Mock Trial Fundraising Guide

Of course! Fundraising for a mock trial team is crucial for covering costs like competition registration, travel, lodging, materials, and sometimes even professional coaching. Here is a comprehensive guide to mock trial fundraising, broken down into strategy, specific ideas, and best practices.

Phase 1: Strategy & Planning

Before you start asking for money, you need a plan.

• Calculate Your Goal: Be specific. How much do you need?


• Registration Fees: For invitationals and national competitions.


• Travel & Accommodation: Flights, rental vans, hotels, gas.


• Materials: Case files, binders, office supplies, printing.


• Professional Attire: Team blazers, suits, or subsidies for members who need them.


• Coach Stipends/Judge Honorariums: (If applicable).


• Identify Your Audience: Who will support you?


• Internal: Team members, their families, other students.


• School Community: General student body, faculty, staff, alumni.


• External: Local law firms, bar associations, local businesses, community members, family friends.


• Create a Timeline: Map out your fundraising efforts across the season.


• Early Season (Fall): Focus on larger, long-term campaigns (sponsorships, grants).


• Mid-Season (Winter): Host events and smaller, quick-turnaround fundraisers.


• Late Season (Spring): Final push for national competition costs.


• Craft Your "Pitch": Why should someone donate to you?


• Skills Gained: Public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, legal knowledge.


• Competitive Success: Mention past achievements or your goals for the season.


• School Representation: You represent your school on a regional/national stage.


• Professional Development: You are fostering the next generation of legal professionals.

Phase 2: Fundraising Ideas (Categorized)

A. Partner with the Legal Community (High-Return)

This is your most targeted and often most lucrative avenue.

• Law Firm & Bar Association Sponsorships:


• The "Ask": Send a professional email or letter to managing partners at local law firms and the local bar association. Attach a sponsorship tier sheet.


• Sponsorship Tiers:


• Bronze ($250): Name on team website and social media shout-out.


• Silver ($500): Above + logo on team t-shirts and a thank you in the program for a home scrimmage.


• Gold ($1000+): Above + "Presented by [Firm Name]" on all materials, and an invitation to judge a scrimmage or speak at a team dinner.


• Offer Value: Many lawyers did mock trial and want to give back. Offer to tour their firm or have associates do a Q&A with the team.


• "Practice Round" Judges:


• The Idea: Invite local attorneys to judge a practice round. At the end, the team captain explains the costs of the season and asks for a donation. Provide a simple way to donate on the spot (e.g., a QR code to a payment portal). This gives them a direct, positive experience with the team's talent.

B. Events & Sales (Engage the Broader Community)

• The Mock Trial "Fancy Dress" Fundraiser:


• The Idea: Host a semi-formal dinner or cocktail hour. Sell tickets.


• Revenue Streams: Ticket sales, a silent auction (get items donated from local businesses), a 50/50 raffle, and a "fund-a-need" paddle raise for specific items (e.g., "Who will donate $100 to cover one student's registration fee?").


• Entertainment: Have team members perform a humorous, abbreviated version of your case.


• Restaurant Fundraiser Night:


• The Idea: Partner with a local restaurant (Chipotle, Panera, or a local favorite) that has a fundraising program. They donate a percentage (usually 15-25%) of sales from supporters who mention the mock trial team on a specific night. Promote it heavily on social media.


• Classic Sales:


• Bake Sale: A timeless classic. Hold it during school lunch periods or after school.


• Car Wash: Great for team bonding. Hold it in a high-traffic area with good signage.


• Custom Merchandise: Sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, or tote bags with a clever law-themed design (e.g., "Objection!," "The Defense Rests... and So Do I," your school mascot in a barrister's wig). Use a service like Bonfire or Custom Ink that handles printing and shipping.

C. Online & Direct Appeals (Easy and Direct)

• Crowdfunding (GoFundMe, etc.):


• The Key is Storytelling: Don't just say "we need money." Post a compelling video of the team in action. Explain what mock trial means to you. Share updates and thank donors publicly.


• Promote Widely: Share the link on all social media channels, in email signatures, and with family and friends.


• Direct Donation Letters/Emails:


• Target: Team members' extended families, school alumni, and family friends.


• Personalize: A form letter is okay, but a handwritten note or a personal email from a student is far more effective. Include a pre-addressed envelope or a link to your donation page.

Phase 3: Execution & Best Practices

• Leverage Your School: Work with your faculty advisor.


• Use school-approved channels for communication.


• See if funds can be deposited into a dedicated school account.


• Get permission for any on-campus events or sales.


• Make Donating Easy:


• Use platforms like Venmo, PayPal, or GoFundMe for digital payments.


• Always have a QR code linked to your donation page ready to share.


• For checks, specify who they should be made payable to (e.g., "[School Name] Mock Trial").


• Thank Everyone, Every Time:


• Public Recognition: Thank sponsors on social media and in programs.


• Personal Thanks: Send handwritten thank-you notes for donations over a certain amount. A quick email thank you for every single donor is mandatory.


• Show Impact:


• Send a "Season Recap" to your donors at the end of the year with photos and a list of your accomplishments. This shows them their investment paid off and makes them more likely to donate again.

Sample Fundraising Timeline for a Season

• August/September:


• Set budget and goal.


• Draft sponsorship letters and send them to law firms.


• Launch crowdfunding page.


• October/November:


• Host a restaurant fundraiser night.


• Sell team merchandise.


• Send direct donation letters to families.


• December/January:


• Host a practice round for attorney donors/judges.


• Final push on crowdfunding for competition registration.


• February/March:


• Car wash or bake sale for final travel expenses.


• Send thank you notes and updates from competitions.