Fundraising for student media programs is not always easy, but here are some tips and tricks students and teachers can use to increase revenue:

Advertising
Advertise different community events and businesses. Summer camps, photography studios and formal wear shops are always dependable sources. Create an advertising packet with a cover letter, rate sheet and student buying habits.

Extra tip: Google ads is an option for online newspapers.

Donations
Write a letter explaining the value of the journalism program and ask parents for donations. Local organizations, such as Kiwanis and Rotary, might also be willing to contribute. Check out DonorsChoose.org. It allows schools to accept online donations from the public.

Events
Groups can plan a number of fun and unique events to raise money. For example, host a intramural dodgeball tournament and charge an entry fee for teams to participate.

Items
Serve coffee, tea and hot chocolate before school or serve pizza at lunch or after school for $2 a slice.

Grants
Walmart and the NEA Foundation have a grants that teachers can apply for.

Services
Charge a fee for designing pamphlets and promotional materials for the school, school clubs and local businesses. Charge athletic departments a fee for recording game footage for review by coaches and teams.

Sale and Distribution
Distribute subscription forms to parents at back-to-school night and include subscription forms in the school’s alumni newsletter.

Share your ideas and successes at asnechat.org in the “Fundraising” discussion thread or tweet @youthjournalism.