FUNDING YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

There are many organizations and individuals willing to donate money to humanitarian efforts like volunteering abroad. Although fund raising takes time, it is a helpful way to pay for a volunteer opportunity abroad. Being creative and utilizing all available resources are important for raising funds. And, remember donations given to you for your program fees and other costs are generally tax deductible for US and Canadian tax purposes.

There are numerous resources to explore, here are a few:

Individual Donations

Write letters to all your family, relatives, family friends, peers, teachers, co-workers, and mentors. Inform your potential donors of the volunteer program you are participating in and its importance. You may want to offer to give donors a presentation of your experience when you return home. You may be surprised at how giving these individuals can be.

Host an Event

Inspire through education. Organize a party related to Africa. Educate guests about Uganda, the needs of the people living there and how your volunteer program will help them. If possible, serve traditional African food and play African music. Encourage them to donate to your cause. Get Creative!

Your College/University

Many former volunteers received grants from their college or universities for their program fees. If you are a student, contact the abroad and financial aid offices or any other relevant departments at your college and inquire about grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid that they offer.

Churches and other Charities

Churches and other charities are good sources. Previous volunteers have received assistance from their churches. Many churches support missionary programs and may assist you through their program. Others, who cannot afford to have full-time missionary programs but do want to support those who are working in developing countries, may help you. They may support you by direct church support, or ask their members to support you. United does not support any particular religion, but welcomes volunteers from all faiths.

Many charities will give grants to support programs of other registered charities; this could help you in Canada and the US.

Local Businesses and Banks

A local newspaper can feature a story about your volunteer program and solicit assistance from the entire community. Most banks have outreach programs that support charities and other causes. They may give you a direct grant or ask their customers to give you support.

Scholarship Websites and Libraries

There are hundreds of websites and books you can research that offer grants for various programs. Some of these websites are Princeton review: www.review.com, www.scholarships.com, www.collegeboard.com, www.fastweb.com. Books include; A Students Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Funding Publications in International Education and other Disciplines, The International Scholarship Book, or Fulbright and Other Grants for Graduate and Research Study Abroad.