Our Ultimate Guide to Fundraising

Raising funds for an overseas volunteer program is both a rewarding and an essential step in making your travel dreams a reality.

Whether you're preparing to contribute to public health initiatives in Cambodia, work on wildlife conservation in Thailand, or support community development projects in Peru, your journey often starts with fundraising. It may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and approach, you’ll not only reach your fundraising goal, but also develop valuable skills and experience that will enhance your resume and prepare you for success in your future endeavours.  

In this guide, we’ll cover our top fundraising tips, event ideas, and how you can turn your fundraising efforts into a powerful learning experience that goes far beyond raising money. Let’s get started! 

 

Why Fundraising Is Important 

There are costs associated with a Challenges Abroad experience (such as program costs for your accommodation, meals and transport while you’re overseas, as well as flights, visas and maybe vaccinations), and fundraising is an awesome way to make joining one of our programs more accessible, allowing you to make a difference while gaining a life-changing experience.  

In addition to this, when you take part in a Challenges Abroad experience, you’ll be working alongside our international development charity, the FutureSense Foundation. Our Foundation works to support some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world, providing resources to improve the quality of services such as education and healthcare. Part of this comes in the form of passion, skills and knowledge that you contribute to our programs, and part of it is physical resources, such as our supplementary education centre in Battambang, Cambodia. Fundraising for the Foundation is, therefore, a great way to enhance your impact on our programs and further support our long-term initiatives.  

But beyond this, it’s important to note that fundraising itself is a powerful learning tool that can develop your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential in the working world. 

 

         

The Benefits of Fundraising for Your Resume  

Fundraising isn't just about reaching your financial target. It’s also an incredible opportunity to develop transferable skills that employers value. Here’s how fundraising can enhance your resume: 

• Leadership & Initiative: Organising a fundraising campaign shows employers that you’re proactive and capable of leading projects from start to finish. 
• Communication & Networking: Fundraising requires you to effectively communicate your cause, whether through online platforms and social media, or face-to-face conversations. It also helps you build a network of supporters. 
• Problem-Solving & Creativity: Coming up with creative ways to fundraise and overcoming challenges along the way shows that you can think on your feet and adapt to different situations. 
• Financial Management: Handling donations, setting a budget, and tracking your fundraising progress demonstrates your ability to manage money responsibly—an essential skill in any career. 

By the time you complete your fundraising campaign, you'll have tangible experiences to discuss in job interviews, highlighting your initiative, teamwork, and organisational skills. 

 

        

Getting Started: First Steps to Fundraising Success 

Before diving into events and activities, it's important to have a clear plan. Here’s how you can get started: 

1. Set a Goal: Determine how much money you need to raise. Include the cost of the program, travel expenses, and any additional fees. Breaking this goal down into smaller, manageable amounts can help you stay focused and motivated. 

2. Create a Timeline: Work backward from your departure date and set deadlines for each fundraising milestone. Having a timeline will keep you on track and help you avoid a last-minute rush. 

3. Choose Your Platform: Set up an online fundraising page through a platform like Chuffed or GoFundMe. These platforms make it easy for friends and family to donate and share your cause. Be sure to personalise your page with details about the program, why you’re passionate about it, and how the funds will be used. 

4. Write Your Story: People are more likely to donate when they understand your motivation. Let them know by sharing a story about why you’re embarking on this adventure, what you hope to achieve, and how their support can make a difference. Use this story in your online campaign, emails, and social media posts. (Our Student Engagement Team can help in providing you with photos and info about the community you’ll be working with, but we recommend adding a personal touch!) 

5. Spread the Word: Share your fundraising page across social media platforms, send personalised messages to friends and family, and talk about your goals in person. The more people know about your cause, the more support you’re likely to receive. 

   

Top Fundraising Ideas

Now that you’ve got your plan in place, it's time to get creative with your fundraising efforts. Here are some fun and effective ideas for raising funds: 

- Host a Themed Event: Whether it’s a trivia night or dinner party, themed events are a great way to bring people together for a good cause – you could incorporate things relating to the country you’re travelling too e.g. quiz questions about Thailand or a Peruvian menu. Charge an entry fee and include opportunities for additional donations, such as raffles or auctions.

- Sponsored Challenges: Take on a personal challenge, like a running or cycling event, or even a "no social media for a week" challenge and get people to sponsor your efforts. This is a great way to get donations from people who might not be able to attend an event. 

- Bake Sales: Bake sales are a classic for a reason! Set up a stall at your university or workplace and sell homemade treats to raise funds. If you’re in a hurry, consider partnering with a local bakery to donate items for your sale. 

- Clothing Swap or Thrift Sale: Organise a clothing swap where people can trade items for a small fee or host a thrift sale with donated clothes and accessories. It's a fun way to support sustainability while raising funds.

- Crowdfunding Campaign: Create an engaging crowdfunding campaign online. Share your personal story, add photos or videos of your goals, and regularly update your supporters on your progress. Be sure to thank donors and keep them in the loop with your fundraising milestones. 

- Host a Workshop or Class: If you have a special skill, such as photography, yoga, or painting, host a workshop and charge a fee for attendees. Not only will you raise money, but you’ll also share your talents with others. 

  

Fundraising Tips for Success 

• Engage Your Community: Reach out to local businesses, community centres, and clubs to see if they can sponsor your fundraising events or provide resources like venues or prizes.
• Partner with Friends: Fundraising can be more fun and effective when done with others, and so is travel! Ask your friends to join you on your overseas volunteer program and then join forces in your fundraising efforts to increase your reach.  
• Be Persistent: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit your target right away. Fundraising can take time, but every little helps as every donation gets you closer to your goal. 
• Use Visuals: Photos and videos can help bring your story to life. Use these on your fundraising page and social media to connect with your audience. 
• Express Gratitude: Thank your donors personally and publicly whenever possible. A simple thank you goes a long way in showing your appreciation and encouraging others to contribute. 

  

How Fundraising Builds Long-Term Skills 

As you progress through your fundraising journey, you’ll find that it’s not just about raising money. You’ll develop skills in areas like event planning and project management, budgeting and communication. You’ll also learn from your failures, adapt your strategy when something isn’t working, and celebrate small victories along the way. 

These experiences will not only help you succeed in your upcoming adventure but will also make you a more competitive candidate when applying for internships, jobs, or further studies. Fundraising shows future employers that you’re resourceful, dedicated and capable of managing a complex project. 

 

Fundraising for an overseas program is an opportunity to learn, grow and build essential life skills.

With creativity, persistence, and a solid plan, you can reach your goal and make your volunteer experience even more meaningful. So, start small, aim high, and remember that every step brings you closer to making a difference abroad and at home. 

 

Inspired to make a difference? Click here to start your Challenges Abroad journey!