Countdown to ASVA: Crowd-Funding / Fundraising your Tuition?

You might be struggling with paying your way to Hong Kong, but as a social entrepreneur you shouldn’t straight away give up, but use your creativity, network and entrepreneurial mindset to fundraise your way to Hong Kong!

The truth is that a large sum of money is surmountable when broken down into more manageable parts. Plus, Planning ahead and saving just a small amount each day could ensure enough capital to send you flying!

The first thing you need to do is decide what you are going to be fundraising for. Some people simply want to cover the cost of their placement, others want to pay for their flights and yet more want to raise money to buy vital resources for their chosen project. What you’re raising money for will influence how much money you want to raise and how you conduct your fundraising efforts so it’s important that you know this before you start planning.

Expenses you might want your fundraising to include: • Delegate fee • Flights  • Visa costs • Hotel costs

Share your passion
You’re participation in the Asia Social Venture Academy will not only develop your skills and knowledge but also your community as you comitt to a pledge upon your return home. This kind of passion and real program implementation will give real weight to your fundraising efforts, so make sure you keep it in mind at all times.

Networking is key
Make a list of everyone you know and think about how they might be able to help with your fundraising efforts. You’ll be surprised at how useful friends and family can be, so spread the word and let them help you out. Remember, you’re not just looking for donations and favours, a little good advice can go a long way as well!

Do your sums
Estimating how much you need from each donor will allow you to ask for specific donations and will give your donors a benchmark to work by. This can make your fundraising efforts a whole lot more effective and you’ll know that every donation has taken you one step closer to your ultimate goal.

Be professional
It’s important that you maintain a smart, professional image throughout your fundraising efforts (especially if you are trying to raise funds from people or companies that you are not personally acquainted with). Once you’ve booked your project you can use official logos and images from i-to-i*. When possible don’t use email addresses like “girlycat@hotmail.com opt for something more professional with a lesser known provider.

Make it personal
Make sure your potential donors know details about the Asia Social Venture Academy, the effect that this will have on you and the reason why your help is so desperately needed. Also share with them your pledge, so that donors are aware what impact your participation will have on your community. This will help them to understand why you are raising money and will involve them on a personal level.

Always say thank you
Don’t forget to thank your donors. This is just as important as asking for money. Not only is it polite, it is good business. It is also an effective way of making donors feel good about supporting your project.

Ideas to Get You Started on Fundraising:
1.Make a fundraising leaflet you can pass out to help spread the word, make sure to explain the benefits of your participation to your community
2. Write personal letters to family and friends
3. Approach your local media and see if they will cover your story
4. Hold fun events and charge a small admission fee
5. Explore local foundations to possibly donate some part of the expenses

More good ideas for fundraising your way to Hong Kong: http://www.i-to-i.com/docs/fundraisingguide.pdf