Fundraising

Educational Nonprofit Fundraising

The First in Family Fund believes that every student deserves a chance to succeed. We recognize that children in immigrant communities can face additional hurdles that nonimmigrant students may not, including the need for additional language and financial support in order to reach their full academic potential.

The expense of sending one student through a college preparatory program can be as much as $10,000. Supporting students through their K-12 education (in the form of supplemental tutoring and test preparation) further increases this cost.

While grants can help, we need donations from generous corporate and private sponsors in order to provide scholarship opportunities and emergency academic support to as many students as possible. When you donate to the First in Family Fund, your donations go directly toward supporting students and maintaining our essential nonprofit operations.

How do we fundraise?

As a nonprofit organization, the First in Family Fund follows all fundraising best practices and laws about fundraising in New York State.

All gifts made to the First in Family Fund are tax-deductible. As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, we may raise funds through:

  • Donations made on our website — make your contribution here
  • Board members’ efforts to secure major gifts and sponsorships
  • Online fundraising campaigns through crowdfunding campaigns like GoFundMe
  • Social media initiatives and other nonprofit marketing efforts
  • In-person fundraising events

Our founder, Frances Kweller, Esq., is a skilled attorney committed to the appropriate raising of funds and management of nonprofit resources. Ms. Kweller has a track record of responsible and profitable nonprofit fundraising, including raising over $150,000 in one GoFundMe campaign for a private family in need as well as her ongoing work to raise money for the First in Family Fund.

Fundraising Tips and Resources

If you’re interested in raising money for a specific cause, it’s important to know that there are a variety of laws about fundraising that impact the nonprofit sector in New York. This can present a logistical challenge for many would-be nonprofits, in addition to potential difficulties around fundraising in general.

Many times, your potential donors field requests to contribute money to multiple organizations. Having your nonprofit’s status firmly cemented and a board in place will lend authority and legitimacy to your fundraising efforts.

The following resources can help you achieve fundraising success when establishing or growing a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit:

Many people find it more accessible and fulfilling to partner with an existing nonprofit. This way, you can work to raise funds for a cause that’s important to you, without having to shoulder the legal and financial risk associated with starting a new nonprofit.

If you’re passionate about advancing educational opportunities for students in New York, we invite you to explore contributing to and working with the First in Family Fund. We’re happy to speak to interested donors, fundraising partners, volunteers, and prospective board members about opportunities to help grow our fund’s reach and help more students. Contact us to begin the conversation and learn more about how you can become a part of the First in Family Fund.