Greenheart Travel

Tag: Fundraising

  • Ways to Save & Make Money for Travel in 2019

    Ways to Save & Make Money for Travel in 2019

    You have probably been told that a great way to save money is to stop buying a daily coffee, or cancel your Spotify subscription, or something along the lines of giving up small luxuries.  And while that’s nice advice on how to save a little cash, it’s a bit condescending to hear that you could afford your dream life if only you didn’t buy avocados.  If you clicked on this post, you probably already follow all of that basic advice out there and are looking for some more insight on how to substantially save money to go abroad.

    We have written extensively about ways to fundraise, but you’re probably going to have to pay for the bulk of your travels on your own. To be as straightforward as possible, making and saving money is hard. There is no “get rich quick” and funding your travels takes more than buying generic over name brand groceries. Let’s dive into unique ways to save and make money in 2019.

    A few things about money management:

    • Saving money means living below your means: This means cutting out things that you could otherwise afford.
    • Know your budget: You have to know where every dollar is going in order to effectively reconstruct your budget. Don’t have a budget? Make one.
    • Understand there will be sacrifices and know what they are: Cutting costs means losing convenience, time, and experiences. Choosing to take public transport over Uber means having a longer commute.  Not eating at restaurants might mean feeling left out of group dinners. Remind yourself of why you are cutting back and remember what you will be gaining.
    • It might take a while: Saving, especially little by little, takes a very long time.
    • Know what you need: You might need to save up more money than you think. Prepare for the maximum amount you think you’ll need.
    • Be realistic with yourself: If you are not in the financial position to go abroad right now, it’s better to wait. We do not advise anyone to go into debt in order to go abroad.

    Now on to the advice.

    High School Abroad in the Netherlands

    Adopt the Minimalist Lifestyle

    Minimalism isn’t just a trend, it’s a great way to be sustainable and save a significant amount of money. You can do it in small or big ways, whatever works for you. There’s a huge community of minimalists out there, so you’ll have plenty of resources. And when someone asks why you don’t buy paper towels or shaving cream, you can just say you’re a minimalist. Plus, it will prepare you for how life might be while abroad. You’ll be surprised by how many things you can live without.

    Download a Budgeting App

    Need some motivation? There are great apps that make saving feel like a game. Some of the most popular ones are Mint, Wally, and the subtly named, “You Need a Budget.” Everyone has their preferences, so do a bit of research and figure out which is right for you. If you prefer to keep it simple, just jot down everything you spend in your notes app to help keep track.

    Get a Credit Card with Travel Perks

    It’s more popular than ever to get a credit card because of the flyer miles. You can feel good that every time you DO buy something, it will also support that flight to Bangkok, or wherever it is you want to go. Look into which one is right for you.

    The Envelope System

    On the other hand, skip credit cards altogether and use the Envelope System. Greenheart Travelers have used this method to save $20,000 in two years! You can read more how it on their blog, but the basics are that you set aside your budget for the month in cash, and you break up that cash into envelopes based on categories, like food or transportation. Once the cash is gone, that’s it. It’s is great for people who tend to go a little crazy with debit or credit cards because the method doesn’t let you overspend.

    Get a Side Hustle

    This is something that will give you a boost of cash inflow, ideally without taking up too much of your time. Are you an artist? Upload your work on Society6. Great with kids? Sign up for Care.com. Know basic technology? Tutor those who are not as hip. Identify a skill you already have and learn how to make money from it.

    Stop Buy New Clothes

    Love fashion but can’t swing new threads? Opt for secondhand clothes at thrift stores and resell stops (there are a lot of great ones online). Not only is this a money-saver, it’s a whole sustainable movement that rejects fast fashion. That thing that is trendy right now will not be in 5 months, so you’re better off without it anyway.

    Volunteers in Thailand cooking food together

    Cut the Cost, Keep the Experience

    Find solutions to money guzzling activities without losing the part that actually makes you happy. For example, most money-saving lists will tell you to stop eating at restaurants (and they are right), BUT if you are someone who values meals with friends, this may tank your social life. Instead, host a potluck, eat ahead of time, set your budget for the night, or ask to eat at a budget-friendly place. The point is that you are not putting yourself in the position where you feel isolated, because then it is hard to remember why you are saving up in the first place.

    Learn the Respectful Way to Ask for Donations

    No one is obligated to give you money to go abroad, but if you do set up a GoFundMe, Kickstarter or whatever, learn the protocol for how to say thank you.  Most people who give money want to know where it is going, so make sure to explain your program and what you will be doing in detail. It is also nice to allow them to feel like they are a part of your adventures, so provide them some sort of documentation, like a monthly email blast, blog, or videos. And postcards or handwritten notes go a long way! We’ve written more about this subject here.

    The Bottom Line

    There is no easy way to get a lot of money really quickly. You will have to make sacrifices, make an effort, and make-do without. It’s hard when the payoff doesn’t happen right away, but when you finally hit that goal, the reward feels that much better.

  • 3 Steps to Fundraising for Your Travel Adventure

    3 Steps to Fundraising for Your Travel Adventure

    So you want to embark on the travel experience of a lifetime, but don’t have a stockpile of cash lying around? No worries! We will give you tips and tools to mobilize your personal network and help make your overseas adventure a reality. 

    While daydreaming about your travel destination is a helpful motivator, to really achieve your travel goals requires a plan. Below is an outline of how to get started in your fundraising efforts. 

    Step 1: Setting Your Fundraising Goal and Plan

    The first step to starting your fundraising journey is setting a fundraising goal. This goal is determined by how much money you will need to fundraise in order to make your trip a reality. Before establishing your goal, you will need to begin by assessing the amount of funding you personally can contribute to your program. Once you know the cost of the program and your personal contribution, you can calculate your fundraising goal. Don’t forget to consider the price of a flight and any additional costs like food to make sure you are financially secure during our time abroad.

    ICost of Greenheart Travel Program + Additional Expenses )- Funding You Already Have = Fundraising Goal

    After you have established your fundraising goal it is time to create a timeline of when you will need your travel funds. Work backwards on a timeline to achieve your fundraising goals that meet your ideal departure date.

    Consider Supportive Communities in Your Network

    With your timeline and goal in mind, you can start to assess what communities you can reach out to for support. It is important to remember that fundraising takes time and you will likely need to reach out to various groups at different times to meet the full fundraising amount.

    A few questions you can use to discover what networks you belong to outside of friends and family are:

    • Do you attend a school that will allow you to fundraise for personal needs?
    • Are you part of a sports team or extracurricular group?
    • Are you part of a religious community?
    • Do your parents have friends or colleagues who are interested in supporting you?

    Write down the groups of people you can reach out and the contact information for individuals within those groups. Start thinking about the best time to host an event, or speak to these communities. 

    Step 2: Making the Most of Local Resources

    Now that you have outlined your fundraising goal, timeline, and supportive communities, it is time to start determining how you will raise the money needed for your travels. There are two main ways for you to have your networks support you in meeting your fundraising goal: direct solicitation and events.

    Asking your communities for financial support can seem daunting, but by using the tips below it can be both a great learning experience and an opportunity to share your story and possibly inspire future travelers to meet their personal goals as well. 

    First Approach: Straight Up Asking For Financial Support

    This fundraising approach is often called direct solicitation, and requires reaching out to people who are part of your community via email, letter, recorded video, phone call, or face-to-face interactions and asking them directly to make a donation. This approach might be more nerve-wracking than an event, and is best used for individuals that you feel especially connected to such as family members and friends.

    In your individual appeal letter or conversation you will need to including the following information:

    • A little bit about yourself and why you are reaching out to this person
    • What travel program you have chosen and why you think it is impactful on your future
    • Your fundraising goal (be specific! If you need $2,000 by August say it!)
    • How the funds will be used
    • A direct ask of them to contribute to your goal
    • How they can donate to you (cash, check, GoFundMe website)
    • A thank you to them for being part of your community and supporting you through your life journey

    You can use this sample letter to tailor your own direct solicitation.

    Second Approach: Hosting a Fundraising Event

    Having a fundraising event is a fun way to raise money for your Greenheart Travel program abroad. Generally, these events are informal, provide some service or good in exchange for a donation, and can involve many community members at the same time.

    A few ways to easily mobilize your community are through the following events:

    • Car Wash
    • Bake Sale
    • Yard Sale
    • Community fundraising at a restaurant
    • Create a community cookbook and sell it
    • Host a field day or game night and charge a fee for people to participate

    Consider thinking about what events your community would be most likely to get involved in. In addition, it is important to think about your overall goal when choosing which event to have.

    For instance, if you need to raise $4,000 but are having a bake sale with 50 items at $2.00 a piece, plus additional donations, you are likely to make only $300.00. It is also important to consider the costs of hosting these events. A yard sale would require your family and friends giving up items to be sold for your cause, a car wash requires time from people willing to help you wash the cars, and a bake sale requires money to buy the baking materials.

    An event doesn’t necessarily have to be in a physical location. If you have a large network spread out across the country, it might also be helpful to create an online fundraising campaign that you promote through word of mouth and social media.

    The following platforms make raising money via a social media campaign easy, but be aware of the fees they charge:

    The best approach to raising your funds will likely be a combination of direct solicitation, events and online outreach. Consider directly reaching out to those in your life who you know are willing to donate and have a close relationship with you, while using the events to engage the broader community in your network.

    Appreciate Various Forms of Support

    Keep in mind that there are many reasons people might not donate to your cause, and don’t take it personally or negatively. If someone isn’t able to support your fundraising efforts financially, perhaps they can help spread the word about your online campaign or event. 

    Sometimes, it is a matter of following up, especially with online fundraising. With so many emails and social media feeds that compete for our attention, a friendly reminder or check-in might be all that is needed to start seeing your fundraising efforts succeed. No matter what, always thank your community for their support of your journey, regardless of if they can provide money to finance it.

    Part 3: How to Thank Your Supporters

    It is very important that you thank everyone who gave money to provide you with the experience of a lifetime! In addition to saying “thank you” immediately to anyone who made a contribution to your program, it is a good idea to follow up with an additional thank you once you return from your travels as well.

    Here are some creative ways to show your community you appreciate their support:

    • Send a postcard or an e-card with a personalized message and photo from your travels
    • Make a video while on your program and include a thank you at the end of it to those who donated
    • Give a social media shout out to those who impacted your trip
    • Post a group picture of fundraising events and tag those who attended
    • Take a photo series while abroad with a “Thank You” sign and make a gratitude collage

    In an age where everything seems to be online, never underestimate the power of a hand-written thank you note. While photos, videos and travel montages are exciting, being able to say a personal and genuine “thanks” to show your appreciation is priceless.

    Get Organized in How You Will Say “Thanks” Before You Leave

    Plan ahead for your thank you ideas so you can be sure to get the footage or photos you need while abroad. However you choose to show gratitude, remember the impact that this experience had on you and the generous friends and family that used their time and resources to make it a reality.

    Alongside personal thank you notes and gratitude collages, it is also worth considering giving a presentation once you return. By sharing what you have learned about a culture, language and yourself, you can inspire and educate your community. You can also use this opportunity to say thank you to groups or local organizations that helped you fundraise or your travels.

    Showing gratitude for all the support you’ve had in reaching your goal is important, but don’t forget to give yourself a high-five as well. You are on your way to a life-changing travel adventure through your hard work and fundraising efforts!

  • How the Simple Act of Saving, Rather Than Spending, Can Help You Travel Abroad

    How the Simple Act of Saving, Rather Than Spending, Can Help You Travel Abroad

    My favorite subject in high school was French, and when I learned there was a 10-day trip to France I could join it was all I could think about. It was really rare for people to go anywhere in my hometown of Lansing, MI, and my parents weren’t willing to pay for this trip (although they were super loving and supportive of me going!).

    Instead of giving up, I learned all about the opportunity, the program prices, how much spending money I would need and then spent the next year or so, working and saving EVERY penny! This wasn’t a get-rich-quick job opportunity. I bagged groceries at a store near my house where I walked to work, and built up a network of families that would hire me to babysit.

    Looking back on it, I’m not sure how I juggled my schoolwork and jobs, although it didn’t seem difficult at the time. Maybe when you are working towards something great, you just somehow fit it all in.

    In the end, my hard work paid off and I was able to save enough and got to France.

    Of course, I couldn’t stop traveling after that and I learned from this experience that usually, if you put your mind to something, you can make it happen. It seems like a basic lesson to learn, but what I also took away is if you don’t spend money on things, your savings add up!

    In this case, I always used my savings for an adventure abroad, and travel is much more satisfying than having things.

    I know it is intimidating to consider a study abroad program, or any travel experience, especially when you see the price. I assure you there are many ways to afford this and don’t give up. You are making in investment in your future, in experiences that will help you grow and develop and will offer you countless, happy memories.

    If you can babysit or get a job, awesome! Now, every time you get paid – put it in the bank.  It sounds so simple but seriously, just don’t spend it or spend as little as possible and you will see your account grow and grow. It’s a good feeling and the more you save, the easier it is!

    A second option to help pay for your travels is fundraising. If you plan far enough ahead and try every approach, you will be able to add to your travel savings. You can start a fundraising website, reach out to family/friends, and get creative! Quite a few Greenheart Travel high school students successfully saved money and fundraised for their programs and are also great resources for ideas.

    Here are a few of our participants that made the commitment to travel abroad:

    • Maddy Crowell fundraised her program fee to study in Ireland, by making and selling necklaces.
    • Hannah Patzer worked at the Milwaukee Art Museum to help pay for your study abroad program in Sweden.
    • Jaime Gastelle used her painting skills to crowd source and fund raise for her program in Italy.

    It takes a lot of time and determination to commit to studying abroad, but with enough passion and patience your hard work and discipline will pay off. Every Starbuck’s coffee you don’t buy at home can go toward your savings for travel, and sipping a latte in a new country is always more fun.