When asking for or raising money, show your dedication and enthusiasm for APAMSA. You should show sponsors and buyers that you want to make your plans a reality and that you have a well thought out plan for accomplishing those goals. You need to clearly state your reasons for why you think your APAMSA programming is needed at your school and what benefit the organization would bring to your school.

Establish A Budge

Make a list of all tentative events and determine estimated costs each event. Don’t forget to include:

  • Food

  • Room booking fee

  • AV fee

  • Thank you cards/gifts for speakers

Seeking Grants and Sponsors

Funding Resources at Your School

Don’t be afraid to ask: Most medical schools, both public and private, are happy to support APA medical student organizations. Be sure to emphasize that your events are open to all members of your medical school. Similarly, select events that will appeal to all your classmates.

Start with school offices which usually have money set aside to fund student organizations. They include:

  • Student Council

  • Office of Student Affairs

  • Office of Diversity

  • Dean’s Office

  • Alumni Association

  • Ask a specific academic department related to your event (for example, the Infectious Disease department or Microbiology department for a Hepatitis B education lecture).

Contact them with details of your events, which should include:

  • Amount of funding requested and cost breakdown

  • Event descriptions

  • Dates

  • Locations

  • Estimated attendance

You can also find local businesses/organizations to support your chapter and events. Use our Sponsorship Guidance Document for instructions on how to work with Sponsorship Directors to contact businesses and seek funds.

Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising in Your Community

Be creative. Planning a fundraiser in your community can be fun, lucrative, and productive. It gives you an opportunity to explain what APAMSA is about and garner support. Some successful ideas from years past include: Charity dance or dinner, Cash / prize raffles, silent auctions, and more.

Consider selling food or items to raise additional funds. They can be related to Asian holidays (ex. Lunar New Year), Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, etc. Make sure you advertise your event with an eye-catching visual!

  • School clothing gear: Patagonia sweaters, t-shirts, crewnecks, etc.

  • Asian-themed snacks: bubble tea, mochi, onigiri, etc.

  • Multicultural potluck lunch

  • Bake sale

Finding Partners

It’s always a good idea to co-sponsor events with other student organizations, particularly if you’re just starting an APAMSA chapter. This fosters collaboration and introduces you to the specific requirements for planning an event at your school. Partner with other student organizations who share similar missions and are willing to split the costs. Ideas include:

  • SNMA, LMSA, AMWA, etc. on talks concerning diversity in medicine

  • Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, etc. on talks about hepatitis, diabetes screening (Screen at 23), mental health in Asian communities.

  • Free Student Clinics if you are considering community health screenings

Other Questions?

Please contact Sponsorship Directors (sponsorship@apamsa.org) and/or Membership Directors (membership@apamsa.org) if you need additional help with fundraising for your chapter!

Other Potential Funding Resources

AMA-Medical Student Section Policy Promotion Grant: Available to medical student groups interested in conducting projects and activities designed to further AMA policy. Grants awarded are $250 per project. For more information and an application, please call 1-800-AMA-3211 Ext. 4742.