When should I start fundraising?
It's always best to start well in advance – the best is at least a year in advance. If you don’t have that much time, you can easily set up a personalized fundraising page within several months if not weeks of your departure. The later you start, the less you should rely upon others’ donations to fund your experience. Always have a backup plan.
Who should I ask to donate to my efforts?
As a student, you have a vast network of potential donors out there. Remind your donors that even the smallest amount helps out! Spread the word to everyone: family, friends, members of your student or church group, your professors, your advisor, fellow members of your sports team or sorority or fraternity, and your employers and your co-workers. Never count anyone out!
Are donations tax-deductible for donors?
Yes. Anyone who donates to you can deduct a portion of their donation to your efforts. For the exact amount that your donors will be able to tax deduct, speak with a Volunteer Coordinator.
Can I receive donations from anyone?
Yes. While Global Volunteers is a non-sectarian, non-governmental organization, volunteers may receive funds from any type of organization or group, including church groups.
Can I use my financial aid to fundraise?
No. Financial aid is something entirely separate from your fundraising and is usually contingent upon receiving academic credit for your service program. Learn more about receiving academic credit here.
Are scholarships different than fundraising?
Just as financial aid should be considered separate from personal fundraising, so should scholarships. Scholarships are an element of financial aid that is often distributed by your university, college, or department and is often connected with credit-based academic opportunities. Check with your university or college’s study abroad office, financial aid department, or your own academic department to see if they have any scholarships open to you or if they have resources available to search for any opportunities.
Does Global Volunteers provide any scholarships, financial aid, or individual funding?
Through the generosity of some of our former volunteers, we have been able to develop some
partial, limited, targeted scholarships, such as the
Bonafield-Pierce Scholarship For Health Care Students. The funds for these scholarships have been
provided through direct donations, alternative wedding or birthday gifts, and other special
donations. You can find more information on how you could be part of this effort by checking our
our "Support a Program" pages.
What if I don’t raise the full program fee?
Keep your expectations realistic and always have a backup plan in case your fundraising does not meet your goals. Be ready to personally fund your program fee and/or airfare or any portion you do not raise through donations.
