Desperate for ideas to raise tuition money?

Question

Please answer if you can help me. I want to make it clear that I'm not asking for money, but just for ideas. I need to raise $5,000 so that I can get career training, but unfortunately the program doesn't qualify for loans, or scholarships. I've read that it's illegal to solicit donations for individuals, but I'm not sure if it's true. Is it illegal to have fundraisers for individuals?

I would really appreciate some ideas for how I can get the money. It means so much to me... please answer only if you can help me.

thankyou!!

Answer 1

You might also want to check out the program you are wanting to attend with your local chamber of commerce or better business bureau. There are some instances where schools/programs lose their eligibility with the Dept of Education for les-than-savory reasons. You will want to make sure that if you are going to invest $5k in your education, that you get your moneys worth. Good luck.

Answer 2

Cap'n:

I don't know your circumstances, and why you would prefer one school over another. You probably have your very good reasons why you're focusing on that one school.

However - if you can, I would urge you to take a look at other schools in your area that might offer a similar career training program. There are many career training institutes that are full-fledged participants in the federal government's financial aid program. Of course, that means that the students in these programs are eligible for Stafford loans, Pell Grants, work-study and all of the other forms of financial assistance.

The government has an entire classification of financial-aid eligible schools that they call "Post Secondary Vocational Institutions". There are a whole number of rules and qualifications that a vocational institution must satisfy, but one that is particularly important to students is that the school must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body. Any "school" can offer training, but it is the accredited schools that adhere to the standards that employers are looking for.

Keep in mind that any school looking to succeed would probably welcome participation in the federal financial aid program - being able to offer that assistance attracts far more applicants to the program. You would really have to wonder why a school might elect to remain outside of the financial aid system.

Assuming that you absolutely MUST attend this particular non-affiliated school, I would recommend talking to the hiring managers at some of the largest employers in your area. First ask them if they consider that school's graduates to be competitive when they're hiring. They may recommend another school that will improve your job prospects.

Also ask them if they have any programs that might subsidize the costs of your training program. If there is a local union in this trade, you should contact the union headquarters, as they, too, might have some educational funds or know of companies that will help students who want to enter that profession.

Fundraisers for individuals? If you mean standing on a street corner with a plastic cup asking strangers for donations, then you're probably going to run afoul of your city's solicitation and pandhandling laws.

The key is often whether you're "doing something" in exchange for donations. People who gather donations for participating in a walk-a-thon to raise funds for a sick child USUALLY aren't violating the town laws. This all really depends on your city and state's solicitation laws.

I honestly think your best bet is to talk to employers and unions about whether they might sponsor you for training. Actually, your even better bet is to look for one of the many accredited vocational institutions that participate in the government's financial aid program. Those schools can offer you the financial assistance that you will need.

Good luck to you. I know I didn't solve your problem, but I hope I gave you some useful things to think about.