10 tips for Crowd Funding

The cost to join Revive Week covers the cost necessary to hire yachts, our crew, fund all the support from our local non-profit partner, Aegean Rebreath, and most importantly fully fund the opening of the very first Marine Litter Station in the Saronic Gulf, including training and educational programs for the local communities to best use the station.

Volunteering your time and money can be a life-changing experience for both you and the community you work in. There are many ways to raise money to help off-set your costs. We encourage all participants to get creative and fundraise on your own. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve when you set your mind to it. 

HOW TO FUNDRAISE:

1. CREATE A CROWD FUNDING PAGE

Use a crowdfunding page to help reach your friends, family and community to support your trip. 

2. FOCUS ON YOUR REASONS WHY

A truly passionate desire to make a difference and a passion for the cause will help your audience understand why you are asking for support.

Here are some key facts about this trip that will help:

• At The Yacht Week, it is very important that we are able to make a difference by sparking positive change no matter where the wind and the waves take us. Last year we eliminated the use of plastic straws at all our events across the globe. This year we intend to make a bigger change in the reduction of single-use-plastics on our routes with the help of Aegean Rebreath.
• We’re taking advantage of our access to sailing yachts, experienced skippers, and engaged travelers in order to take on a massive mission like never before seen in the Aegean sea. We’ll use the yachts to access hard to reach beaches and islands in order to make a massive impact on the Greece seas.
• Our donation included in the participation cost will cover a prototype marine litter recycling center that we hope to replicate every year in a new destination. The donation will also cover the cost to educated local communities on why and how to recycle.

3. UTILISE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

It's not what you know, it's who you know. Have a family member who works in a large company? Ask about being sponsored by them! Or if you have a friend who could get you a venue, you could hold a fundraising event. Start by making a list of everyone you know and how they might be able to contribute toward your volunteer goals. Failing that, a venn diagram. Who doesn't love a venn diagram?

4. SET A REASONABLE GOAL

Start with a clear goal as to how much you need to raise from each fundraising activity and record your progress along the way. Follow up and assess how much you expected to raise against what you actually do. Some ideas work, others won't, but don't repeat the same mistakes! Here are more details on setting goals from the Fundraising Authority.

For Revive Week, make sure to include the cost of your flights, trip insurance, and additional costs for meals (the package includes a half-board food package and two group dinners).

5. ASK FOR SPECIFIC DONATIONS

It's a good idea to request a specific amount to let your donors start somewhere and have a benchmark - but that doesn't mean you need to stick with that number. Asking for a specific amount will also let you plan in advance how much you will need from each donor to accomplish your goals. It may help to go after your biggest benefactor first – people often follow the leader.

6. TARGET YOUR LETTER WRITING

Address letters and emails to individuals, and individuals within companies, asking for their support. Check out 8 Steps to Writing Successful Fundraising Letters.

7. HOLD A FUNDRAISER

Fundraising events can be fun, creative and inexpensive if done well. The more interesting and unique the event is, the more attention it will get. It's a great chance to thank people and organisations who have already donated. Contact your local press about your event and utilise your social channels - the more coverage the better! Spam your fam and friends with IG stories... Then rope them in for help. Grandma's home-baked cakes always go down a treat.

8. OFFER INCENTIVES FOR DONATING

Turn the situation into a win-win for every sponsor who makes a donation. By giving something in return to all donors, they will have an extra push to donate and spread the word! This could be as simple as sending them updates on your adventures abroad via email or postcard when you are abroad, or giving a presentation about your experiences when you return. Share your experience with others and they might be inspired to follow suit. 

9. PLAN AHEAD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Even when you are as prepared as possible, there is a chance you'll forget something or have trouble reaching all your targets. Get ready to face challenges and overcome them with preparation.

10. USE YOUR TIME WISELY

Fundraising can take a lot of time so make sure to prioritise. Work a timeline into your goals, especially if you're on a tight deadline.

Water you waiting for? Get FUNdraising.