Where do you start? How do you ask for financial support?
When you have a worthwhile plan, people will be willing to support you. It's important to present yourself on your website, letters, or at your events so that people understand how money will be spent, they believe in your preparations for your study abroad program, and they feel invested in your plans. Here are some tips:
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Direct, informal appeals often work best.
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Be specific about how you intend to spend any funds you raise. Let people know if funds will be applied to airfare, tuition, program fees, personal travel, special projects, etc.
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Let them know what studying abroad will mean to you, why it is important to your future, and share something about yourself. Show that you understand that this will be a meaningful and transformative experience and that you are not asking them to help fund a vacation. What do you expect to learn? How do you anticipate being impacted by studying abroad? Will it make you a better leader, musician, teacher, writer, communicator, or world citizen?
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Express specific goals and achievements and not just vague, lofty desires. Don't just tell them what you will do - explain what you will accomplish. For example, saying "I want to go to Ireland" or "I want to study at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin for fall semester" don't give a solid sense of what you will gain. Instead, something like "I hope to further my artistic and theatrical education by spending a semester at the Gaiety School of Acting with the goals of experiencing the rich history and culture of Dublin theatre while immersing myself in an environment of rigorous training in acting and exploration of my own creativity." Don't just tell them where you want to go - tell them why.
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You want to engage people in meaningful, interesting, compelling, and fun ways.
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You may want to include a photo of yourself with your request to establish a more personal connection.
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Be courteous and respectful in your request.
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Don't forget to ask for a donation! A common mistake in fundraising is to polish your presentation but to neglect to actually ask for a donation. People won't give if they aren't asked.
(Adapted and summarized from chapter 2 of Mobility International's Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities, 2005, available here.)
