Ideas for individuals
Sell “stock” in your trip
Money up front: $0
How it works: Sell “stock” in your trip for specific sections of your travel itinerary in return for donations.
- Break your educational tour into sections, by the half hour, hour, half-day or day.
- Assign a cost per segment of the tour (i.e. $20/hour)
- Describe exactly what you will be doing during that time so your donors can choose what part they want to “be on tour with you.”
- Send a postcard from the segment of the trip describing what the stock bought (i.e., a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral.)
For further information, read our post on EF’s blog,
Following the Equator about selling stock in your trip.
Internet Fundraising: ChipIn and Facebook
Money up front: $0
How it works: Use the Internet to make fundraising accessible and simple. ChipIn allows you to easily collect funds instantly and online through credit card payments. You can also link your ChipIn account to your Facebook page and other accounts.
- Set up an account at ChipIn.com.
- Send an email through ChipIn to ask friends and family to make a donation.
- You can track your progress as you collect donations.
- Add the ChipIn application to your Facebook account or link it to your blog or one of the many other popular social networking sites.
- Use Facebook not only to link your ChipIn account but also to spread the word. It's most effective with consistent, but considerate, communication, using status updates, messages and notes, uploading photos and videos of your travel destination or group (don’t forget to tag them).
- Thank supporters publicly with a Facebook wall post. Not only does it give proper recognition, but it serves as a reminder to those who have not yet donated to take action.
Odd Jobs
Money up front: $0
How it works: Everyone needs an extra set of hands! Get your name out there and be the one they call.
- Advertise your services at your other fundraising events. Have a table of “business cards” for you and your fellow travelers, including your contact information and what types of jobs you are available for (babysitting, painting, yard work.)
- Post an ad in the paper detailing your services.
- Let people know what you are raising money for and see if they might be willing to pay you a more favorable wage for your work knowing it is going towards an educational opportunity.
Download our
Ideas for Individuals Fundraising Guide for further information.