 256 p.: ill.; 24 cm.)

- Ruskin, Karen B. Grantwriting, fundraising, and partnerships: strategies that work! Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press, c1995. (xi, 185 p.: ill.; 24 cm.) 

- Secrets of winning grants from corporations and foundations. Arlington, VA: Government Information Services, [1993?] (45 p.; 22 cm.)

- 111 secrets to smarter grantsmanship. Arlington, Va.: Government Information Service, c1992. (55 p.; 28 cm.)


Internet Resources 

- The Council on Foundations - an association of foundations and corporations, serves the public good by promoting and enhancing effective and responsible philanthropy. 

- The Ford Foundation - a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. Its goals are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote??? international cooperation, and advance human achievement. 

- The Coca-Cola Foundation – now separate from the Coca-Cola Company, the foundation provides educational grants to individuals and institutions. 

- The Foundation Center - an independent nonprofit information clearinghouse aiming to foster public understanding of the foundation field by collecting, organizing,? analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects. 

- The Philanthropy Journal Online - Non-profit news. 

- The W. Alton Jones Foundation - a foundation established "to promote the well-being and general good of mankind throughout the world." Site includes links to other foundations and resources. 

- The Access Colorado Library and Information Network (ACLIN) - Information network, includes directory of potential resources.


Directories

Chronicle of Higher Education -- Deadlines in Academe

EINet Galaxy -- Grant Information

EINet Galaxy -- Grant Tracker

Grant Sources -- Library of Congress

GrantsNet

GrantSource(SM)

University of Virginia's Directory of Funding Agencies

Yahoo Server -- Education: Grants

Individual Funding Agencies

American ComCFLication Association -- Grants and Fellowships

Council on International Educational Exchange

Brookings Institution

IREX

National Endowment for the Humanities

National Research Council

NASA K-12 Internet Initiative -- Grant Information

National Science Foundation

Sloan Foundation Information Server

Smithsonian Institution

United States Information Agency

Other Resources on Corporate Grants and Foundations

The following offer more extensive coverage of potential sources.

The Foundation Directory 1996 edition. Published by Foundation Center, New York.

Guide to Fundraising for International and Foreign Programs. 2nd edition. 1994

Directory of Corporate Giving 1995. Published by The Taft Group.


Fund-raising Events

Events are usually the largest source of funding, and a great way to publicize your delegate's activities around campus. Hold a brainstorming session with you to get ideas for possible events. Past successes include:

• Club Nights?
  Talk to the owner of a local nightclub and ask if he or she is willing to set aside a certain percentage of each customer's cover charge for you one night, in exchange for promoting the club at your school.
• School Dances
• This type of activity requires a bit more planning and initial expense, but can earn hundreds of dollars in one evening.
• Concerts and Performances?
  
  Ask cultural or arts-related groups on campus if they are interested in performing in a student-produced show -- many will do this for free to publicize their groups.
• Auctions
• Garage/Estate Sales
• Walk-a-thons, Talk-a-thons, Shoot-a-thons