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Funding Your Convention Trip

Fundraising is a part of life for almost every Sigma Tau Delta chapter—and attending convention is one of the best returns on that effort. Below: tips from Student Leaders and Convention planners on how to make 2027 affordable.

By the Numbers

What's available each year

$200 Voting Delegate Reimbursement
$100 Per Common Reader Event
$12,000+ In Convention Awards
$80,000+ Awards & Scholarships / Year
Advice from Student Leaders

How to fund your trip

$200

Earn $200 for Your Chapter

Decide on a voting delegate (one per chapter); they must attend the General Business Meeting & Awards Ceremony, then complete the digital form provided during the meeting and Regional Caucus. A reimbursement check of $200 ($400 for chapters outside the continental US) is mailed shortly after the convention.

$100

Host a Common Reader Event

Each Regent offers $100 for chapters in the region that host an activity connected to the Common Reader, How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz. Application is quick.

Plan Fundraising Events

Annual chapter reports and conversations with past Student Leaders have produced numerous suggestions. Check Chapter Life: Fundraising for ideas.

$12K+

Submit Your Strongest Works

More than $12,000 is given in convention awards for the best submitted works. These are highly competitive—work with your Chapter Advisor to revise and polish before submitting.

$80K+

Apply for Awards, Grants & Scholarships

Sigma Tau Delta gives away over $80,000 each year in individual awards and scholarships, plus thousands more in service project grants and chapter awards. Work with your Advisor on revising applications.

Sell Chapter Merchandise

Many chapters earn convention funds through T-shirts and literary-themed merchandise. Sign up for a table to sell at convention; the form opens in early 2027.

Make Hotel Plans Early

Reserve as soon as the English Honor Societies room block opens, and ask for the Society's special convention rate. Rates are available until the block is full.

Share a Room—Save BIG

If you have an odd number of people, find roommates from other chapters. Sharing rooms cuts costs and creates lasting friendships. Contact the Central Office to find a roommate.

Explore Travel Options

Driving as a group may beat flying. Amtrak offers group and student rates. Use Travelocity, Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, or CheapAir to compare flights early and often.

Double Good Partnership

Sell popcorn, fund your project

English Honor Societies partners with Double Good—a digital fundraising platform that lets students sell popcorn nationwide. Pick a project, register on the Double Good website, and ask members to sell. 50% of all sales returns to your chapter for the chosen project. No fees. No cash exchanges hands. English Honor Societies receives no money from chapter fundraisers.

For Chapter Advisors

Plan early. Be specific. Ask in person.

We encourage Chapter Advisors to plan early to (1) solicit travel funds, (2) take advantage of Society discounts and reimbursements, and (3) explore cost-saving strategies to minimize travel expenses.

$

Funding Sources

Solicit funds from English / related departments, deans, provosts, student government associations, Student Affairs, the Honors College or Program, university foundations, chapter alumni, and senior administrators.

Ask Early

As soon as your students submit papers, try to secure a pledge before other organizations request the same funds.

Be Specific

Make an itemized spreadsheet (food, lodging, transportation, registration fees). Divide expenses out per person to make the request look reasonable.

Deliver in Person

Take 1–2 chapter leaders along when you make requests. Bring the list of presenters, roundtable participants, and session chairs from your chapter.

Start funding your trip today.

Then submit your strongest work—many funding sources require evidence that you'll be presenting.

Submit Registration