Your Ultimate FUNDRAISING GUIDE
Your Journey Starts Now
Are you ready to start your exciting fundraising journey? We’ve got you covered with Your Ultimate Fundraising Guide.
And that’s not all. You can access more fundraising resources anytime on your Traveller Gateway. Packed full of handy tools, it’s been put together to help you get the most out of your fundraising efforts.
Your Traveller Gateway is your online resource. You can access the following:
Fundraising Downloads
Expedition Information
Payment Information
Stuck for more inspiration?
Our friendly fundraising team members are always ready to give you a hand – drop them an email or give them a call!
We have heaps of success stories and monthly inspiration to share – keep an eye out for your monthly newsletter.
You’re not alone in this. Every year, thousands of students like you smash their fundraising goals for their expeditions.
Your Quick Ways to get Started
Don’t know where or how to start your fundraising journey? Here is an easy win just for you:
You can find your ‘How to Get Started Guides’ on your Traveller Gateway
GoFundMe is your go-to crowdfunding page. Set up your page in 5 quick steps then share your GoFundMe fundraiser on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, via email or even QR codes and embed widgets!
Camps International is a social enterprise so make sure you set up your account under the ‘Education’ category not ‘Charity’.
Contact your local press to get your story and fundraising link in the media too!
Start your social media accounts
Another great place to start is by creating some social media accounts to document your fundraising journey. We’ll go into more detail on social media later in this guide, but it’s always good to get the accounts set up so you can spread the word about your expedition!
Check our our blog!
We created a blog full of social media fundraising inspiration from other traveling students. Check it out by scanning the barcode here.
“Imagine how elated you will feel, knowing that your own determination and hard work helped you raise funds for your expedition.”
Your Story, Your Why
Here at Camps, we pride ourselves in knowing that we are making a positive impact to the people that need it most, the wildlife and the planet we live on. Being part of your expedition team means you’ll be able to be a part of this incredible work. You should be proud of the impact you’ll be making on expedition so why not shout about it to everyone you know?
Use the Camps Project Report to highlight the incredible projects you will be getting involved in.
Here are some of the sustainable projects you might get involved with. All linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Typical projects you will be contributing to
Borneo
Village Improvement works to improve the facilities of the local growing community.
Habitat Conservation involving activities to help safeguard wildlife.
Tackling deforestation.
Ecotourism and recycling initiatives.
Cambodia
Building wells to provide drinking water and water for irrigation.
Building toilets to provide better sanitation for the community.
Working on school improvement projects to create inspirational and stimulating learning environments.
Building chicken coops for food security.
Taking part in regeneration work.
Constructing village clay water pots to maximize water collection.
Costa Rica
Supporting conservation efforts such as regeneration.
Contributing to projects to encourage eco-tourism in the area.
Supporting community development such as constructing a special educational needs centre and a community playground.
Supporting local NGO on projects such as monitoring biodiversity, building bird boxes and supporting primate conservation.
Ecuador
Community development through activities such as constructing a neighbourhood recreational area, improving school infrastructure or sanitation facilities.
Tackle the issue of waste in the natural environment, by participating in beach clean ups and working on rubbish management projects.
Amazon rainforest generation - assisting with important environmental projects, collecting saplings and replanting trees in the jungle.
Kenya
Working on school improvement projects to create inspirational and stimulating learning environments.
Building or renovating traditional houses to support community development.
Initiatives to provide a peaceful existence between humans and
wildlife such as building elephant deterrent fences to safeguard the future of these incredible animals.
Regeneration work and wildlife monitoring.
Peru
Renovating houses and constructing toilet blocks.
Community development projects which could include anything from school improvements and construction to building community centres.
We are also exploring opportunities for regeneration with high-altitude trees.
Tanzania
Working on school improvement projects to create inspirational and stimulating learning environments.
Building or renovating traditional houses for the homeless, elderly or disabled.
Initiatives to provide a peaceful existence between humans and
wildlife such as improving natural waterholes or building elephant deterrent fences to safeguard the future of these incredible animals.
“I love that this whole experience is running alongside my Business Studies class. It really is bringing the learning in the classroom to life in such a practical way. I feel that I have gained invaluable life experience and hope it will help me run a business in the future”.
WILLIAM - TRAVELING STUDENT, COSTA RICA 2022
Your Turn to Fundraise
With these Tried and Tested Ideas
1. Bake Sales
Who doesn’t like a treat or two? Our number one tried and tested idea is to get baking. Theme it with a food genre or team it with a special world food day or sports event. The key is knowing what your tasty products will be before planning your bake sale – this will give you a focus to base your ideas on.
Theme it
Get creative with these theme ideas:
Healthy Bakes – Think sugar free, gluten free, chocolate free or vegan. Add nutritional facts and sell in bite size pieces to encourage people to try a selection of ‘healthier’ treats.
Breakfast Bakes – Muffins, homemade protein bars or croissants for breakfast on the go.
Celebratory Holiday Bakes –Take advantage of key holidays and celebrations around the world such as Valentines Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.
Team it
Alongside a special world food celebration day:
• Pie Day | January
• Pancake Day | February
• Plant Power Day | March
• International Carrot Day | April
• World Chocolate Day | July
• International Coffee Day | October
• National Cake Day | November
2. Yard Sales
Channel your inner Martha Stewart and try your hand at baking for those special occasions.
Baking dog biscuits or making birdseed bombs or wreaths are alternative ideas to baking cakes!
Collect unwanted items from friends, family and neighbors and sell at your local yard sale or join a community garage sale. Clothes, books and toys are all good yard sale staples.
Check it out. Scout out the best and busiest spots before you commit to taking a pitch.
Pack the night before so you don’t forget anything as you rush out the door before sunrise.
Take plenty of change, some eco-carrier bags and weatherappropriate clothing.
Arrive an hour before the advertised start time.
Clearly price your items. Do a bit of research to make sure you are getting the price right.
Get a friend to come along to help you, so you can take a break when needed and for some company.
Have a laugh and enjoy the experience.
3. Corporate Sponsorship
Businesses love to support a good cause – whether it is a monetary donation or giving goods/services as a raffle prize. Alternatively, appeal to companies by offering them some free publicity on your t-shirt and the chance to be recognized as supporting a worthy cause.
Don’t forget to acknowledge any sponsorships and follow the advice below:
• Be clear about your cause.
• Think local when approaching businesses.
• Highlight the benefits for the company you are approaching for sponsorship.
• Say ‘Thank you’.
Make sure you talk about the reason behind the sponsorship, lean into the storytelling and the reasons you’re going. It makes your pitch much more human!
“It taught me about how to professionally approach businesses, create invoices and use spreadsheets to track progress.”
SAM – TRAVELING STUDENT, KENYA 2023
Securing T-Shirt Sponsorship
Step 1: Create a sample t-shirt design showing your color and layout options.
Step 2: Decide on sponsorship packages and offer small, medium and large logo options.
Step 3: Research a list of local companies you would like to approach.
Step 4: Write an email explaining ‘Your Story’ and ‘Your Why’ to encourage businesses to support you. Don’t forget you can contact Camps HQ for a ‘Confirmation of Travel Letter’ to attach to your email.
Step 5: Select a printing company and ask if they will print your t-shirt/s for free or at a discounted rate.
Using a professional printing company?
Download the Vector Logos (file name ends in .eps) from your Traveller Gateway.
Please note that these are examples of the official logos to use in your fundraising activities.
4. Events
Hosting an event is an excellent way to raise larger sums of money towards your fundraising goal. It takes planning, so think about hosting one/two big events to complement other fundraising activities. Don’t be afraid to get your family and friends to help you.
What kind of event?
The possibilities are endless, from trivia nights and sports competitions to fashion displays, parties and music-filled evenings.
Where
to host?
Consider locations such as community halls, gardens, restaurants, pubs, sports clubs or school halls.
Don’t forget to negotiate the venue cost, explaining your cause could lead to potential discounts or even a free venue!
When
to host?
Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween or national holidays are ideal times. However, be aware of local events to avoid any scheduling conflicts.
View your yearly calendar in this guide and on your Traveller Gateway.
Who to invite?
More guests usually mean more fun and funds! You could tailor your event to target specific groups like sports clubs, local community groups or businesses.
How much will it cost?
Budgeting is crucial. Communicating your cause may help you secure discounts. Consider setting up and cleaning up the venue yourself to save on expenses.
Here’s a simple roadmap to get you going:
• Choose your event and set a date.
• Secure the venue.
• Consider adding a theme for a fun twist.
• Make a list of what you need.
• Advertize your event.
• After the event, recycle as much as you can.
5. Community Services
Offer your time to friends, family and neighbors to complete odd jobs in exchange for money. This could become a weekly or monthly activity and earn regular income towards your expedition.
No cash? Ask for money to be donated to your crowdfunding page.
A list of ideas of services you can offer around the community:
• Pet Sitting
• Gardening Activities
• Dog Walking
• Painting/Decorating
• Housework
• Window Cleaning
• Car Washing
• Tutoring
Your Fun - draising
Fundraising can be a little daunting as there is so much you can do; the hardest part sometimes can be deciding where to start. Just remember to make sure you keep the FUN in fundraising and consider doing something you love.
Here are some ideas:
Are you sporty?
Consider doing a sponsored swim, run, cycle or hike. Keep it interesting and let people know your goal.
Are you creative?
Think about making cards for key holidays, selling your paintings, Macramé crafts or jewelery.
A performer?
Busk* or sing/play at special events. You could even consider putting together a Christmas song for monetary donations.
* Make sure you check the byelaws or rules you must observe with your local authority.
Stuck for ideas? Download the A-Z Fundraising Ideas list.
Challenge seeker?
Pick a challenge that will push you out of your comfort zone. Whether this is skydiving, hiking, wall/rock climbing or kayaking.
Nature lover?
Consider keeping your local community, countryside, waterways and oceans clean by doing sponsored litter picking. Or put your woodwork to good use and make bird boxes or pollinator homes.
Issy raised money for her fundraising through completing 36 sponsored litter picks, collecting 287.93kg of rubbish and walking 176.75km.
Your Fundraising Calendar
Maintain your fundraising momentum, with some key dates to plan or theme your fundraising around!
National Bird Day (5th January)
National Compliment Day (24th January)
International Book Giving Day (14th February)
Chinese New Year (17th February)
Holi (4th March)
National Flower Day (21st March)
Independence Day (4th July)
World Chocolate Day (7th July)
World Elephant Day (12th August)
International Dog Day (26th August)
Jan Feb Mar
Labor Day (7th September)
Hobbit Day (22nd September)
Fundraising Ideas:
Earth Day (22nd April)
International Dance Day (29th April)
World Laughter Day (3rd May)
Mother’s Day (10th May)
World Environment Day (5th June)
International Picnic Day (18th June)
World Mental Health Day (10th October)
World Pasta Day (25th October)
World Kindness Day (13th November)
Thanksgiving (26th November)
Cookie Day (4th December)
Hannukah (4th December - 12th December)
“Use a calendar and plan out a big activity every few months, maybe filling the spaces with smaller things. Approach local businesses as soon as possible, as the more you get signed up the more money you will get.”
JAMIE – TRAVELING STUDENT, BORNEO 2022
Promoting Your Fundraiser
You will need to shout about your fundraising. That means putting up posters, posting on social media channels and letting everyone know what you’re doing to raise money.
Here are a few ideas to promote your fundraiser:
Networking
Have you been saving up favours from friends? Now is the time to ask those you know for a helping hand! Think about family, friends, work colleagues, any local businesses, groups or clubs that you are a part of.
Regional Press
Get the local media buzzing about your fundraising activities and the sustainable change you’re about to contribute to on your expedition. Make your story their headline!
Social Media - more than just selfies and food pics
Consistently update your followers on your journey, from the moment you start planning your fundraising event to the time you’re back from your awesome expedition. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are your stage to highlight your efforts, share your experiences, and show the world the impact you’ve made on local communities, wildlife, and the planet.
Get your friends and families to share your events and activities on their own social media.
Contact Us, Follow Us and Connect
We are always happy to help online through social media, email or over the telephone.
northamerica@campsinternational.com
(888) 650-2267
https://www.instagram.com/campsint/
https://www.facebook.com/campsinternational
Join the Camps International Fundraising Advice Group to share your ideas and learn from fellow fundraisers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/campsfundraising/
Keep an eye on our blog for Fundraising advice and inspiration: https://www.campsinternational.com/usa/category/fundraising/ Scan to access your Traveller Gateway
