Special Events
Informational Sessions/Socials/Banquets
Another popular fundraising strategy that could be combined with a movie, wine and cheese tasting or on its own, is to host a gathering of people to simply tell the story of why the Global Explorers program is important to your students. People are invited to the event knowing that they are going to be expected to give money (though it is not required). Food and/or refreshments are frequently provided. The key to these events is to make the presentation(s) dynamic, engaging and personal with students playing a key roll in explaining how the Global Explorers program will affect their lives.
Informational sessions can be as small as a gathering of 10-20 key people at someone’s home for a meal to a larger banquet for many people. As always, it is very important to estimate costs and potential financial gain PRIOR to adopting this strategy. Please contact your Global Explorers Director of Group Management if this strategy sounds like a possibility for you.
Tailgate at a local game!
Offer coffee/hot cocoa and donuts (Krispy Kreme offers fundraising packages), BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers, nachos, popcorn or other goodies in the parking lot of a local team game. Make a colorful sign or banner telling fans what you’re raising funds for.
Art/Photography Show
Host an art show with framed photography of the regions you will visit and landscape photography. These make great gifts and can complement any home or office. Global Explorers has access to several professional photos you can use for this type of event or sale.
Golf Tournament
See if a public course will donate a day (and publicity) to host a golf tournament with a percentage of proceeds going towards your field workshop. Have your group act as caddies and also sell refreshments.
Gear Swaps
Arrange a hall or meeting room where you can bring your old skis, fishing poles, etc. to be traded, bartered, or sold to the public. Make sure the cost is low enough that people are willing to become involved (say five dollars). Or host a garage-sale; all proceeds go towards your fundraising efforts.
Post-field Workshop Banquet/Pancake Breakfast
Complete with a slide show or display the photos that you took on the field workshop. Make it a potluck where everyone in your group brings a dish or two (keeping your cost down) and charge by the plate! Try to get recyclable/compost-able dishes/utensils donated. Remember to publicly thank everyone who donated funds or goods!
Battle of the Bands
Organize a concert event where local musicians perform and a large percentage of the cover charge profits are used to help you to reach your goals. You can also sell refreshments here, too!
Video Game Tournament
Fun games include Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero. Hold a tournament where anyone can pay to compete for donated prizes. You could also sell concessions at this event.
Competing in races or events on your own?
Invite your prospected donors! Let the media know that you are competing and raising funds to participate in a Global Explorers program. What a better selling tool than to see your hard work and motivation in action? Don’t forget to wear a GEx shirt!
Auctions*
Though auctions take a great deal of time, effort and planning, they have worked successfully for many traveling groups. As you might expect, auctions require planning months in advance as you start to collect auction items from local businesses, publicize the event, prepare an auction booklet, and arrange for all of the logistics of the auction day itself. Consider hosting a silent auction along with a screening of a movie!
