FUNDING / SCHOLARSHIPS

UK

In the UK, there are various ways to fund your volunteer trip. Firstly, there are thousands of grant-making trusts in the UK. The best way to discover the different types of trusts, both nationally and regionally, is to visit your library and consult the following registers:

Nationally, you can refer to the "Directory of Grant Making Trusts," "The Grants Register" (published by Palgrave Macmillan), and the "Sponsorship Funding Directory" (published by Plymbridge Distributors Ltd), which provide updated registers and descriptions of foundations and trusts.

Regionally, you can search for guides such as "A Guide to Local Trusts in Greater London" (London), "A Guide to Local Trusts in the Midlands" (Midlands), "A Guide to Local Trusts in the North of England" (North of England), and "A Guide to Local Trusts in the South of England" (for the South of England). These guides should generally be available in your local library.

One noteworthy foundation that supports young individuals and their volunteering trips is "The Jack Petchey Foundation," which offers grants for young people aged 11-25, typically around £300. The Association of Charitable Foundations provides links to various trusts and foundation websites, and the Directory of Social Change offers various databases, such as "Grants for Individuals," where you can likely find suitable trusts.

Fundfinder offers a guide for writing letters of application, which can assist you in crafting a professional application to foundations. Additionally, the website provides details of trusts for both individuals and groups.

Another option worth exploring is Scholarship Search, which not only provides a vast database but also numerous useful links to websites related to scholarship opportunities. Scottish residents should visit the website of SCVO, which includes details of charitable trusts that may provide funding for individuals.

Apart from trusts and grants, there are other rewarding ways to finance your trip:

Seek individual sponsors: Approach family, friends, relatives, companies, and anyone who might be able to support you. Inform them about your project and goals. Create posters, reach out to your local newspaper or radio, utilize social networks, and utilize your school's newsletter.

Write presentation letters: Prepare presentation letters introducing yourself, your project, and your goals to local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring a volunteer trip. Offer them reports, presentations, talks, or other forms of compensation.

Organize fundraising events: Consider organizing events like marathons, concerts, or other activities that align with your interests and skills. Promote these events in your local newspaper and social networks to encourage participation.

Explore school or university support: Inquire about potential financial assistance from your school or university. They may have scholarship opportunities, grants for international experiences or specific projects, and valuable contacts. Most universities already provide information about grants and funding for international experiences on their websites.

USA and Canada

One of the most effective ways to fund your volunteer trip or internship abroad is not necessarily through a formal scholarship. Individual fundraising is often the best approach, which involves reaching out to people and organizations to request support, organizing fundraising events, promoting your specific project on social networks, and providing services in exchange for contributions from companies. Even bake sales can be effective ways to gather funds. When approaching people or organizations, you can, for example, offer to provide reports or presentations about your volunteer experience.

Rotary clubs, Kiwanis, religious organizations, and similar groups are well-known for providing informal support in exchange for reports and presentations on your accomplishments upon your return. Don't forget to explore support from relatives, friends, and family as potential sources of funding. You can also write letters to companies, presenting your project and goals, and offer something in return, such as a gift from the host country or regular updates.

Most importantly, spread the word about your planned stay and project abroad. Reach out to everyone you can think of for support, as these individuals may have contacts or ideas about potential sponsors or companies involved in fundraising.

Your school, college, or university can be valuable resources as well. Utilize school newsletters to promote your project, and inquire with your guidance counselor or student supervisor about possible financial assistance from your institution. They may have scholarship opportunities or grants available for students studying abroad. Many academic departments may also have budgets to support projects that can be integrated into academic courses. Colleges may offer funds for alumni service projects and may require a report about your stay for inclusion in the alumni journal. You can also offer educational talks about the country, your volunteer project, or your experiences in exchange for small contributions. Be creative, and, above all, don't hesitate to seek advice and explore opportunities. Most universities already provide useful information about funding programs for their students on their websites.

IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) is a valuable resource for finding various grant information for students wishing to study abroad. It offers numerous scholarship opportunities and grant listings. Another useful resource is "Foundation Grants to Individuals Online," which not only provides a list of foundations and scholarship opportunities but also allows you to search based on individual details that match your needs. The website regularly updates information on new and existing programs, offers search tips, and provides strategies for finding the right grant and much more. Please note that due to its extended services, you may need to register and pay a small fee to access the full range of services.

For Canadian volunteers, Yahoo! Canada offers a useful database with listings of foundations and trusts related to grants, funding, and scholarships.

Australia and New Zealand

One of the most effective approaches is to seek out individual sponsors. Reach out to a wide network that includes family, friends, relatives, and even companies that may be willing to support your cause. To garner their interest, provide them with comprehensive information about your project and your objectives. Consider creating eye-catching posters, reaching out to your local newspaper or radio stations, utilizing social media platforms, and leveraging your school's newsletter.

Craft persuasive presentation letters detailing your personal background, project, and objectives. Approach local businesses that might find value in sponsoring your volunteer trip and offer them incentives such as reports, presentations, or talks as a form of compensation.

Another productive and fulfilling method is organizing fundraising events. Consider hosting events like marathons or concerts that align with your vision. Publicize your event through your local newspaper, and don't hesitate to seek support from your local community to help organize these events. Encourage friends to actively participate and utilize your social networks to draw more participants. While organizing such events demands meticulous planning, the potential for effectiveness in the end is significant.

For funding / scholarships in Germany, Austria and Switzerland please refer to the German language version of this article.