This is an online tool that you can use to collect money raised through almost any fundraiser on this Wiki. Basically, you create a blog profiling yourself and your current fundraising activities, and AFS staff will send you a "widget" that allows blog visitors to sponsor you directly through a PayPal account that funnels into your AFS account. Then, you spread the word about this efficient, secure tool. The amount you raise is limited only by your own motivation! Take a look at the official website for this project to get a better idea of what this is all about. Here's what the widget looks like:


Please note that you must have submitted a preliminary application through AFS-USA in order to use this tool. Then follow these steps:

First, launch a public blog using Blogger. For your first entry, write a brief statement (1-3 paragraphs) that reflects your personality, but also demonstrates seriously why you are a good investment. Think of your grandparents, teachers, or employers as your target audience as you write. Here's an example we like.
Address these questions in your statement:

1. Who are you? Why do you want to go abroad with AFS?
2. What do you expect to gain from the experience? How/what will you give in return?
3. Briefly, why do you need help with financing your AFS experience?
4. What have you already done, and what are you planning to do, to contribute to your fundraising efforts?
Your blog should also include a nice picture of yourself. At the end of your blog entry, please include the text "To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button."

Second, email your blog URL to scholarships@afs.org (please put "Sponsor an AFSer blog" in the subject line). Please include your fundraising goal (e.g. "I would like to raise $3000"). AFS staff will send you simple instructions on how you can add the ChipIn widget to your blog.

Third, spread the word! Here are some tips:

• Customize and send the email template below to your family, friends, dentist, elementary school teacher...you get the drift! Ask your parents to forward it to their contacts, too.
• Put a link to your blog on Facebook and/or MySpace
• Have the person paying you for babysitting/lawn mowing/etc. pay you online through your blog.
• Post a short "ad" about your blog through your high school newspaper or a bulletin board at your school, favorite coffee shop, or parent's work
• Set-up a computer with your blog outside a library, grocery store, etc. (you'll need wireless for this, and permission from the business). Bring some AFS "props" (wear an AFS t-shirt, have a book and snacks from the country you're going to, etc).
• Ask your parents or grandparents if they will match every dollar you raise through your AFS blog.
• Use this tool to complement any other fundraising campaign listed on the Fundraising Wiki. Here are five ideas we recommend using:

• Silent Auction
• Dinners
• Write a Support Letter
• Birthday Party Donations
• Email Newsletter
  

Fourth, post occasional blog entries regarding your fundraising projects and preparation for your AFS program, and track your progress by watching your ChipIn widget. Once you're abroad, keep up your blog as a way to stay in touch with everyone who helped you make this happen!

Email template Example:

Dear friends,

My name is Sara Jones and in five months I will leave Seattle to study abroad with AFS Intercultural Programs for one year in Egypt. I am so excited about learning Arabic, living with an Egyptian family, and gaining an intimate window into a culture that many Americans know very little about. I'm also excited to share some American culture with my new family and friends in Egypt.

I'm writing you because I have been working very hard to raise money by babysitting and selling some hand-knit scarves I've made, but I still need some help to make this dream happen for me.

Please consider making a secure non tax-deductible donation through my blog, [insert blog link], where you can read more about me and keep up with my adventures once I actually get to Egypt. No amount is too small--I know that times are tough, but every little bit will help me get a little bit closer. Thank you so much for reading this, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this message to anyone else who you think might be interested in sponsoring my AFS experience.

Best,
Sara




Please see the Frequently Asked Questions document under "Attachments" below for further details.