Fundraising for your Programme

As you have no doubt realised volunteering abroad is financially demanding. Planning ahead is important and any money you can save between now and your departure will be useful. In addition to the money that you save yourself, you may consider fundraising to help fund your volunteer trip.

As part of your programme acceptance pack, BUNAC will provide an introductory letter to confirm the nature of your volunteer project, the associated costs (and where they go) and the objectives of the programme. You may find this a useful introduction to potential sponsors.

First things First

It is important that you don’t leave anything to the last minute. Fundraising takes time, commitment and dedication. You will find that your most valuable tool will be a good structured plan.

Your plan should be as clear and concise as possible, and should include who you are fundraising for, how you will spend the funds, and who will benefit. When you are asking for money these will be the most frequently asked questions so it is best to have your replies ready.

You also need an overall goal, and a series of smaller achievable goals. The overall goal will help to keep you motivated through the harder times. It should also help you to remember what inspired you in the first place, and provide you with your secret weapon - enthusiasm. Visible passion for your cause will encourage people to help you. The smaller goals will help you to raise the funds within your allocated time scale. You could also set time limits on how much you want to raise by a certain time.

Network, think of EVERYONE you know friends, relatives, work colleagues. They are more useful than just donations they can provide you with support and ideas. You may even be able to recruit your dedicated friends and family members as helpers.

You need to be creative and try and think of as many ways to raise money as you can. This is where your networking comes in handy, ask everyone you know if they can contribute ideas.

Publicity

You could approach your local newspaper or radio station. You can find out how to contact them through the internet , town hall, at your local library, in a media directory or in the phone book.

If you are approaching a newspaper you could ask if a journalist is willing to write up a short piece about you. Or you could take matters into your own hands and write your own article and address it to the news desk. Whatever you decide to do you need to think of an angle that will be of interest to the readers. Think of the most common questions people are asking you about the trip and try to answer them.

Whether you approach a local paper or radio station you need to make yourself as available as possible in case they want to interview you. It is also a good idea to offer a follow up story during and/or on completion of your placement.

Sponsors

You might want to approach companies and ask if they could sponsor part of your trip. All letters should be well presented, and as personal as possible; try to avoid Dear Sir/Madam. Like everyone else they will want to know exactly what you want the money for, and why you are doing it. Try not to put in too much information, and if possible keep your letter to one page. Another good tip is to make your letter stand out, you are probably not the first person who has approached them asking for money. You will also need to offer something in return, free publicity’s always good. You could offer to wear their logo while you are doing a fund raising event for instance.

As an alternative to a cash contribution you could ask for something that you could raffle. Your nearest high street will have plenty of local businesses who could offer you their support. You could put a collecting tin in your local pub, or hairdressers. You will not need a permit for collecting in this way as long as you have permission from the proprietor. As a last resort if they can’t sponsor your trip perhaps they could provide you with something to give your volunteer project, like pens, paper, text books etc.

Trust Funds

Trust funds and grant making bodies can be a useful resource for raising funds. They are basically funds set up for good causes.

As with most things, the internet is a good starting point and you will find a number of useful sights to view. Additionally, the ‘Directory of Grant Making Trusts’ (a publication which should be accessible from your local library) will also provide an extensive list of companies/organisations offering grant opportunities.

If you decide to make your appeal in writing make sure that you tailor your letter for each application. Trust funds usually have very specific funding criteria so will not pay anything that looks like a circular much attention. It is important to make your letter look as professional as possible. Try and give a specific breakdown of the costs that you are trying to cover, and what you are planning on doing when you get to your destination. BUNAC provide a breakdown of costs on our programme web pages.

If you do manage to get some funding do not forget to acknowledge this on your return, you could send them a report or some photographs of what you did when you were away. You could even offer to give them a presentation.

Fundraising events

More common methods of fundraising include:

  • Car boot sales
  • Sponsored events: either externally arranged such as Fun Runs or independently arranged such as a personal challenge (parachute jump) or sponsored car wash, etc.
  • Quiz night
  • Hold a party during which you invite people to donate gifts or money; include a raffle of donated prizes.

Important information

Fundraising is suggested as an option, you are under no obligation to pursue it. The information provided here is offered as a guide only; we encourage you to investigate alternative options independently. When collecting money, please always check that you are not in breach of any local laws or regulations. Certain events may require a license or permit (entertainment or alcohol licenses for example) and you should check that any venue you use to host an event has appropriate insurance and health & safety certificates. Collection boxes will require the permission of the property owner. Please refer to the web sites below for more information.

Useful websites:

Larger UK charities offer useful advice on fundraising – visit their websites for new ideas.

And Finally

Remember that every penny counts and brings you a step closer to your final goal.

Keep a note of who has given you a contribution, and don’t forget about them as soon as you have enough money. Offer to give presentations to trusts and companies that have supported you, follow ups to newspapers and local radio stations, and a big thank you to your family and friends.

Don’t miss an opportunity, tell everyone about what you are doing, and make collections wherever possible.

Last of all, be realistic and don’t expect to cover all of your costs.

Good luck!