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Study Abroad Fundraising FAQ
Overview
AmeriSpan's Study Abroad Fundraising program helps individuals & groups
raise funds to go abroad with AmeriSpan. Future AmeriSpan participants may join
for Free. AmeriSpan promotes each person's "story" making it easier to
attract donations. Read our
fundraising Press Release or go to the main
study abroad Fundraising
page.
Special Incentive to Join Now
Join & we'll donate $25 to your campaign.
Why Is AmeriSpan Doing this?
Many of AmeriSpan’s participants are unable to pay for their programs outright, and have asked us for ideas on how to raise money. We
realize that not everyone has access to financial aid
or qualify for scholarships for the purpose of studying abroad. Our goal
is to promote participants' fundraising efforts to a wider audience to make it
easier to meet your fundraising goals.
Why Should I Participate?
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- Friends and family may feel more secure donating because they
know the funds will be applied to your program.
- Donors can use a credit credit card to make a donation.
- Helps you to save. Let's face it, it is hard to save and not be
tempted to borrow for something today and pay it back later.
You can't access these funds to fix your car, buy that pair of
shoes or anything else that can deplete a savings account.
- You efforts will be turbocharged because AmeriSpan will promote
"your story" and encourage past participants and other study abroad
enthusiasts to donate to your program.
- You may be selected to receive a donation from AmeriSpan's
Fundraising General Donation Fund based on a variety of factors
including how successful your efforts.
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What Is Required of Me?
After joining the program and choosing a username and password, you are required to provide “your story”. Your story is a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs that says a little about yourself, where/which study program you enrolled in, and any thing else that potential donors may find interesting.
I have No Idea How to Fundraise? What Should I Do?
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| There are many ways to fundraise from washing cars to holding bake sales. With most fundraising efforts the key is to make it clear that you are providing products/services for a good reason . To raise funds for your AmeriSpan program it is very important to write a compelling "My Story" that lets people get to know you and understand your intent to study abroad so they can make that connection with you and your fundraising goal. Here are some additional tips: |
- Do some research to get ideas. A quick Google search of
"fundraising ideas" will get you started.
- Start a blog or document your efforts on Facebook (remember to
post your donate link from your fundraising dashboard).
- Ask your friends and family to donate. $5 or $10 may not seem
like much but multiple that by many people and it can add up. You
may be surprised, some distant relative may make a big
donation. Remember to ask for donations in lieu of birthday,
graduation and other gifts (hint: you will still probably get gifts
too!)
- Spread your "My Story" and Donate links in emails, blog posts,
etc.
- Find some sponsors whether it is your boss, teacher, spouse,
or parent to help spread the word by soliciting their friends and
co-workers.
- Keep AmeriSpan updated on your efforts so we can keep your story
updated. We may even blog about you.
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How Do I Get the $25 Donation From AmeriSpan?
Once you post your story on our site, you are ready to begin receiving donations! We are proud to show your first donation from us. Please give us a few days to note it manually in your account.
My AmeriSpan Confirmation Is Missing All or Some Funds I Have Raised.
Unfortunately, our client management system is not interlinked with the fundraising account. This means we do it manually. Rest assured, everything is reconciled around 5 weeks before your program starts. If payments made by you plus your fundraising account balance is higher than the cost of your program, the funds will be refunded to you up to the total amount of monies you have paid to AmeriSpan. Under no conditions will AmeriSpan refund program donations directly to the client. If you cannot use these
donated funds, they will be transferred to the General Donation Fund.
I Have Canceled My Program Why Won’t You Refund the AmeriSpan Registration Fee?
The program adds extra administrative costs to AmeriSpan, and we want to encourage only serious participation. Also, your $100 doesn’t disappear; you will have up to one year to reschedule your program. It is important to note that this does not affect Teenager, College Study Abroad, Volunteer or Internship programs because the related deposits or fees are never refundable.
Why Should I Donate?
We are promoting “Study Abroad-Push it Forward”. Have you had a life-changing study abroad program in the past? Help someone else do the same and re-live your experience all over again! Do you wish to study in the future? Donate a few dollars now and maybe someone will help your cause when you’re ready.
Is My Donation Tax Deductible?
Donations are NOT tax deductible because you are donating to an individual. AmeriSpan is only managing these donations.
How Do I Use These Funds in My Account?
They will be applied to your program balance and you may request an updated balance at any time.
Donors Double Your Donation
AmeriSpan matches all donations to the General Donation Fund.
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