Managing Money in Your Group

CCL groups are typically very creative in finding low-cost ways to get the work done. In fact, 90% of our chapters manage their finances informally and spend less than $1,000 a year—most under $500. Keeping things simple allows more time for meaningful actions that build political will!

As chapters grow in size and capacity, however, some find it helpful to open a bank account and introduce more accountability into their processes. If your group is considering local fundraising, be sure to read the material in this training first so you can coordinate appropriately with our national fundraising efforts.

Interested in raising funds for CCL at the national level? We welcome your support—see this training for more details. For questions, contact our Development Team at development@citizensclimate.org.

While groups often wonder if they can raise money through CCL or CCE by earmarking donations for their chapter, unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to manage funds on behalf of hundreds of groups.

Chapter Fundraising Strategies

If you want to begin fundraising for your chapter, here are some important guidelines and ideas:

Timing Matters

CCL and CCE only conduct national fundraising campaigns twice a year—in November/December and March. Unlike many organizations, we deliberately avoid frequent solicitations. To avoid competing with national appeals, we ask chapters not to fundraise during those three months, including sending save-the-date communications for upcoming events. Please fundraise during the remaining nine months of the year.

Effective Local Strategies

Many groups have raised meaningful funds by reaching out to chapter members, friends, family, and local supporters—in person, by email, or through social media platforms like Facebook.

Note on Tax Deductibility

Donations to your CCL chapter are not tax-deductible. However, due to recent tax code changes, many individuals can no longer claim deductions anyway. Despite this, most groups have had no trouble meeting their fundraising goals. There's often a great deal of untapped goodwill for the work you’re doing!

Fundraising Suggestions

Pass the hat. The simplest way to help someone is to informally pass the hat at one of your meetings to collect money.

Crowdfunding platforms. Individual volunteers or groups have used crowd fundraising platforms such as GoFundMe to solicit donations to help chapter-related expenses. Please do not select Citizens' Climate Education or Citizens' Climate Lobby as the recipient as we can not accept designated funds for chapters.

Bank Accounts and Applying for an EIN

For advice on chapter bank accounts and applying for EIN please contact Olivia Melonas, Chief Financial Officer, at olivia@citizensclimate.org.

Have you completed this training?

Let us know if you've completed this training! Your progress will be logged in the Action Tracker so you can reference a list of trainings that you've completed.