La Vida Idealist

Since September, my co-worker Lauren and I have been holding weekly fundraising events here in Cusco, and with just a month and a half left we’re also gearing up for events to be held back in the States. Here is a brief I outline of our fundraising endeavors from abroad and at home:

I. Fundraisers from Abroad

a) The Pub Quiz

The idea of a Pub Quiz, or trivia night, is very popular in the English pubs around Cusco, and when used as a fundraising tool it creates a symbiotic relationship between pub owner and NGO worker. Here’s how it works:

Lauren and I create the quiz. This consists of five categories with ten questions each, with genres including history, current events, and pop culture. We publicize the event by posting flyers in bars and restaurants, and charge five soles ($1.75 USD) for each person to play. Be sure to make a short spiel before the quiz that introduces your organization and outlines its work. Pub owners like the event for the free publicity and the crowds it brings.

Peruvian goods to be auctioned off for donations.

b) Newsletters

Periodically sending out email updates to family and friends regarding the progress of your work abroad is a good way to spread awareness and raise interest in your cause. We do not use the newsletters explicitly as a fundraising tool, but it does sew the seeds to inspire donations later on. In the newsletter we include sections regarding recent happenings of GirlSportWorks, student spotlights, and new additions to the program.

II. Fundraisers from Home

a) The Gala

We will hold a fundraising gala upon our return to the States. Family, friends, and acquaintances will be invited. Here we will hold a silent auction, have a donations box, and provide food and the opportunity to purchase drinks. Speeches about our work, a slideshow, and Peruvian music will set the tone. To fund the event we will contact local restaurants and establishments and ask for food donations or items that we can auction off.

b) The City Fair Booth

Every fall the City of Berkeley holds an event called the Solano stroll, a massive street fair with parades, food stands, and various booths. For one hundred dollars we entered to have a GirlSportWorks booth. We expect that the donations we receive will make this fee a worthwhile investment. At the booth we will offer a variety of Peruvian goods for suggested donations, and will display a picture album and information pamphlet.

Hopefully these can inspire other fundraising ideas, and please feel free to help me out with suggestions!

Kimberly is currently serving as Program Manager for GirlSportWorks, a US-based NGO that seeks to enhance the lives of Peruvian girls through athletics. For more on fundraising, check out “How to Fundraise With No Funds” by Andrea Vogler and “Need Some Cash? Top 10 Ways to Fundraise” by Laurie Norton.

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