Where can you find funding for volunteering projects?

1 Grants and scholarships

Funding your volunteering project can be achieved by applying for grants and scholarships from organizations that support social causes. These awards are usually based on the merit and impact of your project, and can cover part or all of your expenses. For instance, The Rotary Foundation is a global network of Rotary clubs that provides grants for humanitarian issues such as peace, health, education, and water. The GlobalGiving Foundation is an online platform that connects donors with grassroots projects around the world and offers grants for those with a positive social or environmental impact. The Peace Corps is a US government agency that sends volunteers to developing countries and offers scholarships for returned volunteers who want to pursue further education or career development. To apply for grants and scholarships, you must research the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application process of each organization and create a compelling proposal outlining the goals, activities, budget, and outcomes of your project.

2 Crowdfunding and fundraising

Raising money from your own network of friends, family, and supporters is another way to fund your volunteering project. Crowdfunding and fundraising are popular methods for generating funds for personal or social projects, and they can help you reach a wider audience and create awareness for your cause. Platforms such as GoFundMe, FundMyTravel, and Facebook Fundraisers enable crowdfunding and fundraising for volunteering projects. To succeed in crowdfunding and fundraising, you must create a captivating campaign page that explains why you are volunteering, what you hope to achieve, and how the donations will be used. Additionally, it is important to promote your campaign through social media, email, and word-of-mouth, as well as thank your donors for their generosity.

3 Sponsorships and partnerships

A third way to fund your volunteering project is to seek sponsorships and partnerships from businesses or organizations that share your vision and values. These arrangements are mutually beneficial, as they can provide financial or in-kind support, such as equipment, materials, or services. You can look for sponsors and partners from local businesses, corporate foundations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For example, a local bookstore might sponsor your project to promote literacy in a low-income area. A tech company might partner with your project to provide digital skills training in a remote area. An NGO that works on wildlife conservation might sponsor your project to protect endangered species in a foreign country. To secure these sponsorships and partnerships, you must identify potential sponsors or partners that match your cause and target audience. Then, you should approach them with a professional proposal that outlines the benefits and expectations of the collaboration.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?