14 Fundraising Tips For Volunteering Abroad

It is never to early to think about fundraising for a volunteer trip abroad. As a starting point, I came up with 14 fundraising tips for volunteering abroad.

Let me back up for a moment first:

After volunteers sign-up for their programs, we remind them that they should consider doing some fundraising efforts regarding their service trip.

We are happy to send our volunteers printed materials like brochures, color postcards and a letter on company letterhead to give to potential donors in-person.

Volunteers have had great success with such in-person fundraising techniques. But of course these days it is also important to take your fundraising efforts online.

Below I talk about many different ways to raise money for your service trips overseas. I could easily list 50 items, but I am including just 14 fundraising tips for volunteering abroad.

Start a GoFundMe campaign. People have raised more money on GoFundMe than anywhere else. And it’s free.

Let donors know that you are volunteering with Cosmic Volunteers, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity registered with the IRS in the US. Our tax ID is 33-0998120.

Encourage potential donors to visit our website and get familiar with our history and philosophy.

By law and by my personal philosophy, I do not run these programs for profit, unlike many volunteer organizations you will find online.

Write a fundraising letter. This letter should tell possible donors about your volunteer project, your goals and why their contribution is important. You can also include some information about Cosmic Volunteers. Many of your sponsors will not be familiar with the intricacies of international volunteering or international development; they will be more interested in contributing to a good cause (education, the health field, community development, Animal Rescue).

When talking to people, don’t be afraid to ask for a specific amount of money. When you say “contribution”, some people are thinking $5, while others are thinking $100. Tell people how much you need. Let them know the total amount that you are hoping to fundraise.

Also, always follow up after talking with potential donors.

Let your potential donors know that you will be in contact after you return. Maybe offer to send pictures or give a small presentation at the business or group that has given you funding.

Create a Facebook page, blog or website

Contact your school (If your volunteer program can be integrated into an academic or service-learning course, there may also be some other funds that could be used.)

Apply for a grant from a Foundation or Trust Fund (many of these can be found online by doing a simple Google search)

Reach out to local businesses rather than large corporations (there is much less ‘red tape’ with small businesses agreeing to donate)

Approach fellow members of your places of worship

Consider holding events like sales, raffles, and parties

There you have it! 14 Fundraising Tips For Volunteering Abroad.