fundraising and sponsorships?
Last month I participated in a two-week research expedition through Earthwatch (http://www.earthwatch.org), which was a volunteer opportunity. I went on the Mammals of Nova Scotia expedition. It was a wonderful experience and I would love to do another expedition with Earthwatch (next summer). I was barely able to raise the money to go this year. I am a graduate student so money is not something that I have readily available to participate. The experience of participating is not only educational but is also beneficial to my career goals (I am a grad student in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology). I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on ways to raise money to participate or how to go about getting sponsorships and who to ask about sponsorships. I had an idea of talking with some of the local schools about a sponsorship or help with fundraising. I thought that maybe a school could help raise money by doing a penny jar fundraiser. In return, I would speak to each grade level about the first experience that I had with Earthwatch and obviously speak in a way that would work for the academic requirements for science. For the class or grade that raised the most money, perhaps a pizza or ice cream party. I don't know how that part would work though. I don't even know if the school(s) could help...legalities. I am looking for part-time work but it is difficult to find anything for the hours that I am available. My living arrangement is pretty simple. I stay with my grandfather while I go to school. I help him with a lot of stuff around the house and with doctor appointments (eye appointments that work around my schedule at school). Travelocity has a grant for Earthwatch volunteers. So I am going to apply for it and hope that I can get the $5,000 grant. I don't know how many people apply for it but only 8 grants are given out each year. I know that I can set up an expedition fund through Earthwatch and people can make a tax-deductible donation (min. of $25) but I don't know what to do to get people to agree to make a donation. I did a wildlife education program for kids last summer but I didn't get that many kids. I also offered to do yard work but I only got a small response to that as well but the donations were quite large ($100+). While I was on the Mammals of Nova Scotia expedition I kept a detailed daily journal and took lots of pictures. Once I get the daily journal typed up and cd with a copy of the pictures I took on to it I am going to give the donors a copy of both the pictures and the daily journal. I'm just at a loss. I really enjoyed myself and would love to go on another expedition, perhaps to Brazil or South Africa. It's a great experience for me educationally and professionally (seeing that I am in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology), it is also a great way for me to give back and to do something that most other people can't or aren't interested or willing to do, especially if they are traveling to another country. What can I do to help raise money? Would people actually make a small donation (like a few dollars, not tax-deductible) to hear a talk about wildlife? Thanks. To Jayne - I have already seen that website. It's useful and I have already put some of those things into practice. I need more than those suggestions to help me get there. How can I get people to help when it seems no one will listen?
Community Service - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I run a non-profit called Compassion Network... we ran across a great fundraiser wher we could help people save up to75% on their prescritption medications with a free discout card (which we give to about 300 families we help each week) & they pey you 60 cents for each perscription that is used with the discount card. This is the link. http://www.freerxplus.com/FRP00809 Wiht they way the economy has been this program is helping us in a huge way. We get to continue to help others & we get a steady stream of income every month without having to ask people to dig into their ever shrinking wallets. When school starts again we will be giving them out at events at the Local Colleges to all the un-insured students. You could get the fundage you need & be someone elses hero at the same time.
2 :
You're not at a loss because you charted some great ideas that just need your enthusiasm behind them! Contact banks, electric utilities, air lines, and other groups who generate large quantities of green house gases. They have a vested interest in coloring their marketing green and might be quick to support you. Often times, companies match their employees donation or encourage them to volunteer for certain causes. You would also do well contacting The Nature Conservancy, state natural resource/environmental agencies, and local groups whose mission is stewardship of our habitat. Although they might not have a ready source of funding, they could offer proven strategies on fund raising. Good luck and keep your passion; our world needs every bit:)
3 :
Funding Your Volunteering Abroad Trip http://www.coyotecommunications.com/stuff/fundingabroad.html
