Fundraising

Raising the money is part of the fun of going on expedition; it also helps the group bond as a team.

Fundraising to go on expedition will teach you invaluable money management and budgeting skills which you will be able to apply in future life. It will teach you to make choices to achieve your goals, how to open bank accounts, set yourself an achievable savings plan and how to budget (especially useful if you are about to leave the nest for university). Perhaps raising the money to go on expedition will lead you to your first job and the satisfaction of receiving your first pay cheque. You might even find that you have a flair for organising events or marketing your entrepreneurial efforts which could turn into a small business and influence future career moves. By taking part in the fundraising for your expedition you will understand the value of money and the next time you ask yourself the question ''am I going to be able to afford it'' (perhaps a car or a house) you will know exactly how to go about saving and budgeting so that you can.

The biggest question in the minds of our potential participants before they decide to apply to go on expedition is "am I going to be able to raise the money?" The answer is, if you really want to go then yes you can.  Raising the money to go on expedition is a commitment but it is achievable. In our experience any young person can hit their target if they put their mind to it.  Outlook has sent groups from across the UK on expedition and participants come from diverse backgrounds with varying interests and personal strengths.

Getting started

The thought of having to raise the money for your trip may seem daunting but the best way to approach it is by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This is how you might want to think about it:

Chunk number one:

Money you will raise as an individual, e.g. from employment, car washing, dog walking, gardening, babysitting, cleaning or selling items on behalf of family and friends on e-bay

Chunk number two:

Money you will raise as a group, e.g. from quiz nights, race nights, party / disco / band events, non-uniform days, fashion shows, auction of promises, talent contests, group car washes, bag packing at supermarkets and sponsorship from businesses.

What support will you have?

No one is going to raise the money for you. It's not up to your parents, your Link Teacher, Outlook or the rest of your group to raise it for you. It's up to you to raise the money. However, there will be plenty of people who will be able to offer you advice and support along the way, to make sure that you achieve your goal.

 Outlook's specialist fundraising advice and support

• The participant training includes fundraising workshops.
• Personal Payment Plan - the total cost of the expedition is broken down into manageable payments.
• Participants are given access to the Members' Area on the website which includes information on planning events, gaining sponsorship and employment and lots and lots of fundraising ideas!
• Our Expedition Programme Co-ordinators are trained to offer you specialist fundraising advice, as well as providing encouragement throughout the build up to your expedition.
• You can visit our Facebook page where you can share fundraising ideas with other participants and schools.
• We organise regional sponsored events that our participants can choose to take part in.

 Some quick fundraising suggestions...

• Part-time job
• Save birthday & Christmas money
• Car washing
• Babysitting
• Sponsored events - e.g abseil, run, bike ride etc
• Ebay - sell your unwanted items
• Bag packing event at your local supermarket