| If I had a dime for every person who says they | | | | their money will be making. |
| would love to volunteer abroad but can't afford | | | | * Host a fundraising event. This is one of the most |
| it-well, I'd probably have enough to fund my next | | | | impactful ways to raise a substantial amount of |
| home building project to Brazil. | | | | money. Whatever location you choose-recreation |
| While it may seem like a bit of a paradox, providing | | | | center, local tavern, or your own home-be sure to |
| free assistance to countries in need will cost you. If | | | | plan the party with creativity and resourcefulness, |
| you use a volunteer placement agency, they'll usually | | | | and try to tie the theme to your aspired destination. |
| charge a flat fee to cover the costs. Some of the | | | | Contact local radio stations and newspapers about |
| main expenses include international airfare, lodging | | | | possible pro bono publicity, and post leaflets on |
| once you've reached your destination, and your daily | | | | college campus bulletin boards and other public |
| meals and beverages. | | | | forums. To generate the funds, you can either sell |
| Before you write off a prospective trip as too | | | | tickets for admission, charge at the door, or just put |
| expensive, you might consider fundraising efforts as | | | | out donation boxes in prominent spots throughout |
| a way of raising the necessary cash to subsidize your | | | | the venue. You might also consider including a musical |
| volunteer excursion. Below, we've compiled a listing | | | | act or a raffle. |
| of some useful fundraising tips to help bring your | | | | * Break a sweat. Many volunteers raise money by |
| good intentions to fruition: | | | | entering a competitive athletic event, such as a road |
| * Appeal to those closest to you. Friends and family | | | | race, bike race, or triathlon, and asking people to |
| are the first line of support. If they know how | | | | sponsor them. |
| important a charitable organization is to you, they'll | | | | * Contact local organizations that support your cause. |
| most likely be delighted to chip in. To help them | | | | If you want to travel to volunteer at an orphanage in |
| visualize what their cash will be going towards, | | | | Peru, try reaching out to a local Peruvian group or |
| request their money for a concrete purpose, such as | | | | community society to see if they'd be interested in |
| a new pair of hiking boots or a day's worth of food. | | | | working with you. If they agree to provide funds for |
| * Ask in a unique way. Instead of just picking up the | | | | your excursion, you might offer to come and speak |
| phone or sending a mass email, get creative with | | | | at one of their events upon your return. |
| your request. For instance, you might try creating a | | | | No matter what fundraising option you choose, |
| personalized card that explains your passion for the | | | | persistence is key. Shrug off the "no's" and don't be |
| cause, along with photos and personal stories that | | | | ashamed to ask for assistance-after all, you're |
| bring the region to life. Include as much detail as | | | | soliciting donations for a worthwhile cause, not a |
| possible to help the recipient understand the | | | | week at the beach. |
| importance of the trip and what specific difference | | | | |