Doris McClallen
NYS Educational Opportunities Fund Vice President

Important - please note that the names of persons to be named as honorees at the EF gala must be submitted by the beginning of February. The forms (PDF to print or Word to fill out online) are available here.

The job of Branch EF Chair can be broken down into three main components.

Leading Branch Fundraising Efforts
There are many wonderful program ideas out there. It is your job to organize one (or more!) for your branch.

Spread the Word About The Fund

• An article about the Fund should appear in every Branch newsletter. This could be informational using material from publications of the Foundation or something suggested by the NYS EF VP. It could be reporting your Branch activities, upcoming or recent. Thank donors in print and encourage others to participate.
• Have a grant recipient speak at one of your meetings. This is an excellent way to let members know just how important their funding was to someone. The NYS EF VP can help you find such a speaker.
• Make sure all members are aware of the grants and fellowships available through the Foundation. A new brochure and fliers will be coming out this summer. Order some brochures so they are available at all Branch community events.
• Write an article for your local newspaper about available grants.
• Make sure your local school system has information about the Teacher Fellowships available through the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund. Plan now so that your Branch can get this important information out in your community in August and September.

Keeping Good Records

• Forward, in a timely manner, all funds for the foundation. Work closely with your Branch Treasurer. When checks are received for EF, send them as soon as possible to the the national office along with the correct submission form (see http://www.aauw.org/member_center/forms/contribution_report.cfm). Please send a copy of the form to the NYS EOF VP. The Foundation staff will acknowledge each gift on a form acceptable to the IRS. When you hold a Branch event and have collected cash and checks from nonmembers, it is acceptable to write one check from your Branch Treasurer. For cash gifts from members, include a list of donors, with addresses, for individual amounts of $5 or more. You may send funds as often and early as possible.
• BE SURE TO INDICATE THE FUND NUMBER FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS! There are three common ones this year - here are "pre-numbered" forms for them:
  • General EOF Fund - 4336
  • New Buffalo Branch Fellowship in honor of Hillary Rodham Clinton - 4347
  • Eleanor Roosevelt Fund - 9170
• Keep a list of every contributor and the fund selected by the donor, such as American Fellowship, International Fellowship, Research and Projects (which includes Career Development and Community Action), Eleanor Roosevelt Fund, or General Support.
• Deadline for all contributions is December 1. There is a "contribution report form" to complete. It is available on the AAUW website and you will receive a paper copy in the fall.

In addition, plan to attend the NYS Summer Board meeting in July and the NYS Convention in April. These are excellent places to learn and share. Great ideas are circulated when AAUW members get together to talk.

Remember that we are all volunteers, and we support the Educational Foundation as part of our commitment to AAUW. We have made it possible for thousands of women to meet their goals, for positive societal change and lifelong learning, and for equity. We are Living the Mission and supporting education for all women and girls, one at a time.

Do not hesitate to ask for help. Try something new, and keep up the wonderful work that we can do!