Fundraising is an integral part of the activities at our colleges at every level, providing resources that allow our colleges and students to engage in activities that aren't covered by state funds.
Students, employees, departments, and clubs all play an important role in our relationship with our donors. When we work together, we maximize the results for all of us and provide opportunities for people in the community to engage in meaningful ways with our district and colleges.
The Los Rios Colleges Foundation coordinates all fundraising appeals to ensure that efforts complement and don’t compete. This also ensures that the legal non-profit 501(c)3 status of the Foundation is protected and that donors are acknowledged and receipted as required by the IRS.
There are three kinds of fundraising: internal, external, and third-party.
Internal Fundraising
Internal fundraising typically takes place on campus and engages the campus community (students, staff, and faculty). Funds raised through internal fundraising benefit the department or club that is hosting the fundraiser and should be deposited into that department or club's account.
Examples of internal fundraising:
- On-campus bake sale
- Selling t-shirts, roses, or artwork at a club fair
- Ticketed performance
- Personal chore services (car washes, yard clean up)
The college cannot issue gift receipts for this type of fundraising due to IRS regulations.
How to Plan an Internal Fundraiser
If you are interested in coordinating an internal fundraiser, then work with your faculty advisor.
External Fundraising
Examples of external fundraising include:
- Asking a person, business, or organization for a cash gift
- Asking a person, business, or organization for an in-kind donation (a donation of tangible goods, equipment, food, and so on)
- Holding a fundraising event
- Applying for a grant from a foundation or company
How to Plan an External Fundraiser
If you are interested in coordinating an external fundraiser, then you must get approval from the Los Rios Colleges Foundation office.
Third Party Fundraising
Third party fundraising is philanthropic support provided to an organization outside of the Los Rios Community College District.
Example of third party fundraising include:
- Organizing a food drive for a local food bank (other than the college food pantries)
- Volunteering at a local nonprofit as part of a class project
- Raising funds in support the Red Cross following a major emergency event
We enthusiastically support these activities and of the culture of philanthropy they promote; however, Los Rios Colleges Foundation cannot make a donation towards these efforts. Our Articles of Incorporation allow us to operate exclusively on behalf of the Los Rios Community College District and its constituent communities.