Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising is a challenging project. The key to success is a combination of hard work, careful
planning, persistence, and inspiration. The process, however, can be interesting and enjoyable,
and you will be surprised at the warmth with which people often respond to your requests. Just
keep your mind set on your goals, believe that you need and deserve the money, and don't be
embarrassed to ask for money --- we realize that most of us are. The most important thing is to
try!
Here are some ideas that have worked for others:
Request help via social media and the Web. Go to the following link:
https://www.gofundme.com/
Share your story and attract support. Campaign for your trip and the benefit of the trip for you,
society, and country.
Write a letter asking for sponsorship. Send it to your friends, family, co-workers, professors,
etc. Ask for $5-$100 -- or whatever you think people can afford. You might write different letters
for different recipients, and offer something in return. Photographs, a report back, a small craft,
or simply a postcard are all appreciated. One traveler sent out only 15 letters and raised $300,
mostly from people who didn't have much money.
Get organizational sponsors. Local social change organizations, civic, academic, and religious
groups are likely to offer their support, especially in exchange for a presentation or article upon
return. Your city's Chamber of Commerce should have a list of local civic groups. Approach
organizations with a specific interest in the area you are to visit. For example:
If you're a student, approach individuals or groups that are interested in the area. Ask them to
sponsor you for $25-$100 in return for a report from your trip to a class or a meeting. Your
university may have funds available for students or alumni.
Approach research groups that work around issues you'll be learning about. Your local political,
social or cultural groups may sponsor you if you agree to help with an event or a mailing upon
your return. They may also be interested in a report-back for their newsletter, or photographs
from the trip.
If you are active in a church or any other religious group, find out if your church will sponsor
your trip.
Contact research institutes, cultural centers, cafes, bookstores, and community centers that have
presentations. Set up a report-back in return for support.
Local media may also be interested in your trip. Contact newspapers, television and radio
stations and offer to write an article or send a letter.
Hold a fundraising event. You can do this yourself or with friends. Hold a party, a pot-luck, a
walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon and ask friends for donations and pledges. Try to think of what
resources you and your friends have and put them to use. Do you have friends in a band who
would hold a concert and split the profits? Would your friends chip in a few extra dollars for a
bar-be-que? Two travelers raised over $1,000 through a pot-luck dinner-- they charged $5-$10
donation for friends. One friend cooked, others played music, and another auctioned off old
political posters. People tend to spend a little extra knowing their money is going to a good
cause.
Other Ideas:
Yard/garage sale
Car wash
Sell books or T-shirts -- You can sell them and keep the profit.
Part-time job -- Keep your eyes open and let your friends know, and you may be able to
find one-time jobs that can pay $50-$100 dollars for a day's work.
In any of these cases, personal contact and accountability are key to the success of your
fundraising efforts.
You may use the certificate in the related downloads to raise funds.
Brainstorm with friends and try anything that you think may work. Your enthusiasm and
motivation will motivate others to help you. So keep a positive attitude and keep trying. Get
creative, and let us know what works for you so that we can continue to expand our suggestion
list.
In exchange for financial support, you should pledge to "give something back" such as
regular updates while you are abroad. Other options include:
Write an article
Show a video from your experience
Create a website or blog
Give a presentation
Lead a discussion or seminar
Organize a forum on campus or in the community about a pertinent topic
Promote business or educational exchanges
Participate in radio, television or web-based interviews, podcasts, etc.
Create community service
Assist others to have a similar experience
GOOD LUCK!!