Darfur Stoves Project

Interested in putting on a fundraiser for the Darfur Stoves Project? We’re here to help!

Below you’ll find a collection of informational materials that might be useful for raising awareness in your community about the role of the Berkeley-Darfur Stove in addressing some of the gravest challenges in Darfur, tips on how to organize an event, and examples of creative ways in which our supporters have raised funds in the past.

Materials

To help you create an informative and successful event, we’re providing you with the following materials:

• 2 page summary of DSP’s work (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Sign-up sheet (PDF)
• PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
• Suggested talking points for DSP presentation (PDF)
• Stove User Profiles (PDF)

If you would like more background information, please see the left sidebar for a sample of recent news coverage of cookstove projects around the world, including DSP.

Also watch the YouTube video featuring DSP’s Founder who discusses the origins of the project:

Tips

Click on each sub-heading to read more.

1. Assemble a team
   Think of a few committed people who might be interested in raising money for the Darfur Stoves Project, and reach out to them.
2. Tell us about your event
   Fill out this form to let us know when you’re having an event. We’re happy to assist you as you require further information on the Darfur Stoves Project, help understanding our giving policy, and more. You can also email us at info@darfurstoves.org.
3. Plan your event
   Keep your goals realistic and costs low. Set a date far ahead of time and deadlines along the way. Holding your event on a day like International Women’s Day or sometime around Thanksgiving might be a good idea. Delegate tasks and develop a system to make sure everything is on track. Involve possible partners in local businesses, religious institutions, schools, etc. Please contact us at info@darfurstoves.org if you’re interested in purchasing Darfur Stoves Project t-shirts for your event.
   
4. Advertise!
   Publicizing your event is one of the most important stages of the process. Tell your local media including papers and news stations about your event. Post flyers in community spaces and make announcements at community gatherings. Make phone calls. And once again, involve possible partners in your community. Spread the word- encourage people to follow the Darfur Stoves Project.

   

5. Report back to us
   Tell us how it went! Send us an email at info@darfurstoves.org. We want to know the details of your event, and congratulate and thank you for your efforts. We also frequently feature our supporters on our website, showcasing your extraordinary ideas and efforts. Just as importantly, we can help with letters of acknowledgement to donors, to ensure that they receive tax deductions for their gifts.

Ideas

Our supporters have come up with lots of fun and innovative ways to raise money for the Darfur Stoves Project. Click on each sub-heading to read more.

Stanford University’s STAND chapter, a student organization concerned about the conflict in Sudan, hosted their annual DarfurFast event to raise money and awareness for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Darfur. At their November 2009 event, 450 participants fasted until dinner and donated the money they would have otherwise spent on food to the Darfur Stoves Project. DSP’s Executive Director Andree Sosler and Field Engineer Scott Sadlon attended and spoke at the celebratory “Break the Fast” event at the end of the day. Philanthropic institution Humanity United generously agreed to match the funds raised by STAND, helping raise $6600 for DSP.

The Darfur Stoves Project is grateful for the efforts made by all of its supporters but one young woman from Michigan particularly touched our hearts. Julia Fertel, 13, started her own homemade jewelry line last year with all the proceeds channeled to DSP. After hearing a speaker deliver a poignant lecture on the ongoing genocide in Sudan, Julia was determined to find a way to help the women and girls of Darfur. Using only clay, a set of stamped designs and the kiln in her family garage, she set about making an assortment of pendants in a range of colors. She aims to raise at least $2,500, and has so far contributed $1,500 to DSP.

A note on tax-deductions
Contributions to the Darfur Stoves Project are managed by our fiscal sponsor, the Foundation for Philanthropic Funds (www.fjc.org), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For donations exceeding $250, you will receive a tax receipt from FJC in the mail. For donations of $250 dollars or less, you may use a cancelled check as proof of your donation.

Thank you again for your interest. If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email: info@darfurstoves.org or call our office: (510)848-8486.