FUNDRAISING MASTERCLASS

You should start looking into your options as soon as you can. By examining our example opportunities below, and through your own online investigation, you will soon find a variety of potential options. It is important that you are able to dedicate time and effort to be able to research these in more depth.

 

Finding an appropriate scheme for you won’t always be a simple task. Even with our examples at hand, you will find that each grant or bursary will come with specific requirements. You must be prepared to explore these in-depth to determine your suitability. It is vital to ensure that you do not waste time by applying to schemes that may not be viable.

 

It is also important to remember that sometimes both the scheme and procedures involved will change. This means that even once you have whittled down your options, you should re-confirm the status of these chosen schemes. It is possible that deadlines may pass or details may be amended. The last thing you want to do is to apply to once ‘ideal’ schemes that are no longer applicable.

 

It is not possible for us to provide a specific time frame in which you should apply to a funding scheme. As a broad suggestion, 8-12 months should provide you with sufficient time for you to complete your research and apply accordingly. With this being said, some individuals will only require a couple of months to plan and apply. Whatever the case, the more time you have, the more opportunity you have to research and maximise your number of applications. This is particularly important in the case that previous applications are unsuccessful.

 

Individuals completing a volunteer program as part of a University placement may find it beneficial to speak to a course lead. They may be able to point you in the right direction for university-specific funding that may be available.

The application criteria for any funding scheme will be unique. In other words, no application or requirement will be exactly the same as another. This can make it even more time consuming when completing multiple applications to various grants or bursaries. For this reason, you may find it more beneficial to focus only on one application at a time. This will allow you to focus solely on the requirements of the specific scheme at hand.

 

Each and every funding scheme will come with requirements. At its most basic, this could be your age, nationality or perhaps level of education. It is vital that you are ensuring you are fulfilling these initially, before taking an application any further.

 

Naturally, there will be other requirements or aspects that will be the same or similar between applications. Of course, you can expect any organisation or body to want to know more about your plans. You will need to be able to clearly and effectively demonstrate the goals during the time spent on your volunteer program. Therefore, it is a good idea to have these general concepts thought out and detailed in advance of any application.

 

Many bodies will want individuals receiving their funds to be able to offer something in return. Perhaps it will be to perform specific volunteer project work during your time abroad. Alternatively, it might be to create a report to document your time abroad, or maybe a presentation.

 

With the former details in mind, it is important to understand exactly what any requirement from a funding body will be. For example, some bursaries will be offered to applicants in exchange for the performance of ‘data collection’ during their time overseas. In such instances, an individual will be expected to carry out research overseas, perhaps even in a laboratory setting. However, this is not the nature of the volunteer work that you can expect with PMGY. For this reason, such bursary would not be suitable for a PMGY international volunteer.

 

On the contrary, a reflective writing project is much more likely to fit the requirements of your time with PMGY. This is since your volunteer work abroad will allow you to reflect on personal development.

 

If you have any questions surrounding PMGY volunteer roles and the requirements of a funding scheme, you can always contact us.

Every international volunteer with PMGY is required to pay a Registration and Program Fee. Other costs an international volunteer will need to cover include:

 

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Cost
• Immunisation Costs
• Background Check
• Spending Money

 

The cost of the Registration Fee with PMGY is 249 USD. The exact Program Fee varies between projects and will depend on the exact duration in which you intend to travel. You can find the exact Program Fee costs outlined under the ‘Costs Involved’ tab on the project page of interest. If you are unable to locate these for your specific project of choice, please contact us.

 

With the other aforementioned anticipated costs in mind, the cost of a volunteer trip overseas with PMGY will vary between participants. You should keep these potential factors in mind when determining costs associated with your trip overseas.

 

Some funding schemes will be for fixed amounts. On occasion, there may be instances where applicants are required to apply for an amount they think that they will need. In these instances, PMGY is unable to speculate on exact costs you can expect through your time on a volunteer program. The only exception to this is the cost of PMGY Registration and Program Fees for your proposed destination, project and duration. Despite this, you are welcome to contact us. for advice on approximate costs, based on your intended plans. You can also find expected costs under our ‘What’s Not Included’ section on each project page.

We have touched on the fundamentals of what to consider before applying for a funding opportunity. Below, we outline some other important points to consider before choosing the scheme that is best suited for you:

 

Be Able to Prioritise – If you have a busy schedule, be careful not to overload yourself with too many applications. Prioritise the opportunities that you are most suitable for you. You may wish to compare the size of the fund, the competitiveness for this and the selection criteria.

 

Keep Track of Deadlines – Mark off on your diary when each of your potential applications you want to do are due. The last thing you want to do is put time into an application, to find that you have missed the deadline!

 

Keep Organised – Staying organised will help make a time-consuming task a lot more productive and easy to handle. You may wish to create a spreadsheet to track each of the schemes you plan on applying to. With this in mind, some of the factors you should note for each scheme include the following:

 

• Specific criteria for the scheme
• Deadline for the application
• Core principles of the organisation who hosts the scheme

 

In the next drop-down, we will outline some tips on how to create the best application for a funding scheme.

Undoubtedly, doing your research and making your applications will take time. With no guarantee of a positive result, it can be demotivating to work hard for. Despite this, the simple answer is ‘yes’! If you have the opportunity to work overseas, the chance for funding shouldn’t be something you miss out on.

 

Be sure to take your time on the applications you think you are most suited to. The more consideration and thought you put into these, the more likely you are to stand out from the crowd. In the same vein, it is important to consider the amount of competition that you stand up against. By applying to smaller local organisations, you may stand in with a much better chance.

 

Remain proactive, even once your application is submitted. Show the organisation that they are not just one out of one hundred applications you have submitted. Check-in to find out how long you can expect for a response. But at the same time, be sure not to overdo it.

You should have a clear idea of your motivations behind your reasons to volunteer abroad. As a foundation, you should at least be sure of the following:

 

• Why you want to volunteer abroad
• Your aims and goals of your volunteer work
• What you intend to learn through your volunteer project
• How you will apply what you learn into your future prospects

 

The more familiar you are with these aspects, the easier it will be for you to create your applications. You will come across concise, driven and focussed.

 

Below are some further tips on how to make your application as good as it can be:

 

Be Sure of the Selection Criteria and Act Accordingly – There are a whole variety of funding schemes available. With this, each organisation will have different requirements, expectations and criteria. With every scheme you intend to apply for, we recommend that you make a note of their specific prerequisites. In turn, you should address these within your application.

 

Target Each Scheme Appropriately – As you would for any job interview, research the organisation you are applying through. The ‘About Us’ page on their webpage is usually a good place to begin. Take time to reflect on the organisation’s goals and aims – what are their values? What is important to the organisation? The more you can express these ideas in your application, the more relatable you will be as a candidate to them.

 

Be Prepared to Give Unique Examples – It is easy to outline the skills you have. However, it is another challenge to illustrate your uniqueness to other candidates. Try to be exceptional – what skills do you have that set you apart from the rest? How have you demonstrated these skills in the past? Everyone can say that they are a ‘good communicator’ – you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Use real examples to support your points, rather than using obvious statements to reinforce this. For example, perhaps you have said that you love to support your community at home. Don’t simply reinforce this by saying something like ‘because I like to make others smile’. Instead, you should use examples of what you have done and the impact that this had on the community.

 

Explain What You Will Do in Return – Some funding schemes will require something in return for their monetary contribution. This might be a presentation or perhaps a written report. Even if not a requirement, you should be proactive to illustrate how you will show your gratitude for a potential grant. In turn, this may put you in a better position for obtaining one in the first place. For example, you may outline how you plan to implement the skills and knowledge you will gain into your own community.

 

Proofreading – This is essential when applying for anything. First, read your application out loud – an easy tool in determining obvious grammatical errors. Then send your application to friends and family to ensure that your application clearly outlines each of your thoughts. Any reader should be able to easily grasp what your aims and goals are.

 

Think About Attaching your CV– If appropriate, you can also attach your CV as a supporting document to your application. It is possible that this may not be an official requirement of your application. However, it might help provide the bursar with further insight into your background, life experience and goals. In turn, this may support your application, by further demonstrating you as a candidate.

Below, we have provided a list of funding schemes that you may wish to investigate further. Please note that Plan My Gap Year is not affiliated with these bursaries, grants or scholarships. Instead, we hope these examples provide you with a foundation of information, assisting you in further independent research.

 

Before taking a funding scheme further, please read through the information in detail on the provider’s website. Bursaries, grants and scholarships will often change or have specific deadlines. Therefore it is important to be clear on these before taking any application further.

 

Jack Petchey Foundation

 

The Foundation was established in 1999 to assist young people to achieve their potential. The overall goal of the Jack Petchey Foundation is to inspire and motivate young people. The organisation aims to achieve this by investing in, developing and promoting activities for young adults.

 

The purpose of the grant is to encourage individuals to get involved in volunteering projects and experience life-enriching opportunities. Whilst contributing to developing communities, the Foundation hopes that such experiences will help raise young people’s ambitions and personal development.

 

Application Eligibility – Up to age 25 years old
Scholarship Award – Up to 400 GBP
Application Requirements – Must be a UK resident, living in Essex or London in the UK

 

You can find more information here.

 

The Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust

 

The Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust was established in 1989. The goal of the scheme is to support and assist young people in undertaking projects. With this, the aim is to allow individuals to expand on their experience, personal development and career prospects. The grant is available to apply to for anyone who is planning on participating in community work. This includes work in education and wildlife conservation.

 

Application Eligibility – Aged 17-24
Scholarship Award – 50-1000 GBP
Application Requirements – UK resident, with priority given to applicants with a close connection to the City of London

 

You can find more information here.

 

The Ferguson Trust

 

This charitable trust was set up in 1979, by the son and daughter in law of Allan and Nesta Ferguson. This was created to help continue their passion and commitment to education, peace and development in developing countries. 233 grants are distributed each year to young individuals across the UK, looking to engage in volunteer project work abroad.

 

Application Eligibility – Aged 16-18
Scholarship Award – 300 GBP
Application Requirements – UK resident

 

You can find more information here.

 

The Young Explorers’ Trust

 

The Young Explorers’ Trust is a UK charity that was established in 1973. They are committed to promoting both safe and responsible trips for young adults wishing to partake in expeditions across the world. This can include community projects and wildlife conservation volunteer programs overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – Aged 19 or under
Scholarship Award – Dependent on the Program Fee
Application Requirements – UK resident

 

You can find more information here.

 

Go Overseas Scholarships

 

Go Overseas is a world-renown advisor for individuals interested in travelling overseas. In addition to the advice they freely provide, they offer scholarships to those interested in engaging in a volunteer program abroad. The goal of the organisation is to encourage young people to explore the world. In turn, the hope is that individuals will support developing communities, whilst evolving personally.

 

Application Eligibility – Varies, depending on open Scholarship Applications at any one time
Scholarship Award – Typically 500 USD, however, varies depending on open Scholarship Applications at any one time
Application Requirements – Varies, depending on open Scholarship Applications at any one time

 

You can find more information here.

 

Volunteer Forever Scholarship

 

Volunteer Forever is an organisation, introduced as a comprehensive resource, supporting individuals looking to join a volunteer program abroad. The scholarship was introduced to support 2 individuals each year in embarking on their journey to support communities overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – Any University student internationally
Scholarship Award – 500-1,000 USD
Application Requirements – Open to residents of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union

 

You can find more information here.

 

Vegetarian Charity

 

The Vegetarian Charity was introduced to help support vegetarians and vegans who are in need of financial assistance. Whilst broad, this, in turn, includes the support of fees associated with completing a volunteer program overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – 26 years or under
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Anyone who is vegetarian or vegan

 

You can find more information here.

 

Leverhulme Charity

 

The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust was established in 1925, following the passing of William Hesketh Lever. William’s hope was to be able to financially support pharmacists, grocers and commercial travellers, and their families.

 

Application Eligibility – Studying at a UK University
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Resident in the UK. Spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, in financial need.

 

You can find more information here.

 

Global Wales Discover

 

Global Wales Discover is a British Council-run program, funded by the Welsh Government and Global Wales. The scheme allows Welsh students to spend between 2-8 weeks volunteering abroad (applicable to PMGY India and Vietnam volunteer programs only).

 

Application Eligibility – Welsh Undergraduate Students
Scholarship Award – 175 GBP per week, plus to be 1200 GBP travel costs
Application Requirements – A UK national, studying at specific Welsh Universities

 

You can find more information here.

 

Graham Trust Bursary Scheme

 

The Graham Trust bursary fund has been designed to support individuals with the surname ‘Graham’, in need of financial support.

 

Application Eligibility – An undergraduate student with the surname ‘Graham’
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Must be living in Glasgow

 

You can find more information here.

Below, we have provided a list of funding schemes that medical elective students may wish to investigate further. Please note that Plan My Gap Year is not affiliated with these bursaries, grants or scholarships. Instead, we hope these examples provide you with a foundation of information, assisting you in further independent research.

 

Before taking a funding scheme further, please read through the information in detail on the provider’s website. Bursaries, grants and scholarships will often change or have specific deadlines. Therefore it is important to be clear on these before taking any application further.

 

Wong Choon Hee Medical Student Elective Travel Bursaries

 

This bursary is provided by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, associated with W Oneknightsbridge. The bursary is available to individuals who have an approved place on a surgical elective abroad. Funds will contribute to the costs that are associated with travel to the elective overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – Must be affiliated with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Scholarship Award – Varies
Application Requirements – Open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who are undertaking approved surgical electives abroad

 

You can find more information here.

 

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Medical Student Elective Travel Awards

 

This bursary is provided by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, associated with Binks Trust. The bursary is available to individuals who have an approved place on a surgical elective abroad. Funds will contribute to the costs that are associated with travel to the elective overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – Must be affiliated with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Scholarship Award – 250 GBP
Application Requirements – Open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who are undertaking an approved surgical elective abroad

 

You can find more information here.

 

RCGP-SAPC Elective Prize

 

Each year, the Royal College of General Practitioners offers an annual prize to a medical student. Specifically, the student should be due to complete an elective placement in Primary Care or General Practice.

 

Application Eligibility – Undergraduate medical student in the UK
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Medical students in the UK, who are undertaking an approved Primary Care/General Practice elective abroad

 

You can find more information here.

 

Ethicon Student Elective Award

 

This award is hosted by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, in support of Ethicon. The winner receives a financial contribution to an approved medical elective. Specifically, students should be carrying out an elective in obstetrics and gynaecology.

 

Application Eligibility – Undergraduate medical student in the UK
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Medical students in the UK, who are undertaking/planning a medical elective in obstetrics and gynaecology

 

You can find more information here.

 

Target Ovarian Cancer Essay Prize

 

The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists proudly supports the Target Ovarian Cancer essay prize. The aim of the scheme is to encourage medical students to think more about the issues and research surrounding ovarian cancer. To enter, students are required to submit a 2000 word essay.

 

Application Eligibility – Undergraduate medical student in the UK
Scholarship Award – 250-750 GBP
Application Requirements – Medical students in the UK

 

You can find more information here.

 

Tim Chard Case History Prize

 

Provided by Bart’s and The London School of Medicine, this prize is in honour of their late professor, Tim Chard. Tim Chard was an international leader in laboratory-based clinic search, with a particular focus and interest in obstetrics and gynaecology.

 

Application Eligibility – Undergraduate medical student in the UK and Republic of Ireland
Scholarship Award – 150-500 GBP
Application Requirements – Open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland

 

You can find more information here.

 

Matthew Wrightson Bursary

 

The Matthew Wrightson Charity Trust was established in 1970 and was established to support charitable purposes. The Trust aims to support charities and individuals in charitable work in the UK and overseas.

 

Application Eligibility – Students in the UK
Scholarship Award – 500 GBP
Application Requirements – Open to UK residents who are undertaking elective schemes abroad

 

You can find more information here.

 

Hilda Martindale Trust Awards

 

The Hilda Martindale Trust was established in 1952. The aim of the trust is to help women of Britain to engage in carers within professions where females are underrepresented.

 

Application Eligibility – Female students in the UK
Scholarship Award – Up to 3,000 GBP
Application Requirements – Female student (excluding first year of undergraduate study) from the UK. Must be studying or training in a profession where women are underrepresented

 

You can find more information here.