Ryan Johnson is the founder of Oceans Campus. Having built it into one of the world’s most renowned career development institutes for aspiring wildlife professionals, he has identified the many barriers to following a dream career

In this e–book, Ryan lays out solutions to one of the biggest challenges that a student could face when deciding to follow a career in wildlife; raising funds to participate in an internship (the easiest way to gain experience and populate a resume). Ryan regularly host wildlife documentaries for broadcasters including National Geographic and Discovery Channel and knows how to break down barriers when you want to follow your dream career. You can follow Ryan on Twitter: @ryan_johnson_kiwi

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1. Steps to successful fundraising

2. Identifying a program

3. Budget: How much will it cost?

4. Funding sources

5. Tips to cut out unnecessary costs

6. Technique tips 7. Fulfilling your duties.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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Program • IDENTIFY THE PROGRAM

Budget • MAKE A BUDGET

Sources

• IDENTIFY YOUR FUNDING SOURCES

Implement

• IMPLEMENT YOUR FUNDRAISING PLAN

Say thanks

• FULFILL COMMITMENTS TO FUNDERS

STEP by STEP Steps to successful fundraising

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• Finding the perfect program for you is an essential part of successful fundraising. Potential funding partners are going to judge you on your personal commitment to and passion for the program you are aiming to partake in. If you are genuinely passionate and committed, then funders will be far more willing to split with their hard earned cash.

• To find out how to find the perfect program for you, read: How to Choose the Perfect Internship for your Summer Break by recruitment specialist Lezanne Vermaak

PROGRAM Which program is for you?

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Determining how much money you will need is

essential for successful fundraising. Here are eight typical expenses you will have to budget for

• Tuition & program fees

• Medical & travel insurance

• Ground transportation

• Travel expenses (incl. recreational activities)

• Passport, visa and airport fees

• Return airfare

• Meals

• Lodging

BUDGET How much will it cost?

Budgeting tip. Research the country you are travelling to estimate local costs. The ‘Big-mac’ index is a great and fun resource to start this process

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The next essential step is to find potential sources

of funds that may aid you in your mission. These sources are varied, sometimes they are obvious, sometimes they are not. Some may be applicable to your unique situation, whilst other may not be.

I have put together a list of the 14 most common successful sources of funding for students.

FUNDING SOURCES Where is the money?

Funding hunt tip. The worst someone can do is say no, but they may also say yes. You will never know, unless you ask!

“15 reliable sources for funding individuals

on internship and volunteer program”

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One of the most effective ways

to do grassroots fundraising is by a letter campaign sent to as many relatives, friends, former teachers and professors, former co-workers, etc. as possible. Send a detailed letter explaining the program and what you hope to accomplish while you are on it.

Family & Friends #1

“YES, they want you to succeed in your dreams!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

One of your best support structures is to have the people closest to you act as your fundraising committee. Have them write letters on your behalf and distribute pledge forms to their co-workers, immediate family and good friends. The best fundraisers have even gone as far as to officially organize something like "The Committee to Send Julie to Japan" - which is personal, catchy, and shows you have organized support. It also shows that you are serious about participating in the volunteer program.

Form a support group #2

“Yes we can!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

A variation on numbers 1) and 2) is to

write special letters to close friends and relatives asking them to help you garner support. You should call them about this first, then send them a letter with a number of sponsorship forms, and ask them to recruit five to ten other sponsors for you.

The chain letter #3

“Don’t forget the power of social networks for online letters”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

A sale is a good way to sell

your unwanted possessions and gather support for your cause. You may want to combine a raffle at the site of the sale, or an auction, especially if there is a natural group that would support you in this endeavour (fraternity, workplace, church, club, etc)

The garage sale #4

“Big ticket items, sell online!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

College career, disability services, or

international study abroad centres and academic departments frequently have fellowship programs that grant money to students participating in innovative research projects or programs abroad, particularly if you are earning academic credit for the research.

Grants from your school #5

“If the program qualifies as counting towards school credit – then grant money is floating about!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Local businesses are far more likely to support you

than are large corporations. Check first with your town hall for any local scholarships. Visit the Chamber of Commerce for a list of local businesses and to see if they know of any opportunities. The key is to make a linkage between the owner of the business and you or someone close to you. You may want to approach businesses with a letter first, enclosing all relevant material and a pledge form, then follow up with phone call. Asking for $50 or more is not unusual. Be sure to follow up with a thank you note acknowledging their support.

Local business support #6

“Everyone loves helping a local kid follow their dream”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Take up a special collection at a religious service or a general meeting of other community groups, coordinated with the proper ministers/organization officers. It is important to educate the community about what you are doing before the collection is announced via written material in the bulletin and preferably featuring a personal appeal by you during the service/meeting.

Special collections #7

“The collection bowl still work! Or get high tech and try online crowd sourcing”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Go to your local church,

synagogue or mosque councils directly and ask for a specific amount ($50-$1000) in exchange for an informative presentation about your experience when you return..

Place of worship #8

“Thank you brother!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Civic groups such as Rotary, Lions, Elks,

certain Unions, special interest groups (like the Sierra Club or Returned Peace Corps Volunteers) might be interested in sponsoring you, especially if you can give them a special presentation when you return from overseas.

Community groups #9

“Supporting younger generations is close to the

heart of many such community groups” 16

FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Approaching your own employer is an often over-looked source of possible support. Even better is getting support from your co-workers. Another option is to ask parents or other family members to check at work and see if their company offers financial aid to relatives of workers.

Employer & Co-workers #10

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

Certain relatives many be able to lend you

more than they would be willing to just give you, as long as you agree to pay them back shortly after you return from the program.

Loans from relatives #11

“Remember – the quicker you pay it back, the more

likely they will support you in the future!” 18

FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

An announcement in a high-school or college alumni newsletter about what you are about to do, with a pitch for contributions, can be a good way to gain more support and touch base with long lost friends.

Letters to Alumni Associations

“High schools and colleges are great places to

connect with Alumni”

#12

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

There are hundreds of ways to throw a

fundraising party; just make sure you end up earning money, not losing. You may want to combine a raffle with the party to earn extra money. Sell raffle tickets ahead of time, and insist that people show up in order to win. Have people RSVP so that you have a good idea how much you will make before the party starts.

Fundraising Party #13

“Charity dinners are not just for Sting and Bono”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

This is a great way to get the neighbours and community involved in your cause. Ask local business if you can use their parking lots or store fronts to hold your event. Be sure to remind them of the extra business you will attract. Ask several friends or family members to help you on the actual day. Really advertise your event with posters, balloons, signs or anything that gets people's attention. Ask local radio stations or newspapers if they would be willing to announce this special event for you in trade for a free car wash. You can choose to charge your customers of simply ask for a donation; you might be surprised how generous people are!

Bake-sale or car-wash #14

“Get creative! but not too creative!”

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

10 more fundraising ideas

“Money is everywhere, get

crazy and creative”

• Organize a night of "benefit performances" by well-liked local talents.

• Wave all holiday and birthday gifts to request financial gifts instead.

• Ask family members to donate frequent flyer miles.

• Create a website! Try something on GoFundMe

• Decorate a few coffee cans and place them in high traffic areas (such

as local coffee shops!)

• Virtual network via social media platforms.

• Hold an auction. If you're artistic, showcase YOUR work!

• Have an ab-fab cake baking competition with prizes (high fives).

• Take a local celebrity "prisoner" and only release him when a certain

amount of $$ has been raised!

• Shave your head.

#BONUS

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FUNDING SOURCES: Where is the money?

• Location – small towns are usually a lot cheaper to stay at

compared to larger cities.

• Country - Consider the cost of living in non-traditional locations

(e.g. Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America) is often lower than

Western Europe, Australia etc.

• Insurance – Piggy-back on your parents’ travel and medical

insurance. Adding a family member is a lot cheaper than getting

a new short-term policy

• Reward benefits – join a reward program (frequent flyers,

credit card rewards) and reap benefits when making payments.

• Season – Many countries become significantly more expensive

during high season and very cheap out of season. Examine local

seasons and travel during the quiet times.

COST CUTTING A buck saved is a buck made

“Travel smart and save!” 23

• Don’t be afraid to ask - Most people / companies don’t give because people don’t ask them! Break this pattern and ask.

• Find commonality - Even if some of the people you ask don't know you personally, try to establish something in common with them, and they will feel a greater pull to give.

• Give publicity - Give recognition and publicity to all the companies who contributed.

• Get fired up – Enthusiasm is infectious, let your potential supporters feed off your enthusiasm!

• Make it easy to give – Ensure you have collection jars, bank details, PayPal options etc ready for your potential sponsors.

• Set a precedent – Let people know how much is good to give by setting a typical amount.

• Keep in contact: Always follow up with "thank you" letters (preferably hand written) and try to keep in touch with your supporters through email while you are abroad.

Technique tips! 7 Easy tips to success

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The reality is that most potential supporters that help you will

be willing to do so again. So don’t take it for granted or burn bridges by being thoughtless!

• If your sponsors have put in special requests (presentation on return, repayment of sponsorship etc.) then ensure you fulfil these commitments on your return.

• Even if your sponsors have not made special feedback requests, take the initiative to report on your expedition and the value it represented to you. A little gratitude does not cost anything and will demonstrate to your supporter that they made the right decision in backing you.

Say thank-you Follow up with your supporters

“Will you need support again in

the future?”

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Find out more about Oceans Campus Courses:

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For more information about Oceans Campus, please click on the links below: