Fundraising for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, but it can also be expensive. That's where fundraising can help! With a little extra effort and creativity, you can finance your dream of exploring the world. Start by planning ahead and budgeting for your study abroad experience.
Then, consider other ways to raise the necessary funds.

How to Fundraise in a Group

*Travel Study Programs must receive permission before fundraising as a Maryville College-affiliated group.

Your faculty leaders will discuss interest in fundraising as a group and related policies at a meeting in the early spring semester. Your leaders will initiate an approval request based on what the group decides to do for fundraising activities.

A few important rules about group fundraising:
·       Funds cannot be dispersed to individuals; doing so creates federally taxable income and can impact an individual’s financial aid.
·       The selling of baked goods or other food items intended for human consumption that have been prepared at residence halls/home by students or parents is not allowed due to health and safety regulations.
·       Raffles, reverse raffles, cakewalks, and cakewheels are not allowed.
·       Any group that is creating merchandise or marketing material that includes the Maryville College name or official college logos must work with the Marketing and Communications department to ensure consistency and conformity with the College’s style guide.
·       Crowdfunding platforms are not an acceptable form of group fundraising.

Some examples of past group fundraising have included: fundraising through local businesses who donate part of their profits to your group (e.g. Blaze Pizza, Krispy Kreme), campus yard sale, car wash, cookie dough fundraiser, dog washing, tshirt fundraiser, scarf-making fundraiser, party/dinner/concert and more.

Best Individual Fundraising Ideas

Crowdfunding tip: Tell your story! Upload at least 4 images and videos of you- your life, your studies, your goals, your program, your study abroad city (YouTube has plenty of short travel videos) and then share the details on your social media- over and over again.

Effective Crowdsourcing Strategies for Traveling Abroad

Simple Steps to Make a Fundraising Plan

Who to Reach Out to When Asking for Funds

How to Ask for Funds

Ready to Raise Money for Your Dream Study Abroad Program?

Start Now

The sooner you start fundraising and planning, the better prepared you will be when it's time to embark on a life-changing study abroad experience.

Explaining to potential donors why you’re seeking their help is key when planning your fundraiser. You can tell your story in an in-person meeting, letter, video, email, flyer, on a website, etc. – just be sure it’s personal and speaks to why a donor would want to pitch in. A few things to consider adding to your story include: