Peace Villages Foundation

Funding Your Volunteer Vacation

To Give is to Receive

The idea of volunteer travel, whether around the world or the next town over, intrigues the hearts and sparks the ambitions of many. But so many of us simply assume that such opportunities will never be feasible. Perhaps it's the distance or fear of the unknown that makes us hesitate. Or perhaps the issue of money seems the most insurmountable.

The words, "I can't afford it" can destroy ideas and dreams. However, if you look more closely, you'll probably find that you really can afford your volunteer placement. Consider the following:
- As we are a local grass-roots organization, volunteering with Peace Villages is cheaper than volunteer programs run by volunteer sending organizations which charge expensive overheads to cover large international head offices.
- A large sum of money is surmountable when broken down into more manageable parts.
- Planning ahead and saving just a small amount each day could ensure enough capital to send you flying!
- Volunteering with the Peace Villages Foundation is priced fairly, and you will experience much more than you would on an average leisure vacation for the same price or more.
- Most importantly, you shouldn’t be put off of a dream simply because of money...

What about fundraising? You could solicit sponsors to help support your volunteer initiative! Tell people that you want to contribute your time, efforts, and heart to a necessary and worthwhile activity for the global community. Ask for their support.

Fundraising for Volunteering (tips from a former volunteer, Michael van Gogh, Holland)

When I first considered volunteering with the Peace Villages Foundation in Santa Elena, I found the cost daunting. But I convinced myself that somehow, I´d achieve it. I believe there is always a somehow for anything we really want to do.

Write a Solicitation Letter

I decided to write a fundraising letter to solicit sponsors for my volunteer trip. I called the solicitation "30 from 100" If I received just $30 from 100 people, the trip fee and airfare would be covered (other costs included immunizations, travel insurance, and spending money). I set a high goal in hopes of raising half or a quarter of that amount. I kept my request low ($30) because I thought it more economical and attractive to donors. I solicited foundations, local businesses, supermarkets, churches, organizations familiar with Tibet and a few individuals. And it worked!

Other Ways to Raise Money

In addition to a fundraising letter, there are other ways to raise money, including raffles, fundraising parties/dinners, bake sales, offering to give photos of your trip to donors upon return, and silent solicitations. Whatever your project, start as soon as possible. Give yourself enough time to organize, research and plan thoroughly. Remember to be patient and have faith!

Making Donors Feel Good Too

Fundraising is about awareness and community spirit. People want to take part in positive actions, and they will respond to a worthwhile cause if they can. Make sure to follow up with donors upon your return. Share your experiences and tell them how much their assistance helped make a difference for you and for the community in which you volunteered.

The Benefits of Fundraising for Volunteering

Challenging as it was, fundraising added another dimension to my experience. I increased awareness about the volunteering and cultural exchange. I also shared information about my volunteer program hosts and raised a significant amount of money. Donor support gave me confidence and encouragement, and filled me with a sense of compassion that I can now pass on to others.

My trip to Venezuela was life changing, and more so than I ever anticipated any trip could be. I passed fear and uncertainty and found ease and peace. I let go of everything and learned to "just be" with people who were very good at just being. I often cringe to think that money or fear could have stopped me. It is a challenge to pay back loans, pay off credit cards and save, but that challenge is a common part of Western life. I now continue to plan my next volunteer journeys.

Fundraising Resources

Fundraising - Institute of International Education                

Fundación Aldeas de Paz
Lomas de Piedra Canaima via Sampai, Santa Elena de Uairén,
La Gran Sabana, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela
Phone: 0058 - 289 - 4160820  Email: info@peacevillages.org
We are a registered charity: RIF J-30872287-1 (Vz)    

Copyright © 2009
Peace Villages Foundation