Travel insights from Latin America
Author Jay Munro | Published on May 28, 2025
Study abroad and alternative break trips can be transformational, but the cost often feels like a major barrier for students and families. With a clear plan and the right tools, fundraising can turn those “impossible” programs into realistic, shared goals. Study abroad trips, like alternative break programs, give students precious opportunities to gain real-world skills, grow through service, and boost future job prospects.
Let’s dive in!
Summary Highlights
Host an event: Trivia nights, raffles, or sports tournaments with donated prizes and free venues.
Sell something: Cookies, second-hand items, or ethical products via platforms like Fair Trade Caravans.
Provide a service: Dog-walking, babysitting, or tutoring supported by simple payment tools.
Tap into campus support: Grants, student associations, and programs like Nazareth University’s SPARK.
Ask for donations: Friends, family, and donors via crowdfunding or nonprofit partners.
4 success tips: Clear goals, strong story, easy ways to give, and consistent promotion.
Why Fundraising Matters for Study Abroad
Study abroad and alternative breaks help students gain real-world skills, grow through service, and boost their employability, but program fees can feel intimidating.
Thoughtful fundraising not only reduces financial pressure; it also builds ownership, leadership, and community support around the trip before students even leave home.
Host an event
Events like trivia nights, raffles, or sports tournaments are classic, high-energy fundraisers. To keep costs low, students can ask local businesses or community members to donate prizes and seek venues willing to offer space for free.
Typically, the venue keeps food or bar profits while students keep entry fees and door donations—a win-win that also builds local support.
Sell something
Many students opt to sell baked goods, t‑shirts, or second-hand clothes through yard sales or pop-up stalls. Those who do not want to make everything themselves can partner with local businesses or ethical producers.
For example, Nazareth University students used Fair Trade Caravans to sell ethically sourced coffee, chocolate, and handmade crafts, keeping 25% of every sale.
“It was so easy to set up,” says alternative breaks student leader Courtney Calkins, who promoted the fundraiser via Instagram, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
Provide a service
Hands-on students might prefer to offer services such as dog-walking, babysitting, or tutoring younger students.
They can manage bookings through simple online forms, accept payments via PayPal or bank transfer, and spread the word using flyers, social media, and school networks.
Those wanting extra support can use platforms like Givebutter, which build campaign pages and process payments in exchange for around a 3% cut.
Tap into campus support
Many colleges and universities offer internal funding to help students access transformative travel. Nazareth University, for instance, supports students via its undergraduate association, community engagement office, and SPARK grant.
A good first step is to talk with student leaders from your alternative breaks or study abroad office and ask about grants, subsidies, or emergency funds. It is essential to confirm institutional rules before fundraising, as some programs restrict individual campaigns and certain crowdfunding tools.
At Nazareth, for example, alternative breaks do not allow individual fundraising or platforms like GoFundMe to promote university programs.
Tip: consult with your university before fundraising to ensure that you adhere to the institutional rules and guidelines.
Ask for donations
Friends, family, and extended networks remain a powerful source of support. If allowed by the institution, students can set up a crowdfunding page such as GoFundMe, simple to use, but typically charging around 3% in fees.
Always check with the Study Abroad or Community Outreach office first to confirm what is permitted. Partnering with a nonprofit like the American Hiking Society can also be helpful, as they often assist with page setup, donation management, and communicating the impact of the trip to potential donors.
4 tips for Fundraising Success
However you decide to raise funds for your alternative break, you’ll need more than just a good idea to succeed. A successful fundraiser also depends on strong organization, a compelling message, and how well you promote it.
Here’s some advice to help you stay organized, motivated, and effective – no matter what kind of fundraiser you’re running.
Tip 1: Set a clear goal
Donors need to know exactly why you are fundraising, how much you need, and what their support will cover.
Emphasize the educational value of your trip and how communities you visit will benefit as you gain skills and experience, similar to Kagumu’s alternative breaks that combine service with learning.
Tip 2: Tell your story
Share why you chose this specific program, what you hope to learn, and how you plan to contribute when you return.
Personal, practical, and passionate stories stand out in a crowded fundraising landscape.
Tip 3: Make it easy to give
Use platforms that accept common payment methods such as Venmo, PayPal, or major credit cards.
Add QR codes to posters and flyers, and link your donation page everywhere you communicate about the trip.
Tip 4: Promote, promote, promote!
Post regular updates on social media, ask professors and staff to share your campaign, and use group chats, flyers, and announcements to widen your reach.
Courtney Calkins notes that group fundraising can keep programs affordable for everyone and strengthens team spirit.
Courtney (front) with fellow Nazareth students in Colombia
Remember to say thanks
Closing the loop matters: send thank‑you messages, tag supporters in posts, or mail handwritten notes.
Some students also bring back small gifts or photos from their trips to share with donors, making them feel part of the journey.
However you raise funds, your impact does not start when you land, it begins with your first conversation, your first event, and your first dollar raised. Set your goal, rally your community, and let your study abroad journey begin.
FAQ
1. What fundraising is allowed on campus?
Check study abroad office rules as some ban individual GoFundMe but allow events.
2. How much can students realistically raise?
$500–$2,000 per person through mixed events and sales, per Nazareth examples.
3. Should groups fundraise together?
Yes as it divides work, builds team spirit, keeps costs equitable.
