FUNDRAISING

Rather than emptying your bank account or using a credit card to finance your trip, sending out requests to friends and family asking for financial support is a popular and proven method. Why does it work?

  1. Your friends and family love you (well…most of the time, right?)

  2. You’re not asking for a large amount from any one person (unless you have a wealthy relative)

  3. It is for a legitimate cause (very true!)

  4. It will look good on your resume—of course, this should not be your primary reason for going : )

FUNDRAISING REQUEST EXAMPLE

Use this text as a guideline to create your own personalized fund-raising letter.

Dear X,

I hope you are doing well. I have been X (describe what you’ve been doing). I’m looking forward to new adventures in 20??

I have come across an opportunity to join an organization called Project Resound on a social design trip to X. It takes place Month 0–0 20??. Project Resound is a 501(c)3 non-profit design consultancy founded on the belief that creative individuals are uniquely equipped to make the world a better place. It’s open to anyone passionate about using their creative skills to make a positive difference in the world.

Goals:

  • use my skills to serve and empower others

  • join in interdisciplinary collaboration

  • experience cross-cultural exchange

  • enjoy teamwork, fun and friendship

  • prove that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things

During this one-week intensive design project I will be X (Insert the cause here. This can be found on the event description.)

I’m excited about this opportunity but in order for me to be able to participate, I’m responsible for raising $X. This includes my flight, ground transportation, food, lodging, and travel insurance. My goal is to raise some of the money necessary through sponsorship. 

If you would be willing to help sponsor me financially, please go to X (insert link here). Any donations will be greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Your Name

FUNDRAISING TIPS

  1. Compile a List: Make a list of people to whom you would like to send your requests. Divide the list into two categories. 1. Those who are not technologically savvy (you will need to send these persons a hand-written letter). 2. Everyone else (you can send these persons an electronic appeal). 

    Don’t just think of the wealthest people you know. While some people may not have any more money than you do, they may be willing to sacrifice $20 for a good cause. Also, it’s easy to think of family members for this project, but don’t limit yourself to them. Consider teammates and friends, and if they know you, your friends’ parents as well. Basically, anyone who’s sincerely interested in you, your education, and personal development is a good candidate.

  2. Funding Requests: Consider sending funding requests through a site like Go Fund Me, or by email or Facebook. Tailor your method to the needs and style of the person you are contacting. This tells them that you did not just crank out 100 copies of a form letter and send it to everyone you know. Rather, you took the time to communicate with them in their own special way. This means that sometimes your “letter” won’t be a letter at all. A phone call or lunch date may be the most appropriate way to appeal for help.

  3. Hand-Written Letters? You don’t need to hand-write each letter, but you should seriously consider it. Of course, if your handwriting’s so bad that no one can read it, you would be better served to skip this step. Even if you don’t hand write every letter, you should pick out your closest friends and family members to receive this special treatment. This shows you are especially interested in them. And don’t photocopy these. Each one should be unique.

  4. Personalize the Message: Even if you don’t write each letter by hand, requests should be personalized. You can write in a special note, or modify a paragraph or two to let the person know that this was written especially for them. A letter addressed to “Dear Sir/Madam” will not go over well.

  5. Be Direct: After you introduce the trip and how excited you are about going, tell the recipient exactly why you are writing. Tell them how much money you need and that you are dependent on gifts from others to help you on your trip. Let them know that their donation is tax deductible.

  6. Be Clear: Include all the information the person needs to know about the trip and their donation. What are the dates of the trip? When does the money need to arrive? Do they need to send a check, or can they donate online? Include any information the recipient will need to know to help facilitate their donation.

  7. Creative Follow-up: While the person you sent the letter to should be given the option to contact you at any time, be proactive and tell them when you will contact them again to see if they can help. This is not meant to be pushy, but it gives the person time to think about the trip and the assurance that they will be reminded later. Most people really appreciate this, so don’t forget to follow up!

  8. Thank You: Send thank-you notes to everyone who supported you on this adventure. Those who sent you $5 are as much a part of your support team as you biggest financial donor! 

Tax Deduction

We are a 501(c)(3) organization that qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors. Our Federal Identification Number is 82-2953407. We will be glad to send a receipt for tax deduction purposes to your donors (please provide us with a list of names, addresses (email preferred), and donation amounts).