PITCHED

As the Co-Chair of the NYSACAC Development Committee it is my pleasure to introduce to you a new initiative known as PITCHED (Promoting Ideas To Cultivate Higher Education Donations). PITCHED will allow each of us to contribute to the organization and support the programs we believe in through different fundraising events.

Here is how it works: Each institution, be it CBO, College, University, or High School, will come up with ideas for fundraising. The idea can be as simple as a car wash or as complex as a dinner event with a silent auction. The fundraiser will be overseen by the team Captain (there can be more than one per team). The team Captain will be responsible for planning the event with their team, overseeing the event, and keeping the Development Committee informed of the plan and outcome. All proceeds raised, minus expenses the team incurred to run the event (if any), will be used to support NYSACAC programs and initiatives.

Team fundraising events will start after the annual conference and continue until the following annual conference. It’s up to each team to decide how many events to run and what their team fundraising goal will be. The Development Committee recommends you attempt to raise between $25-$50 per team member for each event.

NYSACAC consists of 1,300 members and 138 institutions. This coalition of dedicated members gives us the ability to do great things and continue to lead the way. A member of the Development Committee will be contacting you shortly about getting involved and starting a team at your institution. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at 845-575-3990 or development@nysacac.org. I look forward to working with you on this exciting new initiative.

PITCHED Fund-raising Ideas

This is a list of quick, easy fundraising ideas that can help your team get started and build momentum.


  • Dress Down Days: At Marist we picked a three week block where anyone in the Admission office could dress down (shorts and t-shirts, jeans and polos, etc.) for $4 per day, $15 per week, or $30 for the three weeks.
  • Organize a 50/50 raffle.
  • Do you bake? If you or a member of your team likes to bake, bring in a plate of brownies, cookies, or cup cakes, and sell them for one dollar each.
  • Take a group to lunch. Many chain restaurants (Applebee’s, Panera Bread, and Boston Market) will host “dining for dollar” events. The restaurant typically donates 15%-20% of the revenue generated to your not-for-profit organization (NYSACAC).
  • Do you like golf? Ask your local course if they will host a hole-in-one contest. This has been very successful for other not-for-profits. Participants pay $5.00 for a chance to win $300.00 (this is just an example). If you play golf, you know the odds of making a hole-in-one is very unlikely.
  • Yankee Candle: They will allow you to sell candles, from a catalogue, to friends, family, and colleagues. They then donate 20% of the revenue generated back to the not-for-profit organization (NYSACAC).
  • Local financial institutions and businesses: Many banks, credit unions, and businesses will donate money to not-for-profit organizations. Some banks, credit unions, and businesses will also participate in matching donations. Matching donations can prove to be very effective for all types of fund-raising.

    • These are seven simple fundraising ideas that I have used in the past, they have proven to be very effective and not time-consuming. If you need any help, insight, or other ideas, please feel free to contact me at 845-575-3990 or development@nysacac.org.