Here at DM, we love tradition. Ever since the first Dance Marathon in 1975, dancers have signed up in "dancer couples" and have often been part of an organization-sponsored team (the highest fundraising couple of DM 1975 was sponsored by Bobb Hall).

In order to dance, you and your partner must raise a minimum of $800. This requirement goes for both independent and team couples. Sound like a lot? No way! We understand that the number $800 may seem daunting, but we have complete faith in you! Below are some different ways to go above and beyond for our beneficiaries.

Best of luck in your fundraising efforts!

To aid in your fundraising efforts, we have written up a default solicitation letter that can be used to ask family, friends and others for donations towards DM.

You can find the letter here.

It's always a good idea to send a thank you letter after you've received donations. Download a default thank you letter template here.

We have also written up fundraising cheat sheets in order to aid dancers in their fundraising efforts. There are cheat sheets for those participating in a fraternity or sorority group, independent dancers & small groups, and dancers in dorm groups. These cheat sheets feature valuable fundraising ideas and resources!

Greek Fundraising Cheat Sheet

Independent Dancer & Small Groups Fundraising Cheat Sheet

Dorm Cheat Sheet

Half Money - January 24th, 2012

Full Money - February 22nd, 2012

Don’t forget we have DM Trivia brought to you by our DM Special Events Committee every Wednesday night at Buffalo Wild Wings! It starts at 9 PM and costs $5/person to play. Bring some friends and compete against other teams to prove that you know the most useless knowledge! The more people who come, the more the top team wins. That could be you!

Canning is probably the most fun and social way to make money for Dance Marathon! To can, don a bright yellow DM bib, grab a DM can, and hit the streets of Evanston, Chicago and many more locations to ask complete strangers to support DM. Dance Marathon applies for permits in local areas for pre-set dates. DM 2012′s canning dates are:

Evanston Dates:
January 22-28, February 5-11, and February 19-25.

Basketball Games:

Skokie Dates: January 28-29th

Chicago Dates:
TBA

All canners should be sure to wear the bright yellow bibs and carry the cans supplied to you by Dancer Relations. While canning, always be courteous to passers-by, and try your best not to ask the same person more than once. We also recommend that you carry your Wildcard and go armed with info on DM, The Be Positive Foundation, and ECF.

In order to go canning, you must first pick up your can and bib. This can be done any time during Fall Quarter at the DM Office (3rd floor of Norris, Office D, Please come during a DM Exec member’s office hour, listed on the Contact Us page). If you are on a team, your team’s captain will be responsible for picking up the cans and bibs for your whole team, so just ask them for a can/bib when you choose to go canning. Note: before your first canning trip, you must also fill out the canning liability waiver, which will be released shortly.

During the weeks leading up to DM, as you wrap up your surely long-running fundraising efforts, you are welcome to return your cans/bibs in at any time. Want extra time to get some dough? Just bring your cans back to us at DM check-in on March 2nd. You are responsible for the specific cans/bibs checked out to you and your partner (or your team if you are a team captain). If your can/bib is not returned, there will be a fee charged in order to cover the cost of replacing the lost can/bib. So be sure to keep an eye on your cans and bibs!

There are three ways that you can deposit money into your account:

1. Through the Cashier's Office - Located on the first floor of Norris and open 9am-1pm, Monday-Friday, at the Cashier's Office, you can deposit cash or checks (made payable to "Northwestern University") of any amount. Please be sure to put your name, your partner's name and your group name (if applicable) on the deposit slip. For all checks deposited, dancers will receive a Confirmation of Donation (COD) slip.
2. Online - Donations can be made online through Google Checkout on the donation page, http://nudm.org/donate. Please make sure that anyone who donates to your account enters your name so that you receive credit for the donation.

EXCEPTION: If you plan to having a donation matched (http://www.matchinggifts.com/nudm) please bring the original gift as well as the match to the DM Office (or have it mailed there) by following the instructions below no matter what the amount is.

Important: Make sure all checks are payable to: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

In order to make sure that all dancers stay on top of their game, both the Dancer Relations committee and the Finance committee will provide every dancer couple with a liaison from each committee.

The Finance liaison will be there to keep you updated on fundraising total, provide financial deadline reminders, and give you instructions on how to deposit all of your money. They will be in touch with you frequently throughout the months leading up to DM, and any questions regarding money or donations should be directed to them.

The DR liaison will provide anything and everything that dancers need to get them ready for DM. DR liaisons will pass on information regarding canning dates, fundraising activities, special events, and opportunities to connect with our beneficiaries. Any questions regarding canning, beneficiary outreach, or DM weekend-of should be directed to this liaison.

Any and all questions that you may have leading up to DM can be handled by your liaisons, so when in doubt, just ask them! If they can’t help you, either the Finance or DR co-chairs will deal with your question ASAP and get you a prompt and clear response.

For any questions, contact Matt and Zach of finance.