Your guide to fundraising for your upcomingGlobal Volunteers Adventure in Service!globalvolunteers.orgPoland
You’ve got this!Don't let finances stand in the way of your serviceadventure! Students just like you havesuccessfully fundraised their service programcontribution and expenses. You can too!First, it’s important you remember that you are fundraising for thechildren who will you will serve. During our four decades of engagingvolunteers, we have generated science-based and anecdotalevidence that short-term volunteers significantly change the arc ofchildren’s lives. Volunteers change everything! So, you are notfundraising for yourself, you are fundraising so you can helpchildren reach their full potential. Second, don't let finances stand in the way of your Adventure inService! Hundreds of volunteers just like you have successfullyfundraised their service program contribution enabling them to helpchildren in developing communities around the world. You can too! You are needed. You will bring vital assistance, meaningful support,and essential services to the local people you serve. Further, thework you will do as a volunteer is a unique, often timestransformative, experience. We are here to help you fundraise, soyou can get to the next step – helping kids! 2St. Lucia Volunteer teaches a child the time.
This Fundraising Toolkit offers you: Tips on how to successfully plan your fundraising strategy. Ideas on the different ways you can raise money. Sample letters and templates to help you share your story andraise money Answers to your FAQs Any questions? Contact Kristin Whitbeck in the Development Office atkwhitbeck@globalvolunteers.orgGlobal Volunteers Supports You!3"Global Volunteers has an incredibly helpful staff, they havean extremely easy website to navigate, and I have been givenall the necessary information needed for both the programand the trip details far in advance. For students in particular,from my past experiences volunteering locally, I promise youthat you will learn far more valuable lessons in a much fasterand more meaningful manner than in any classroom. Growthof the heart carries a long way with the growth of your mindduring your current studies and future careers."- Clara SimardRead More About Student Service Learning
Plan Your 3 Ws 4Always remember you are not asking for money for yourself. You areonly asking for donations so you can help others in need. This is notabout you; this is about children and families who need your help! Your list should include everyone you know: people who share yourpassions, your purpose, and your joy. You might be surprised by whogives because most people do, so don’t hesitate to ask! Family members Your friends Teachers/mentors/coachesYour college or university – they might offer funding for service-learning. Private healthcare practitionersArea faith-based organizations, places of worship, or spiritualcommunities. Service organizations – Rotary and Lions Clubs offer scholarshipsand grants. Reach out to the local club and offer to speak at oneof their weekly meetings before and after you serve.Independent restaurants and businesses in your neighborhood. should I reach out to? WHOMalaysiaPeru5
Outlined in this Toolkit are six common fundraising strategies. Youcan use these suggestions and create a plan of your own. As youconsider which strategies to utilize, think about who you are, whatyou love, and the volunteer work you will be doing during yourservice program. Consider how you can express your excitement andpurpose so people can feel connected to the work you will be doingon your service program. Also think about practical execution,including who might give; venue access, season, time frame, andfundraising costs if you decide to do an event; and who you mightask for assistance if you need help from others to make thingshappen. MT, USACuba5Consider asking for a donation to yourfundraiser this year in lieu of a graduation gift.Family and friends who are invested in yoursuccess can support your learning in a moreactive way by assisting in funding your volunteeradventure.StudentStrategiesfundraising strategies should Iemploy? WHAT
6You should get started as soon as you have registered and paid your$350 deposit. You have until 60 days prior to your service programstart date to fundraise before your full balance is due. Keep this inmind as you decide on the types and timing of reaching out,activities, and events. The sooner you get started, the greater themomentum and the better your opportunity of reaching yourgoal. To maintain your place on the service program, you must raiseand submit the following percentages by the number of days beforethe start date. 50% by 60 days 75% by 45 days 100% by 30 days should I fundraise?WHENNursing student listens to a child’s heart during a healthassessment at Sagrada Familia Children’s Home, Peru.
The first time you communicate with your donors will be toannounce your upcoming service program and ask for their support.This is referred to as making an appeal. In your initial communication: Tell your story about why you want to serve Describe the community you will serve and why they needassistance Request financial support or invite them to attend an event Share how they can donateFollow-up communication options:Continue sharing on social media Send follow-up emails Advertise for your upcoming event Connect regularly with your potential donors Always say THANK YOU. This is the most important step! Expressyour gratitude many times - when you pitch your fundraiser, whensomeone donates, and when you return from your program andupdate everyone on your incredible experience. Advertise? How, where?"My donors were family and friends. I reached out to themshortly before my birthday or Christmas and let them knowthat if they planned on giving me any sort of gift, it would bemuch more appreciated to gift a donation to my fundraiserinstead" - Clara Simard7
Before you communicate with donors, take time to organize yourthoughts. This is practical advice if you are writing a letter, calling afamily member, planning an event, or crafting a social media post! Lay out your clear objectives and express your enthusiasm andpassion for the service you will be doing. Focus on the children. Study Global Volunteers website. Gather your facts about GlobalVolunteers and the program you will be participating on. Be professional, confident, and creative. Say thank you! Add photos, videos, and all the wonderful personal elements thatmake people excited to support the important work you will bedoing! Know that many people cannot volunteer for any number onreasons, but they can volunteer vicariously by helping youvolunteer. Remember, your friends, colleagues, and family members wantto help kids. Global Volunteers has helped kids for over 40 years.You will help kids reach their potential by serving with GlobalVolunteers. Successful appeals tell a personal story and explain how yourvolunteer work will make an impact on others. Share details aboutthe service you will be doing and how it will facilitate positive changein the community and help families where you will serve. People willdonate because they believe in the work being done and they believein you. Telling Your StoryVolunteer withchildren at theBlackfeet IndianReservation,MT, USA.8
Remember – you are not asking for yourself. You are asking fordonations so you can help others in need. A direct appeal can bemade via email, letter, phone call, or in-person – you are reaching outto a donor one-on-one to share your story. This is a great approachfor family and friends. Below is a letter template for you to personalize and share with yoursupporters. Adapt it to your own voice and include all the details thatmake you eager to become a Global Volunteer and serve others. Youcan use this letter to structure your email campaigns, draft languagefor your crowdsourcing website, send letters via postal mail, andeven extract a few key elements for a series of social media posts.Consider who the recipients will be and adjust the tone and detailsaccordingly. The direct ask can be done simultaneously with all otherfundraising activities. Fundraising Strategies The Direct AskPoland St. Lucia9Download the letter template here.
10This personal approach helps the donor feel connected to youand the work you will be doing. You can express the value of your upcoming service clearly. For many family members and close friends, you may only needto send them a letter, but we encourage you to speak with thempersonally as well. Call them on the phone, have a cup of tea orcoffee, can be then to your residence. ProsWhether by email or phone, you will have the space and time totalk in-depth about the needs of the children, the work you willbe doing, and the community you will serve. At first, it may feel awkward asking people so directly fordonations. But as mentioned above, you are not asking formoney for yourself; their donation is helping you get neededservices and support to children and their families in thecommunity where you will serve. Things to considerTwo Montana State University nursing students caring for twonewborns in Ipalamwa General Clinic, Tanzania.
Fact: People who use online fundraising tools raise 40% morethan people who don’t! Crowdfunding is a popular fundraisingmethod that involves setting up a donation webpage and broadlysharing that link with your social community and can be donesimultaneously with all other fundraising activities. There is usually no cost to set up a donation page, but somecompanies may retain a portion of your donations. There are many crowdfunding platforms to choose from:Flipcause, GoFundMe, FundMyTravel, Fundly, and GoGetFundingare some popular examples. It’s easy to share your information, update your donors, andtrack your progress. You can gain strong momentum! Friends can share your donation page outside your immediatecircle, expanding your pool of potential donors. ProsClear written communication iskey – you are promoting thework you will be doing, yourgoals, and the impact of yourservice. This is a long-term project –successful crowdfundingcampaigns run between 2-8weeks, but they need regularattention as you promote yourpage. What is your community reach?Are you able to connect withyour friends, clubs, family, andsocial groups via email or socialmedia? Things to considerCrowdfunding7Face painting with children in Poland.11
Give Lively is a user-friendly and customizable fundraising platform.You can personalize your page with your story of service and apersonal photo. Your fundraising page can be shared via email andsocial media, and donors who give through Give Lively will receive anautomatic thank-you letter and tax receipt. Read more here aboutour TERMS AND CONDITIONS for fundraising with Give Lively. Global Volunteers can provide personal support while you set upyour Give Lively page and provide you with a photo of yourservice program community. Unlike other crowdsourcing platforms, donations made via GiveLively are 50% tax-deductible for the donor. Give Lively may only be used to fundraise for your serviceprogram contribution. It can be combined with another platformor fundraising tool to cover your travel expenses. Reach out to your Volunteer Coordinator to begin fundraisingwith Give Lively today! Things to considerGive Lively12Teachingchildren inTanzania.
Hey Friends! This summer, I am volunteering on theBlackfeet Reservation in Montana with GlobalVolunteers! I will be working at a summer camp anddelivering meals to the elderly. This is an incredibleopportunity to do something that really matters.Please consider donating to my fundraiser to help mehelp others and cover the cost of my service programfee. Thank you – I can’t wait to serve families in need! Elizabeth M.@elizabethmSample Social Media PostTeaching at St. Joseph's Primary School, Cook Islands.13
You can raise money by offering services. Consider offering tutoringservices to family or friends during breaks. Every season comes withunique activities and festivities and the work that goes with them!Consider winter gift-wrapping and snow-shoveling, raking leaves inthe fall, and gardening in the spring and summer. You can advertiseyour work to friends and family as both a service to them and afundraiser for you. There are so many small ways to make adifference and earn some dollars like dog walking, holding a bakesale, or mowing your neighbors lawn.Typically, these projects require minimal financial investment,but you may need to consider transportation for yourself andany tools for work. You can work as much or as little as your schedule allows. Hours are usually flexible. ProsWhen promoting your services, only work with people you knowand trust. Agree on your terms of payment upfront! You want to balancethe time and labor you invest vs the funds you will collect. Think about the competition in your area for the same services. Things to ConsiderItaly VietnamSeasonal Services14
What are your creative strengths and interests? Consider hosting aninformal class with a flat fee to register. This could be a yoga/fitnessclass, a music jam, a crafting circle, or a hike! The possibilities areendless. You could host a one-time class or make it a recurringevent. Depending on the event, your costs could be minimal. This is an excellent way to engage with people face-to-face totalk about your upcoming service program. Be creative! This helps you to thoughtfully and enthusiasticallyconnect with people around you. ProsIf a friend is helping with your event, clarify if they are donatingtheir time or if they expect compensation. Things like class registration require organization and planning,save time for both! Think about how public you want to make your invite: is this justfor friends and family, or a wider circle? Whatever event you do, always consider your safety and anysafety implications. Things to Consider Consider even more ideas for fundraising events!Trivia event Sports tournament (kickball,softball, basketball) Scavenger hunt Virtual gaming tournament Virtual race (5k or walk-a-thon) Garage sale Snail mail or telephonecampaign Donation jar or charity nightat a local restaurant Recycling drive 15Class or Event
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be able toraise that much money. I didn’t think I was capable oftouching the hearts of so many people. I am sooverwhelmed by the love and support that my church andcommunity have shown me. They are thrilled and eager forme to go and share my adventures with them." - Maddy Aungst, Tanzania volunteer Read Maddy Aungst's story hereDistributing toothbrushes and toothpaste to kindergarteners in Tanzania. 16
Your service program contribution covers all costs while in-country:three meals a day and bottled water beginning with the first eveningmeal and continuing through breakfast on the day of departure, safeand comfortable lodging, in-country ground transportation to andfrom the airport and daily work assignments, cultural activities, teammanagement by a Global Volunteers experienced Team Leader,medical evacuation insurance, and expenses associated witharranging your service program. Airfare, visas, desserts, alcoholicbeverages, and free-time activities are not included. Upon registering for a Global Volunteers’ service program, you willsecure your spot on a team by submitting a $350 nonrefundabledeposit. Once your $350 deposit is received and you have submittedyour service program registration, then you are ready to startfundraising! 50% of your remaining service program balance is dueno later than 60 days before your service program start date, and theentire balance is due 30 days prior to the service program start date. Frequently AskedQuestions Can I Start Fundraising Before I Make aDeposit? What Does My Money Go Towards? Nepal17How Long Do I Need to Fundraise? Give yourself plenty of time. Werecommend starting at least 5-6months in advance, if possible, keepingin mind your final payment is duebetween 60 and 30 days before yourprogram start date . This allows you toplan and implement your strategy andreadjust if needed.
How Do I Submit My Donations? When using Global Volunteers Give Lively platform, it’s easy! Alldonations made to your Give Lively fundraising page areautomatically deposited into your Global Volunteers account andsubtracted from your balance due. For any other funds raised, sendus a check for the amount donated. You can choose to send one ormore checks or have donors write individual checks payable to GlobalVolunteers. When your donors send checks made out to GlobalVolunteers, 50% of the donation is tax deductible, and we will sendthem a receipt they can use at tax time. Have them include yourname and service program in the memo field to ensure yourdonations are credited to your account. You can also contact the Finance department to pay via credit card orACH – call 651-407-6100 or email finance@globalvolunteers.org. Mail the checks to: Global Volunteers 375 E Little Canada Rd, St. Paul, MN 55117 Volunteer with school children in Greece. 18
Our best advice is to keep your fundraising deadline clear to yourdonors and keep your donations organized. This will go a long way tohelping you reach your goal. As stated in Global Volunteers Termsand Conditions, once you are 60 days out from your service programstart date, your remaining balance is due according to the followingpercentages: 50% by 60 days 75% by 45 days 100% by 30 days In the event you are not able to reach your fundraising goal and needto postpone your service program, any monies received via theFlipcause platform or submitted by you or your donors, including the$350 deposit, can be applied to a future service program scheduledwithin 36 months of your original service program start date. What If I Don’t Raise the Full Amount? What Happens If I Need to Cancel or MoveMy Service Program?You worked hard raising those donations; we will keep them safe foryou! If you are changing your service program date, we adjust yourpayment window accordingly. There is a $100 transfer fee when youchange your service program date and a $200 transfer fee if youchange the country where you will serve. If you must cancel yourservice program, we will hold your donations for you in your accountfor up to three years, allowing you time to register for a new serviceprogram, or you can donate the collected funds to Global Volunteers.US tax law prohibits 501(c)(3) nonprofits to refund any portion of thedonated amount to the fundraiser. Tutoringstudents inCuba.19
You’ve got this! Thank you for being a champion of GlobalVolunteers and the communities we serve. Wecouldn’t do this essential work without you! (800) 487-1074 | toll-freeglobalvolunteers.orgemail@globalvolunteers.orgGLOBAL VOLUNTEERS