Top 10 Fundraising Tips for Volunteer Travellers

Of the thousands of people who consider volunteering abroad, many are put off by the price tag of travel. But the good news is, i-to-i is  here to help you every step of the way! We offer a free fundraising guide to every prospective volunteer and tailor-made advice to everyone who joins one of our projects. 

You can find a full guide here, but as a taster, here are i-to-i’s top 10 tips for fundraising.

1. Think, "who do I know?"
   Successful fundraising costs little and reaches a wide audience. Think: "who can help me?" Does a member of the family work in a large company that could sponsor you? Is there a friend who could provide a venue for a fundraising event? Build your ideas around what you already have.
2. Keep your reasons for volunteering in mind
   A passionate desire to help people less fortunate than ourselves will bring in donations - particularly when 'face-to face' fundraising.
3. Produce a leaflet
   Explaining your reasons for volunteering abroad and giving some background on the project you hope to join. Include this leaflet in every fundraising activity.
4. Have a goal
   Know how much you need to raise and for every fundraising activity, assess how much you expected to raise against what you actually do. Some ideas work, others might not, but you won't repeat mistakes.
5. Ask for specific donations
   But don't stand by them. Asking for a specific amount will give your donors a benchmark and allow you to calculate how much you need to raise from each person/organisation to achieve your target. If you’re asking for sponsorship, it may be an idea to go to your biggest benefactor first – people often follow the leader.
6. Write well-targeted letters
   To individuals, and individuals within companies, asking for support.
7. Hold an (inexpensive!) event
   And make it wacky – like the lion conservation volunteer who sat in a tub of cat-food! Draw attention to your goals, get sponsorship and give publicity to any companies who have already donated to your cause. Local press coverage can also be useful.
8. Always offer something in return
   To every sponsor who makes a donation. This could be as simple as sending them a copy of your diary via email when you are abroad, or giving a talk when you return.
9. Plan ahead
   To avoid missing your targets.
10. Use your time wisely
    Fundraisers generally use as much time as they have to achieve their goals. If you are on a tight deadline, you will just be working that bit harder!

There are so many ways to find all the cash you need to take you on your travels. So don’t let money get in the way – simply put your fundraising hat on and you’ll be on your way in no time!