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Fundraisers - DFI Educational Trust

Fundraisers

The DFI Educational Trust holds annual fundraisers to support its mission of supporting and encouraging individuals in the fields of study related to the deep foundations industry by providing scholarships and opportunities to meet and work with deep foundations industry leaders. Your participation in these fundraisers provides money for scholarships and grants as well as outreach programs and educational opportunities.

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Annual Trust Fundraisers

DFI Trust fundraisers are held annually and raise funds necessary for supporting students pursuing an education in geotechnical and foundation engineering, and construction management.

Annual DFI Membership Dues Drive
Held annually from October – December.

Annual Gala Fundraising Dinner
Held annually in November.

#GivingTuesday
Takes place on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving.

Golf Outings
Held annually in California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

5k Fun Run / Walk
Held at DFI’s annual conference in the fall.

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Start a Fundraiser

The DFI Educational Trust continues to thrive because of passionate individuals like you! With the shared goal of attracting the best and brightest to the industry, your efforts can help to provide opportunities to students and young professionals who are the future of the industry. You don’t have to be an expert in event planning to help raise awareness and funds for the Trust! Your enthusiasm for propelling our mission and the time to dedicate to your idea is what’s needed to fuel success.

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Tips for a Successful Fundraising Campaign/Event

  • 1. Share Your Story

    Share your story of how you found yourself in the deep foundations industry, how you benefitted from DFI and its Educational Trust programs, etc. For many, there needs to be a personal motivation to make a donation to a cause or sponsor/attend a fundraising event. By sharing your career path, achievements, or hopes for the future of the industry you help others see how impactful the work of the Trust is and how crucial the work completed by deep foundations professionals is.

    If you have never shared your personal or professional story before, you might be surprised at how others will be interested in hearing more. Who knows, you may inspire someone to pursue their own career in this niche industry! Pictures also help personalize your story. Show us the work you’ve completed, the connections you’ve made, or the view from your site.

  • 2. Set a Clear Goal

    Whether it’s a dollar amount you’re after or a participant number, set a specific target. This will help communicate a clear message to your audience and also provide benchmarks through your planning to see how you’re doing along the way.

  • 3. Leverage Industry Partnerships

    Reach out to your company, your colleagues, or vendors you frequently work with to see how they may be able to support your fundraising campaign/event. You may be surprised at how willing your network is to support in donations, matching gifts, or in-kind contributions. Collaborating with others will also help expand your reach, add credibility, encourage larger donations, and set you up for the possibility of hosting the same campaign/event in future years.

  • 4. Ask for a Donation/Event Sponsorship

    When reaching out, don’t hesitate to make a clear and direct ask. Let potential donors/sponsors know how their contribution will support the mission and create real change. For example, explain that donations will go towards specific needs, like scholarships, conference registrations and travel grants, and to support programing across the globe. By being straightforward, you give supporters a concrete reason to contribute and show them the impact they can make with their gift.

  • 5. Thank Your Donors

    Once a donation is received, lay the foundation for a lasting relationship by expressing your gratitude! A heartfelt thank-you goes a long way in building a solid base of support. Whether by email, card, or a shout-out on social media or LinkedIn, let them know you appreciate their contribution in helping you, and DFI build something amazing!

  • 6. Keep DFI in the Loop!

    Tell DFI what you’re doing to in your community or with your company and we may add it to our newsletters! Be sure to tag #DFI and #FindingCommonGround in anything you are doing to support the Trust so that we stay in the loop and can support your efforts! Email events@dfi.org with any questions about holding a fundraising event.

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