FUNDRAISING for your study abroad

So if none of those scholarship opportunities from the previous post work for you, here are some MORE ways to fund your experience.

Fundraising will help to make your trip more affordable and serves as a way to educate the public.

If you select a program that helps achieve your long-term goals, it will be easier to solicit funds from external sources. Keep in mind that local, regional and national groups, as well as individuals, are all possible contributors. They include:

• Heritage groups that have interests in specific countries (e.g. Japan America Society)
• Civic groups (Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs)
• Agencies and foundations
• Travel agencies
• High school alumni associations
• Professional and business clubs
• Media (newspapers, radio and TV)
• Sororities and fraternities (local and national chapters)
• Vocational rehabilitation agencies (for students with disabilities)
• Charitable, ethnic, religious and campus organizations

Direct, informal appeals often work best. Be specific on how you intend to spend the funds (airfare, program fee, tuition, personal travel, special projects, etc.). Include a photo of yourself with your request so that the receiver will establish a personal connection with you. Make donating as easy as possible (cash or check), so that you’re more likely to get an actual donation rather than a promise to donate, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you haven’t received a response. Enthusiasm, creativity, and perseverance on your part - and not fearing rejection in some instances - will likely take you a long way. Remember every little bit helps!

In exchange for your financial support, you should pledge to "give something back," such as regular updates while you are abroad. Alternatively, upon your return you could:

• Write an article
• Show a video from your experience
• Create a Web site
• Sponsor a regional dinner or presentation
• Lead a discussion or seminar
• Organize a topical campus or community forum
• Promote educational and business exchanges
• Participate in radio and televised interviews and broadcasts
• Contribute community service and outreach
• Help others to have a similar international experience

Fundraising ideas that have worked:

• Waive holiday and birthday gifts and request financial gifts or loans instead.
• Write a creative letter to all your relatives, asking for financial support in exchange for monthly letters while abroad and a presentation and dinner upon return.
• Ask friends to join you in raising money by painting, cleaning or washing cars.
• Organize an event where you and/or some friends solicit donations by providing instruction for a couple of hours (cooking, quilting, yoga, karate, computer skills, dancing, sign language, stained glass, woodworking, etc.).
• Collect used books, CD's, computer software, etc. and have a sale.
• Ask your church, synagogue or temple to sponsor a special offering, dinner, or raffle and give the proceeds for study abroad.
• Organize a radio talk show and solicit contributions.
• Approach stores for donated supplies such as clothing, camping gear, etc.
• Find out if your parents' employers have a scholarship program for their children or find out if your employer will sponsor you or might be willing to make a cash advance to be paid back through payroll deduction. No harm in asking!
• Combine fundraising opportunities: sell T-shirts at a fundraising dance marathon.
• In exchange for the use of your car while you're gone, have a friend or sibling make all or part of your car payments.
• Organize a can drive in the residence halls.
• Collect cans during football tailgating (be sure to identify yourself and your purpose so fans will readily pass on their cans and bottles).
• Join friends and get paid to clean up the Breslin Center after an event (you'll need to sign up in advance).
• Work for the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) for special event parking.
• Sell coffee and baked goods with a sign stating your purpose.
• Contact foreign exchange students you might know about staying with them, thus reducing your housing costs.
• Ask family members to donate frequent flyer miles.
• Save all your spare change in a jar – small amounts can really add up!
• SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

Keys to successful fundraising: confidence and perseverance!

Keep careful records of who supported you and the amount. Be sure to express your appreciation for their support. Your energy and enthusiasm for an international experience will be contagious! Good luck!

- taken from this site