LOOKING FOR FUNDS FOR YOUR VOLUNTEER PROJECT? FREEPACKERS IS HERE TO HELP!
Ever since being established, Freepackers has always offered support and information in order to know all about financial aid for international travel. Our main goal is to provide the necessary information and resources for all travellers to have easier access to international programs.To be able to finance and carry out your project abroad, we’ve come up with ideas, advice and above all, reliable and up-to-date tools and resources. Our team is constantly on the lookout to know all the possible options and make international experiences accessible.Some important points:
It’s important to note that raising funds and finding financial aid takes time. We encourage you to explore several paths amongst those we list as well as begin planning for your desired departure date as soon as possible. (Between 6 and 12 months)
The funding process is an essential part of the project. Knowing how to finance a project already gives you a glimpse into the humanitarian field. It is a sought-after skill in this sector which requires organisation and perseverance.
1. THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME
The Erasmus+ programme offers travel opportunities to a variety of people, including:Students: All students enrolled in an institution of higher education, whether currently studying or in a transitional period, can apply for periods of study abroad or internships from the first year. Applications are made through the institutions’ international relations services.Young people and professionals: People registered in local missions, Employment Poles or associative structures can benefit from internships in companies in Europe (and since 2021, worldwide for the sector of vocational education and training) through their framework structure. It is necessary to apply to an organisation with an Erasmus+ funded project to benefit from the programme. The amounts of the scholarships vary between 460 and 750 € per month depending on the destination.The Erasmus+ programme is open to anyone pursuing studies, in apprenticeship, in a transitional period, training, teaching, looking for work or wishing to become a volunteer, as long as the stay abroad has a specific objective such as learning, training, exchanging knowledge, etc.
2. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships: The Universe program offers language scholarships to students with an associates degree and internships abroad from 2 weeks to 6 months.International Mobility Assistance: This assistance is intended for students wishing to participate in a training program or an internship abroad for 2 to 9 consecutive months, with an amount of 400 € per month for the academic year 2022-2023.Regional Council Grants: Regions offer co-financing for mobility in Europe. The amounts vary from 300€ to 1000€ per month depending on social criteria and destination. Examples of regional exchanges: Explo’ra Doc Exchange, Aquimob, Euro-regional Exchange, etc.Students can find the eligibility criteria on: https://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/en for grants related to stays abroad.
3. FOUNDRAISING
If you a planning a group project, start a non-profit to collect funds from individuals and businesses. Fundraising can be conducted through an online platform, which helps manage and fund non profit activities. Donations are tax-deductible, a compelling argument for raising funds to organize a humanitarian trip. Examples of non profits that can be created to raise funds for a humanitarian project: – Student Unions – Sports associations, such as divers who wish to engage in a marine conservation project – Associations promoting education and cultural exchanges – Parent-teacher associations
4. GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROGRAMS
Freepackers offers subsidised community trips to young people from lower-income families. Supervised by municipal leaders, these young people participate in humanitarian projects abroad, thus promoting intercultural exchange and international openness. For example, in Argentina, they collaborated with young immigrants to organise cultural activities, creating strong ties despite the differences. These stays offer an enriching experience and are accessible to all, interested parties can inquire at their local autority.
5. PAID WORK ABROAD
The Working Holiday Visa allows young people aged 18 to 30 (up to 32 years for French people who wish to pursue the Working Holiday Visa in South Korea) to travel and work for one year in 16 countries. Programs like Realstep’s make it easier to settle abroad and offer work opportunities, including in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and South Korea.
6. BENEVITY, A PLATFORM FOR BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
Benevity is a leader in business software, facilitating over $14 billion in donations, 72 million volunteer hours and $19 billion in grants. The platform connects businesses around the world and their employees with volunteering programs that impact the workplace.The Benevity Causes portal is your entry point into a vast network, a platform where you can connect your association with an engaged community of donors and volunteers eager to make a difference.
7. IDEAS FOR FUNDRAISING (PRIZE POOLS, SHARES, ROTARY OR LIONS CLUB, PRIVATE SPONSORS)
Whether you are alone or in a group, there are many ways to raise funds to help you achieve your goal. Some examples include:Online Pool: Use crowdfunding platforms like Wweeddoo or Globedreamers to create a pool and share your project.Media campaigns: Share your project on social networks, contact influencers and ask for interviews in local media.Corporate foundations: Look for companies with philanthropic foundations and present your project to them for financial support.Private foundations and clubs like Lions Club or Rotary Club: These organisations support projects in various sectors, including humanitarian and environmental.Local Actions:Sports challenges: Participate in sports events and ask for donations for your participation.Events: Organise events such as hikes or raffles to raise funds.Restaurant partnerships: Find restaurants willing to donate part of the proceeds for an evening.Gifts: Ask your loved ones to donate to your project instead of giving you gifts.Selling items: Sell unused items at garage sales or online.Collect Miles: Ask your fellow travellers to donate their airline miles.Use your talents: Monetize your skills, like photography, to raise funds.Bake sale: Organise a bake sale at events or in business.
CONCLUSION: THE POWER TO ACT WITHIN EVERYONE’S REACH!
Going solo or in a group on a sustainable development project requires significant resources. Unlike a tourist stay, travelling with a purpose and to make an impact requires logistics, supervision, equipment and a serious structure. This is the minimum to ensure that the projects can survive long-term, are managed by specialists and are in collaboration, benefiting local communities.Funding a humanitarian trip is an integral part of the project. Just like field experience, there is a learning curve. You have a goal, you have to find ways to achieve it. And the good news is that it is definitely achievable! The keys to success? Anticipation, planning, research and perseverance.We send hundreds of students and young people on projects every year, all managing to make ends meet in order to realise their dream. If they can do it, why not you too?Any questions? The Freepackers team is here to help!
