Whether you are in a city, a small town, or on a campus, there are plenty of fun ways to fundraise. Below you will find some ideas. They are just suggestions, so be creative!

1. YARD SALE: Have everyone you know gather items that they don't need or don't use, and host a yard sale. It's a low risk/low investment event, and everyone loves a bargain!

2. CAR WASH: A car wash is a fun way to raise money. All it takes is some people power, water, soap, and some rags. Many stores or gas stations will sponsor groups holding such events - check with your local stores to see if they will help your chapter.

3. RAFFLE: Ask local businesses to donate prizes, then sell tickets while tabling or at other events.

4. BAKE SALE: It may sound like something the PTA would do, but you'd be surprised how much people of all ages love freshly baked brownies and cupcakes. Set up a table in the student center of your school or a high traffic area when people are looking for a quick snack. It is relatively easy, and baking can be fun. Don't forget the vegans!

5. MOVIE AND SPEAKER NIGHT: This kind of event combines fun and awareness raising into one great night. You can choose a movie, such as Tibet's Stolen Child, Free Tibet! (the documentary on the Tibetan Freedom Concerts), Windhorse, Kundun, or Seven Years in Tibet. Combine the movie with a speaker and a donation jar, and you can have a great, productive evening. (Check your local video store, library, and other Tibet groups in your community to see what movies are available.)

6. TIBETAN DINNER: Many people have never had Tibetan food before, so this is a great way to introduce people to Tibetan culture. You can get food donated from a local Tibetan restaurant or make some yourself (check out some recipes at http://www.tanc.org/new_food/). Charge a few bucks for a seat at the table and enjoy the meal. *This is also a good opportunity to reach out to Tibetans in your area - ask them if they would like to help out!

7. T-SHIRTS & MERCHANDISE: SFT has shirts, buttons, stickers and much more that your chapter can sell. You can also create personalized merchandise for your chapter. You can hold a contest for designs, then purchase t-shirt iron on's or a button press. You could also send your design to a local company who will create the merchandise for you.

8. HOST A RACE: A competitive, yet friendly race through your campus, community, or city is a great way to get a diverse group of people involved in an SFT event. Charge $5 or $10 to enter the race and get local businesses to sponsor it. The businesses can contribute money, prizes, snacks, or window displays to help advertise the event.

9. ASK YOUR SCHOOL: Many high schools and most colleges have funds available for student clubs and organizations. Check with your Student Association or a teacher to see if your school will give money to your chapter.

10. HOST A LETTER SIGNING DRIVE: Set up a table in a high traffic area in your school or attend a large event. Ask people to sign postcards or letters and donate a dollar or two for postage and voila - you can make your chapter dues in an hour.

These are just a few ideas to help you start raising money for the cause. Brainstorm other ideas with your chapter or write a note to your sector list and see what other chapters have done. The possibilities are endless, and fundraising isn't hard to do once you get started!

When you've made enough money to pay your chapter dues and your photocopying bills, make sure to send a donation to the Students for a Free Tibet headquarters!

Everything we do at SFT, such as hosting Free Tibet! Action Camps, producing campaign materials, organizing rallies, speakers, and even being in the office to help answer your questions, needs money in order to happen. We depend on support from chapters and individuals to keep SFT going.

Make checks payable to Students for a Free Tibet and send them to:
Students for a Free Tibet, 602 E. 14th St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10009