Fundraising Ideas
Never Say Never!
Don’t let finances become a barrier for the trip of a lifetime.
Volunteering overseas can be pretty expensive and we understand that not everyone has this kind of monday just laying around. However, there are many ways to come up with the funds needed, all you need is a little determination! Here are ways that have personally worked for us in the past.
1. CROWDFUNDING
We were able to raise beyond our goal in less than 24hrs when we explained our story and what we were fundraising for.
This is the first and most important step to take. By creating a campaign page, you allow your story to be heard. Take the time to put in as many details into your story, giving your audience a more personal approach. Then share share share your campaign. Take the time to interact with people through social media, the more passion you show about your cause the more likely people are to donate! You can use websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter.com .
Don’t be afraid to ask for a dollar amount. Tell people how much you need and how far you are from your goal. You will be surprised how many people are willing to donate more by knowing how much you need!
2. SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media will be your greatest platform when it comes to fundraising. Make sure to express everything that you will be doing in Cambodia, how their donations will be used and how much of an impact you will be making on so many children's lives and yours. For example, our trip to Cambodia will include building computer rooms for the small village school, building fresh water wells for them and donating much needed school supplies. Not only will they be helping you to your goal for a trip of a lifetime, they will be changing these children's lives with their donation. Also, keep them updated throughout your whole fundraising experience, it shows them that you’re reliable and also builds a trust for any future fundraisers you might do!
3. FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Flier for the first fundraising event we did for The Hearts Company in Houston, Texas.
This will be your next step after you have hit social media, this may also be your most profitable step. Setting up fundraisers allows you the opportunity to interact with your friends and family as well as their extended circle. Get creative, you'd be surprised by the amount of people willing to donate, especially for a good cause. Make sure you use social media to the fullest, make post, fliers and everything possible to spread the word about what you're fundraising for and the event your putting on as your fundraiser. You can host these events in a number of ways, but here are some examples of some common events.
Raffle
Hosting a raffle is an effective way to fundraise that can be inexpensive and can maximize profit!
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You can start off by asking friends, family, or people online to donate items such as gift cards, gifts, or money that can be raffled off. Also, you can ask local restaurants and fast food spots to donate food coupons, they usually have them lying around everywhere! Then with your collected items make a basket! (Liquor baskets always worked for me).
Next, have your raffle tickets ready, you can set a certain price for one raffle ticket and then do a sale if they purchase more. Ex: $5 for one, or $20 for 5. Or if more tickets are purchased t-shirts can be given out.
There are many ways the actual raffle can be held. One way to start is by posting the basket online, facebook or other social media accounts. Another place a raffle can be done is at local events going on like soccer, basketball or football games. You could also host your own event or party to host a raffle as well.
CAR WASH
This is a great way to bring out friends and family.
You can visit your local Hand car wash locations and set up a date or do this at home or school to involve your neighborhood and community. Once your date is set up start making flyers to share on social media and have your friends share it too, create a hashtag!! Also making a Facebook event and personally inviting friends and family would increase the amount of people you can reach.
Please take all routes for fundraising into consideration while paying for your trip! Volunteering abroad can be expensive but we would hate for you to miss out on such a life changing experience like this because of that. Our founders started the company and past trips similar to this by fundraising. We hope this gives you some insight into how to do it! If you have any questions or need help with ideas on how to fundraise your trip to Cambodia, feel free to email us at info@theheartsco.com .