CFHI believes that our programs offer particpants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience global health, to develop themselves personally and professionally, and to learn about how cultural, financial, and geographic factors affect healthcare around the world. We've compiled this list of ideas on how to raise funds and support for your trip with CFHI. Let us know if you are successful in your efforts, of if you discover new/better fundraising tools that we can recommend to future CFHI participants.
Remember, the way you approach your donors is key. People want to help those who are doing good in the world…and you are! Keep the fact that you are raising money for a worthy cause in mind when you are asking for donations. Update donors about your experiences while abroad and make them feel connected and appreciated. People will respond positively, and you will reach your goal!
Firstgiving allows you to quickly and easily create your own personalized fundraising web page. You will be able to send family, friends and other prospective donors, such as local businesses, a link to a personalized web page describing the CFHI program and your participation. Photos and a detailed message about your goal help create a sense of community with your donors.After you are accepted to a CFHI program you can get started on Firstgiving's CFHI program-specific page. Click here for tips on how to write an effective fundraising letter to drive donors to your page.
The Firstgiving site tracks donations made on your behalf, clearly indicating the amount raised so far and amount needed to reach your goal. Donors simply click on the link to make a donation, and the funds are transferred directly to CFHI. Two thank you notes are then generated automatically: a personal one from you and a general one from CFHI including CFHI’s tax ID information and details about how the donation will be used CFHI's Firstgiving Terms of use. In addition, you may also use Facebook, or other social networking tools to create an event or post information to inform people you are fundraising and provide a link to your Firstgiving page.
CFHI offers scholarships for Spring and/or Fall CFHI programs, depending on yearly budget. For current scholarship information visit CFHI's Scholarship Page or join our Facebook & Twitter pages for scholarship announcements.
Write a short speech that you can address to your classmates, community-members, religious group, or other groups in which you take part. Explain your reasons for attending a CFHI program, and let them know your fundraising goal .
Ask people to donate airline miles for your trip (international round-trip flights usually require 35,000 miles or more)
Ask friends or relatives if they know people who work for an airline who might have airline passes to share.
Ask donors about their employer’s matching gift programs
Host an event that will sponsor your trip… contact a club, a bar, or a restaurant, and ask that they share profits with you in exchange for bringing in business.Stores or restaurants connected to your program country may be more inclined to help out. If you are a regular at a local coffee shop or restaurant, talk to the manager about ways they could help out, like leaving a jar out soliciting donations on your behalf. Former employers are a great place to start!
E-bay! If you have clothes, games, electronics, instruments, or any other extra items that you don’t want, sell ‘em!If they don’t sell on E-bay, you could also try going to local resale shops. Every bit counts!
Write a letter asking friends and family for help. Promise to create an interactive blog or website so donors can track your experiences and see how their money contributed to it.
Take your talent to the streets!If you play an instrument, give a fundraising performance, or if you enjoy arts and crafts, sell your goods! Or hire yourself out for odd jobs, including gardening, mowing neighbors’ lawns, babysitting, or typing friends’ papers.
Throw a fundraising party. Get donations from local companies and organizations to cover food, drinks, and party favors so that all donations may go towards your fees.Remember to write thank you notes to any organizations that donate!
Submit a short story to local or campus newspaper about your trip, why you are going and your need for financial help.
Contact Alumni Associations of your high schools, universities, etc. to see if they may be able to contribute.
Appeal to local community-based organizations for financial support-- Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, Minority/cultural affairs groups, etc.
There may be funding available that you are not aware of for students to participate in international programs with established organizations such as CFHI. Remember that CFHI is happy to communicate with faculty in your University’s Financial Aid department to provide them with any documentation they require to help fund your global health program.
Go to campus advisors, the travel/study abroad office, career center, and your Department chair for ideas, support, and connections. Visit departmental offices and websites to check out the scholarships and grants they offer; many times these kinds of opportunities go untapped, so be persistent in your search! Get involved in your campus’s Global Health group, which may have resources available for you. In addition, you may consider asking professors, coaches, and other advisors whom you are close with for help. Remember, you may use your classes and classmates as resources too!
Visit the FoundationCenter or nonprofit libraries in your area. Find your local foundation center via the Foundation Center website. They offer Foundation Grants to Individuals Online - a unique online database that offers detailed descriptions of foundation grant programs that award support directly to students, academic researchers, educators, and other individual grant seekers.
Disclaimer: The information above includes links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and/or private organizations. We are providing these links, information, and resources solely for our users' information and convenience. CFHI does not explicitly endorse any of these organizations and are not responsible for their views, products or services offered.
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