Pods are encouraged to fundraise to help cover meeting and events costs. However, there are strict non-profit rules to fundraise under the 500WS name. If your pod is interested in fundraising, please make sure to read these instructions thoroughly and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at pods@500womenscientists.org.

For tax and legal purposes, all money raised by pods under the umbrella of 500 Women Scientists must first be transferred to the main organization bank account. The main organization retains ultimate discretion and control over all donated funds. A 15% overhead will be taken from funds to cover the administrative costs associated with fundraising and accounting and help sustain the global 500WS organization. The remaining fundraised funds will be available to the pod in the form of reimbursements for specific and agreed upon events and activities.

• Grant Writing for Pods

• How to Fund your Pod

This is a step-by-step list of tasks to complete before your pod can start fundraising:

1. Read the fundraising guidelines and our 501c3 annex.

2. Complete the fundraising application. You will get approval or comments within one week.

3. Once your application is approved, your pod will receive an embed button with a donation link (like this) for all online donations. Money will go directly into the 500WS bank account and be available for reimbursement.

4. Start planning your fundraiser! Successful fundraisers offer a fun activity to the public (for example, a series of short themed informative talks by pod members). Find a location; if the space requires a deposit, reach out to the 500WS leadership. Pick a date and time. Sell your tickets online using the Donor Box link.

5. Keep in contact with 500womenscientists@gmail.com and pods@500womenscientists.org throughout the entire process, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

6. Once the fundraiser is complete, reimbursements can be arranged.