Fundraising

So you've decided to undertake a voluntary placement with us... But how will you raise what may seem like a rather daunting sum of money?

Don't panic! We have compiled a detailed Fundraising Guide, as well as some ideas and advices.

Make a plan. How much can you raise or earn per month?
Set up your own fundraising page on your personal MyProjectsAbroad web page. This is available once you've been accepted onto a project; you can then give the link to anyone interested in donating towards your project fee.
Cut down on expenditure and resist the temptation to buy things you really won't need – check out the kit-list we provide on your My ProjectsAbroad web page.
Create realistic targets and chart your progress.

Our Fundraising Guide

For your convenience, we have put together a detailed Fundraising Guide which gives you advice and suggestions on how to proceed with your fundraising efforts. Here are a few tips before you begin:

Decide on your plan of action. How much can you save a month? Will you approach organisations for sponsorship?
Once you have been accepted on a project, you can set up your own fundraising page on your personal 'MyProjectsAbroad' web page. You can then give the link to anyone interested in donating towards your project fee.
Create realistic targets and chart your progress.

Sponsorship and fundraising

Many companies would consider sponsoring you if you approach them in the right way. Our Fundraising Guide will give you ideas on how to write the most effective letters. Before you target them consider the following:

Does the company have a local interest in your school/university/community?
Does the company have an interest in your project or destination?
Can you offer the sponsor an opportunity for promotion via advertising for a sponsored event on local radio/in a newspaper/on a poster/on a T-shirt displaying their logo?

Fundraising Events

Holding a fundraising event in your school or community can often be one of the most successful ways to raise money for your trip. These require dedicated and advanced planning though. You can utilize your creativity to set up new and unique fundraising events. In the past volunteers have held events such as:

Bake Sales
Car Washes
Community Meals
Quiz Nights
Open Mic Nights
Theme Parties
Dance Nights

You should publicize your event as much as possible. Make posters, e-mail your friends, and post your event on social media to get as much support as possible. You can contact your local radio or newspaper to attract sponsors. Think about who you know and who can help you - anyone in a band? An owner of a restaurant or store? Our Fundraising Guide is packed with inventive ideas.

A part-time job

Don't underestimate the value of ordinary work! Here is an example of how a part time job can help: Working for $8.00 an hour for 4 hours twice a week earns $64.00 per week - $256 per month - $3,072 a year.

Finally, we're here to help and many of us, once volunteers like you, have embarked on our own weird and wonderful methods of fundraising. Remember that motivation and organization are the keys to success. Good luck!

Fundraising as a Group

Often times students, friends, and colleagues choose to plan a project together as a group and work together for fundraising. This is a great idea and allows you to pool resources and share ideas. We've even had students and teachers form volunteer abroad clubs at their school to plan years ahead and fundraise together. Find out more about planning a Custom Group Trip.