2015 Intel ISEF Educator AcademyPittsburgh, PAPresenters Name

Title / Position Organization Month, Day 2014 Cora Beth Abel

President & CEO, Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) May, 2015

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“Why Fundraising for Science Fairs is Like a Science Fair Project!”

Title / Position Organization Month, Day 2014

My thanks to Eleanor Tishler, MSSEF Vice President of Corporate Development, who created the forms in your handouts and developed

many of the guidelines in this ShopTalk!

© 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

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The “Fundraising” Science Fair Project!

• Ask a question, research the topic and create a hypothesis

• What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce?

• Develop a Research Plan • What are the fundraising goals, timeline and approach

for each company, and who will lead the effort?

• Collect & analyze data to use in a presentation

• Prepare a Case for Support and pilot-present it!

• Draw conclusions that raise new questions – begin again!

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Ask a Question & Research the Topic What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce?

Research Sources:• Website searches

• Local Biz News

• STEM Trade Associations

• Other local science education organizations that post their donor lists

• Friends, parents (especially science fair families)

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Create a Hypothesis

In my LOCAL area, these organizations are likely to support STEM Education …and/or to partner with Science Fairs to achieve a common mission:

Corporations - cash for operations and prizes, student internships, STEM teacher externships and special initiatives

Colleges & Universities – scholarships, internships and partnerships for STEM teacher PD and student mentoring

Science education organizations and museums – student prizes, internships, and mentoring programs, and teacher PD.

Colleges: ADMISSIONS

OFFICES

STEM Companies:WORKFORCE

Local Biz: COMMUNITY

from the bank to the grocery store

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Develop a PlanWhat are the fundraising goals, timeline and outreach strategy, and who will lead the effort?

• Create Committee/Select Chair

• Establish Goal(s)

• Develop Timeline

• Identify Donor Prospects

• Use the research list you developed in step #1 and build/expand relationships.

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Collect & Analyze Data for Presentation

Your Case for their Support!Request Letter

• Introductions & “Importance of STEM Education”• Where, when, # of students, geographic area• Contribution amount - operations/awards• Donor recognition• Thank you for your consideration; “I’ll be in touch”

Include Separate Science Fair Fact Sheet• Goal & Mission – Why Science Fairs are important• History of Science Fair/student & school participation• Structure, including leadership, committees, SciFair host• Projected budget• Sponsor recognition & employee volunteer opportunities• Sponsor donations – payee, address, tax-exempt info• Contact for further information• Past Science Fair photos (if good quality)

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ShopTalk HandoutsWork on Your Plan!

• Overview of 5-point MSSEF Fundraising Plan

Guidelines for Developing Plan• Goals• Fundraising Committee• Budget • Timeline • Case for Support

• Worksheets: Budget Form & Case for Support

• Information about the Curious Minds Initiative (CMI) partnership & funding model.

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Relationship Matters!

“Success in nonprofit fundraising relies largely on

connections made, swift follow-up and a strong belief in

the mission.”

- Habitat for Humanity VP Development

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Relationship MattersVolunteerism is a great first step!

Judges, Speakers & Parents can create links to corporate sponsors

& the media.

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Relationship Matters

“Thank You” and “Please”are powerful words.

Follow-up is Key

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Relationship Matters

Tell A Story that Will Be Remembered!

Your Science Fair students have

fascinating stories behind their research.

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Relationship Matters

Inspiring Students to Pursue STEM

Encouraging Innovation,

Entrepreneurship & Public Service

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Relationship Matters

Opportunities for Sponsor

Recognition

• Fair Flyers/book

• Program Ads

• Signage

• Special Awards

• Website & Social Media

• Sponsor Banner

• Expo @ Fair

• Media & Gov

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Fundraising for Special Initiatives

• Support the Science Fair mission

• Foundation giving (not events)

• Create a model or address priority areas such as high-needs schools

• Programs with high-impact or leveraged impact on students in support of a common mission

• Partnerships enable larger initiatives

Curious Minds Initiative(CMI)

Tools & Resources for Schools, Students & Teachers CMI courses for STEM Teachers increase teachers’ effective

use of science practices – 6-year follow-up studies

Student Mentoring Program Support NGSS “Next Generation” Science Standards

© 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

GOAL: 35%

Increase School Participation in MA Science Fairs by

35% over 5 years

RESULTS: 45%

• Up 45% after 6 years• 250+ teachers in CMI PD• $2.2M+ raised• Grants to 35 CMI schools • Impact 50,000+ students/year

Learn more at: cmi@scifair.com

3 CMI Courses = 3 Steps to Great Science Fairs!Inquiry Project-based Science Science Fairs

Complete all 3 CMI Coursesto earn

STEM Certificate in Science & Engineering

Practices

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Automates labor-intensive manual processes that are essential to science fair admin

Simple & user-friendly –wizard-like app for SRC

Communication between students, teachers and science fair admin

Secure data & data flow between components

Wireless transmission of judges’ scores

Training & support

Scalable model for use by other regions, states and countries.

SEFOSScience &Engineering Fair Online Systems

Stay Focused – Have Fun!• Fundraising has its ups & downs!

• Stay upbeat

• Highlight rewards - working with SciFair students

• “Selling” an outstanding product

• Never forget -- YOU are making a difference!

“Dry Mitt” glove to reduce arthritic hand pain

Helping to Cure Breast Cancer

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Work on Your Project! “Why Fundraising for Science Fairs

is Like a Science Fair Project!”

Thank You for Your Participation in this Shop Talk!Cora Beth Abel, MSSEF Executive Director

abel@scifair.com

© 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

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