Getting started
The most common piece of advice we hear from experienced travelers is: get started early. The ideas and suggestions listed below will be much more effective if you allow yourself enough time to plan. Also make sure to check out our fundraising webinars, guides and tips of the week.
Hold a fundraising meeting
If you're fundraising as a group, hold a meeting with travelers to discuss fundraising. Make sure that everyone attends the meeting, regardless of whether or not they intend to participate. It is important that everyone understands how the money will be earned and divided.
At this first meeting you will want to:
-
Generate fundraising ideas: Decide what kind of fundraisers you want to hold and how many you will be able to organize. We recommend hosting at least one large fundraiser, such as a silent auction, and several smaller fundraisers, such as a flower sale or holiday gift-wrapping. An easy way for travelers to start raising money for their tour is to ask for donations through ChipIn.com or Firstgiving.com. For more ideas and to get started, check out our fundraising resources.
-
Set a goal: Your goal could be a portion of the Program Fee or your group could aim to cover something specific with the fundraising money, like the cost of the group’s optional excursion to Versailles. The more concrete your goal, the more rewarding it will be when you hit it! Set benchmarks to help you track your progress and stay motivated.
-
Decide who will participate: Some groups require that everyone gets involved, while others make it completely voluntary. Either way, make sure that you are clear about how you will track participation and divide the money.
-
Establish a timeline: Determine when to hold each fundraiser and establish what kind of time commitment is necessary to prepare for each event. Look at a calendar and mark off major holidays and other school events to make sure you won’t have any conflicts.
-
Create a plan: Everyone should leave the meeting clear about the next steps. Keep track of each traveler’s responsibilities to ensure the group stays on track.
Put your ideas into action
Now that you have a plan, it is time to hold your first fundraiser. Before your first event, we suggest you take the following steps to ensure a successful and fun fundraiser:
-
Create a fundraising contract: Ask each traveler to sign the contract so that everyone knows what is expected of them.
-
Obtain school permission: Even if you’re not holding your fundraiser at your school, you’ll probably need approval to publicize an event at school. Make sure you understand your school’s fundraising policies and seek approval well in advance.
-
Set up an account for your earnings: All the money you raise will need to be kept in an account. Check with your child's group leader about a “club account” you can use to deposit money for safekeeping until you need it. Your child's group leader can then use a group check to withdraw money from this account and make a group payment to EF.
Keep fundraising
As you continue fundraising for your trip, make sure newly enrolled travelers know about past and future fundraising efforts. Don’t forget to celebrate your fundraising successes as well!