If you've budgeted enough time, and it's practical, a personal visit to your potential sponsor(s) can be your best approach. You can use visual tools such as Powerpoint to create an impressive presentation. (Be prepared. Research your volunteer organization and service project thoroughly so you can answer important questions by potential sponsors in personal meetings.) If you're fundraising long-distance, or are short of time, you're better served to focus your energies on a letter-writing campaign.
Draft a one-page, concise letter summarizing your opportunity to make a genuine difference in the host country you will serve. If you've volunteered in this way before, be sure to describe how you were able to contribute previously, and what you've learned about international service. Describe the volunteer organization, the work project that you will be engaged in, why the work is important, and what you hope to accomplish by serving.
Many organizations will help you with this step, and provide standard language or support materials, such as brochures or fact sheets. You can also information for this purpose on the organization's website.
Explain how much money you have already spent toward this endeavor, or what you intend to contribute from your own resources, and state your fundraising goal. Ask each prospective donor for a specific amount of money. (As a guide, almost everyone can give you $25. Many can easily afford $50. For close relatives and good friends, $100 is not too much to ask. Employers, places of worship, service clubs, and local businesses will often contribute $100 to $300.)
Many of your donors may not know much about community development, but will be interested in contributing to a good cause: building a school, providing village health care, protecting the environment, caring for vulnerable children, etc. Be sure you are clear about the value of your effort, and use descriptive, compelling language that will enable your prospect to see, hear and feel the need. (We can provide sample letters if you request them.)
A Word about Tax-deductibility: U.S. federal and state laws on charitable donations by individuals and corporations change frequently. Contributions made directly to you are not tax-deductible to the funder. However, contributions made on your behalf to the volunteer organization with which you will be serving may be tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada. Check this with the organization at the outset of your fundraising efforts. This detail can make a big difference in your fundraising success!
Step Three: Follow Up and Say "Thanks!"
Let every person and organization to whom you send a letter know you appreciate their consideration. Get on the phone to let your prospective donors know that you really need their help and support. One follow-up call can make the difference between a check and the back burner. Request an opportunity to meet with the person(s) who makes the financial decisions at your work place, service club, or local business to personally explain your goal.
Send a personal thank you letter to every donor. Offer to speak to groups or show slides when you return. Tangible evidence of your service helps people "see" where their dollars have gone. Other visuals, such as pictures of you on your service program can be good reminders of how they have helped.
