The goodwill to volunteer in Nepal is the first step. On this page you can find hints, tips and resources to help you raise your volunteer fees or for extra money to fund a particular project

We firmly believe our volunteer fees offer exceptional value for money. This ensures we get as many people as possible to volunteer in Nepal. Below we have pulled together some basic fundraising guidelines. These can be used to help raise money for your volunteer fee, or to raise extra money to fund a particular project.

Should I bring extra money or supplies from home?

Many of our volunteers bring money with them and some also bring clothes and materials. Both are always very welcome. However, when choosing what to bring it is worth remembering how cheap things are in Nepal. A pair of socks is around $0.50, a full badminton set $3, warm winter clothes around $10. A little amount of money can go a long way here. This also avoids the problem of spending money on bringing large bags on flights.

Simple ideas for raising money:

• Give yourself plenty of time so you can collect money and develop good ideas
• Be clear on your placement so you can explain to people exactly what you are doing and why it is worthwhile
• Make it easy for people to donate money online; Just Giving and Click and Pledge are both good websites
• Contact EVERYONE you can think of. No matter how small the donation, it is all put to good use

Past volunteer’s ideas:

• Run a Marathon or sponsored 10k: Click here to find a marathon near you
• Long distance cycling trips: inspiration from Adventure Cycling
• Write a column for a newspaper about your experiences
• Sponsored neighborhood car washes
• At a wedding or anniversary ask guests to give money instead of gifts
• Shave your hair off!

Possible ideas for schools, universities and companies:

Many groups come out together and raise money back home for a particular project you are working on. Raising the money for a new sports area in a school and then being able to build it is the ultimate in satisfaction. Many groups choose to hold events to raise the required funds. Whether it be a concert, a play or sports tournament, you can use the 10 minutes before it begins to tell people about VSN and the work you will be doing to persuade them to donate generously. Why not try:

• A sponsored school event such as a play or concert
• Renting out a bar for all your friends and charge a small entrance fee to raise funds
• Hosting a pub quiz with occasional questions about Nepal and situation here
• 5-a-side Football tournaments
• ‘Battle of the bands’