I was a cheerleader in high school (it wasn't too long ago; class of '02) and I paid ALL of my senior activities including cheerleading with fundraisers and sponsors. When it comes to grants they really dont exist but you can try sponsors. I went to all the local businesses with a solicitition letter requesting sponsorship not grants. ( Galpin Ford, Shell Gasoline Station, Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Kinkos, UPS, and other non-commercial businesses.) Your letter should include the importance "The Cheerleading Program" has in the school and the impact it causes in every pupil and most importantly your child. Also include how the money will be spent/distributed: cheer camp, competitions, uniform(s), transportation, etc... Make sure you mention that they will receive proper recognition in all cheerleading activities: Pep Rally's, Football games, fundraisers, daily school wide message, "We'd like to thank _____________ for sponsoring our cheerleading squad..." send thank you cards, pictures of such activities, or just drop by every once in a while to say thanks. In addition you should mention other activites your It doesn't hurt to ask, the worst thing that could happen is they say no. It's best to do solicitation early in the year ( not the school year ) you want to be the first (buisnesses usually budget in Jan., by Sept. others have already approached.) If they're not willing to give monetary sponsorship try asking for a fundraising event for example Shell let us use their car was for 3-4 hrs. they provided everything, all we did was dry, we raised about 2,500 with a group of 7 girls.
[ 06-20-2006, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: Josefina Guevara ]
