Volunteer Global

You've decided to go on a volunteer trip, but you're not sure of how to fund it. This is very common -- just about any volunteer site you'll visit offers a section on fundraising advice.

If you're going to ask directly for donations, here are a few guidelines you may want to follow when sending out your request:

• Let your audience know what you'll be doing -- link to the volunteer program's website, but also write a quick paragraph about who they are, what they do, and what you'll be doing for them
• Let them know how long you'll be there, and how they can contact you
• State your specific amount that you're trying to raise; people are more likely to donate when they have a solid number in front of them
• Give several options for donating. Rather than requesting "any amount," give the options of $5, $10, $25, or more
• Personalize your requests
• Thank your contributor as soon as you receive a donation -- an e-card works great

If you'd like to expand a little bit on the fundraising idea, below are some options to consider:

• PayPal and other websites allow you to create "donation buttons" that allow you to set up a website, send through email, and more so contributors can click directly on the amount they'd like to give
• Set up a blog to talk about the program -- you'll be surprised at how many people will contribute to your cause, especially if you set it up well ahead of time and you update every day
• See about local groups who can sponsor your trip. Talk to businesses, nonprofits, school groups, and more to see if they'd be interested in contributing some funds. See if you have something to give them in return -- perhaps a mention in your blog
• If you're heading abroad for a long-term program, see if you can receive a research grant or scholarship. You'll have to make sure to stick with it and update on everything you do, though, so be prepared for hard work!
• Try a community-wide fundraiser, such as a yard sale, raffle, bake sale, and more