Finding fuding for my volunteer trip to Tanzania?

Question

I'm located in Ontario, Canada, and I deperately need to raise more money for my trip before I go so that I could reach the $4000 cost. I have tried getting money off of students and going door to door, but they had weak results.

Now, I would like to get some grants from non-profit organizations or even corporate sponsors. Unfortunately I do not have the means to find them. Since the organization I am going under is a registered charity, donations are fully tax deductible. I don't mind wearing corporate sponsor's logos, if necessary.

Answer 1

Most cities have service clubs  Lions Rotary Kinsmen  etc.  Check them out on the web

Answer 2

If you really want to go, and really went door-to-door anyways, why not ask people if you could rake their lawns or wash their windows, painting.  Ask local businesses if you can help them in any way.  People might see how determined you are and that you are a worker, not just looking for hand-outs.

I hate to be insensitive, but the $4000 can be earned by doing work, and it'll look so good on you.  Spread the word that you are looking for odd jobs, will mow lawns... etc. and that employing you goes towards a good cause, they can pay you with a cheque going directly to the charity, so you don't use it.

Answer 3

Your question was sooooooooo long!!!! got bored reading it!

Answer 4

Raising funds for charity is not an easy task. You are competing with many other charities out there that are much more organized. They go door-to-door, they advertize, they collect money in the local Canadian Tire, etc.

There is nothing easy about this, but I would look at going to local businesses and promote yourself. The goal is to find a business or two that are willing to put up the funds to get you to Tanzania. To do this, they must see the benefits that it will give to their business. For example, if you have a local bookstore or internet cafe, you can offer to promote their services at your school, along with setting up an internet blog (Sponsored by So-And-So Books on Main Street) that details your daily exploits in Tanzania (like an online diary) and gives details about life there compared to in Canada.

You can include pictures and make it a full project that makes them look good locally for sponsoring a student in their area, as well as something that people may be interested in coming in to see at their shop.

McDonald's, Tim Horton's, Walmart, and other retail chains also have budgets that allow them to sponsor local people and is promoted by the franchise. It does not hurt to ask the managers in those places.

Just remember that you are a salesmen and trying to pitch not a product, but rather yourself and what you can give back to them in exchange for a corporate sponsorship.

Many businesses are willing to give corporate gifts away to local golf tournaments for their charity events. What you need to impress on them is that a check as small as $250 could help you reach your goal and they would benefit. Even if it was just a picture of you in Tanzania with locals wearing t-shirts that have the local business name across the front, they can say that they helped provide clothing for poor underprivileged children in Africa.