Fundraising
TIPS & IDEAS FOR RAISING
SUPPORT
Write a letter
By far the most effective tool for fundraising is a personalized letter to people you know well. Tell them the story of when, where, and why you're going, and invite them to join you. (Pro Tip: including a QR code that links to your support page is a simple way to help them find where to give. Google “free QR code generator.”)
Send an email
Same as above, just the digital version. But beware, fewer and fewer people are responding to email these days. Snail mail might work better.
Host an event
Invite people to yoga in the park. Birdwatching. Photography or cooking class. Whatever your skills, use them to create an event that encourages people to donate to attend!
Host a dinner party
Suggest a donation amount and invite friends and family to dinner. Share about the trip, what you'll be doing while there, the partners you're working with, and what you're most excited about. (Pro Tip: pasta or tacos can make big inexpensive meals.)
Babysitting / Dogsitting
The only thing people love more than their kids are their pets. Offer babysitting or pet-sitting services. It's nuts what people will pay to have a night out and know their kids or fur babies are cared for.
Post a 30-30-3 challenge on social
Use this: “Hey friends. Help me do the 30-30-3 Challenge! I'm looking to get $30 from 30 people in the next 3 days to get me all the way to South Africa (that's 8,383 miles or an 18-hour flight. Wow.). Will you accept the challenge? Go to (paste your support raising link). Much love and gratitude!”
Give up your birthday
Let others know that instead of any type of gift, you're giving up your birthday and only want donations to your trip. Tell them why you're going and how excited you are.
Local restaurant support
Some restaurants might be willing to have a GO Trip night where a percentage of sales go toward your trip. It's worth asking!
Wine/beer tasting
Contact your local wine or beer merchant to see if they can offer any discounts.
Ask your boss
Many employers do charitable matching. Ask yours. Sometimes the best donations come from the most unexpected places.
Sell some stuff
Hello Facebook Marketplace. You could even ask your friends to donate items for you to sell. You can also make stuff and give it to people that donate - think mugs or shirts. Check out Fund the Nations, Etsy, and Cafe Press online.
Do a Walk-A-Thon
Collect pledges, estimate how many miles you will walk or run, and encourage folks to join you for part of your walk. And always give an option for a one-time donation in case people want to make a quick, easy contribution.
Side Hustle
Find odd jobs, babysitting, dog-walking, or freelance work to help supplement your trip cost. You can let the people you work for know that 100% of their money is going to your trip.
Social Media
Post on your own page, community pages, bible study pages, etc. You may be surprised at how total strangers may be inspired to support you financially. But the key is to tell your story with the posts. Keep it concise and be authentic.