[JonoBN41]

Bill.

I think you have a great idea there, and it CAN work!

Our alumni association used to collect dues on a rather hit-or-miss basis (usually at our Founders' Day), but it wasn't until I initiated the practice of formally "billing" the alumni in the form of a duesletter every January that the money really started rolling in.

Over a five year period - during which I became president of the association - our revenues increased from about $1,000 to over $5,000 per year. Our last approved budget (fy 2004-2005) was $5,778.92.

For the 2004 G.A. in Indianapolis we allotted almost $2,000 to help pay expenses for the one official delegate, two other undergraduates, one new alumnus, and even myself! We covered 75% of everyone's expenses (including airfare) that wasn't already taken care of by IHQ or in some other way. In off-years we budgeted $1,000 to the chapter for the Summer Leadership Conferences.

During the fiscal year we also gave similar amounts to the chapter to help with their liability insurance payments and for putting on Founders' Day.

With just a little organization and cooperation, it can be done. You need only one person to send out the bills. During the years, either the treasurer or I did them. We sent out about 350 duesletters at the beginning of the calendar year. They generally included a short newsletter, a plea for dues ($25) and a return envelope (it does not have to be stamped).

Although we asked for only $25, many of the alumni sent in greater amounts. Just show them what it's being used for. Deposit the checks in a timely manner. Make a list of contributors and thank them either individually via e-mail or in a newsletter. And it certainly helps if the chapter expresses its appreciation!

It may take two to three months to receive all the donations. So ask for dues in January, wait for them to come in, and formulate a budget starting with the school year in the fall. Make alumni membership in the association for a calendar year, but budget for a fiscal year. Then when the undergraduates return to school, you can send them a check right away to help with their dues or insurance premiums. Assistance for the G.A. or L.S. would be for the following summer, but already be budgeted.

Unfortunately, I am no longer president and am not sure what our current situation is like. It's getting towards the end of March now, and I still have not received a duesletter. In fact no newsletters at all, not even electronic ones, have been produced since I left office. I have a feeling things are deteriorating rapidly.

In January I sent a donation directly to my chapter. The check was deposited but I received no word of thanks or even acknowledgement, so I'm not sure how they're doing either.

Please e-mail me your proposal and I'll take a look at it. I'm sure we can make it work for you!

In ZAX,
Jono