Fundraising

The earlier you begin, the better! By reviewing the example opportunities below and conducting your own online research, you’ll uncover a variety of potential options to help fund your volunteer experience. It’s essential to dedicate time and effort to delve deeper into these opportunities and find the ones that align best with your goals.

Finding the right scheme for you won’t always be a straightforward process. Even with our examples to guide you, each grant or bursary will have specific requirements. Be ready to explore these thoroughly to ensure you meet the criteria. This will help you avoid wasting time on applications that may not be viable.

Keep in mind that funding schemes and their procedures can change. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure to double-check the details and deadlines. You don’t want to miss out on an amazing opportunity because of an expired deadline or updated requirements!

While we can’t provide a definitive timeline for applying to funding schemes, a general recommendation is to start 8–12 months in advance. This gives you ample time to conduct research, prepare applications, and explore multiple options. However, some individuals may only need a few months to plan and apply. The key is to give yourself as much time as possible to maximise your opportunities, especially if you need to reapply after an initial attempt.

If you’re completing a volunteer program as part of a university placement, don’t forget to speak with your course lead! They may be able to point you toward university – specific funding or additional resources to support your trip.

The application criteria for each funding scheme will be completely unique, meaning no two applications will be exactly the same. While this can make applying to multiple grants or bursaries more time-consuming, focusing on one application at a time can help you dedicate your full attention to meeting the specific requirements of each scheme.

Every funding opportunity will come with its own set of requirements. At the most basic level, this might include your age, nationality, or education level. It’s crucial to make sure you meet these initial criteria before investing time in completing an application.

That said, many applications share similarities. Most organisations or funding bodies will want to learn more about your plans and goals for your time abroad. To make the process easier, it’s a great idea to prepare a clear and detailed outline of your objectives in advance. This way, you’ll be ready to effectively communicate the impact you aim to make during your PMGY volunteer program.

In some cases, funding bodies may ask recipients to offer something in return. This could range from conducting specific volunteer project work while abroad, to creating a reflective report or presentation to document your experience.

For example, certain bursaries may require applicants to complete data collection or research tasks during their time overseas. However, this type of work does not align with the nature of PMGY’s volunteer programs, so these bursaries would not be suitable for PMGY international volunteers.

On the other hand, a reflective writing project is a fantastic match for your time with PMGY! Your volunteer work abroad provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on your personal growth, development, and the meaningful contributions you’ve made to local communities.

Every international volunteer with PMGY is required to pay a Registration Fee and a Program Fee, which support the safe and meaningful structure of your volunteer experience. In addition to these, there are other costs you’ll need to plan for, including:

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Costs
• Immunisations
• Background Check
• Spending Money

The exact Program Fee will vary depending on your chosen project and the duration of your stay. You can find the precise costs on the project page of interest.

With these additional costs in mind, the total cost of a PMGY volunteer trip will vary between participants. It’s important to factor in all potential expenses when planning your adventure abroad to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Some funding schemes may provide fixed amounts, while others might require you to estimate the funds you’ll need. In such cases, PMGY cannot predict exact costs for your trip, aside from the Registration and Program Fees associated with your destination, project, and duration.

We’ve covered the fundamentals of what to consider before applying for a funding opportunity. Now, let’s dive into a few more important points to keep in mind to help you choose the scheme that’s perfect for you:

Be Able to Prioritise – If your schedule is packed, avoid overloading yourself with too many applications. Focus on the opportunities that are most suitable for you. Take some time to compare factors like the size of the fund, its competitiveness, and the selection criteria to narrow down your choices.

Keep Track of Deadlines – Deadlines are key! Use a diary, calendar, or app to mark the due dates for each potential application. The last thing you want is to put effort into an application only to realise the deadline has passed — stay ahead of the game!

Stay Organised – Organisation is your best friend! It will make this potentially time-consuming process much easier to manage. Consider creating a spreadsheet to track your applications. Be sure to include details like:

• The specific criteria for each scheme
• The application deadline
• The core principles of the organisation hosting the scheme

Staying organised will help you work smarter, not harder, and maximise your chances of success!

There’s no denying that researching and completing applications takes time and effort. And without a guarantee of success, it can sometimes feel disheartening. But the simple answer is ‘yes’ — it’s absolutely worth it! The opportunity to work overseas is an incredible experience, and securing funding can make it even more accessible.

Take your time with the applications you’re most suited to. The more thought and effort you put in, the more likely you are to stand out from the crowd. It’s also worth considering the level of competition. Applying to smaller, local organisations might give you a better shot, as there’s often less competition compared to larger schemes.

Stay proactive and engaged even after you submit your application. Show the organisation that you value their opportunity and aren’t just submitting a generic application. A polite follow-up to check on the timeline for a response can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Just be mindful not to overdo it — enthusiasm is great, but balance is key!

Before diving into your applications, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your motivations for volunteering abroad. As a foundation, make sure you’ve thought about the following:

• Why you want to volunteer abroad
• Your aims and goals for your volunteer work
• What you hope to learn from your volunteer project
• How you’ll apply what you learn to your future goals and prospects

The more familiar you are with these aspects, the easier it will be to craft compelling applications. You’ll come across as focused, driven, and ready to make an impact!

Here are some tips to take your applications to the next level:

Be Sure of the Selection Criteria and Act Accordingly – There are countless funding schemes out there, each with its own unique requirements and criteria. Take the time to thoroughly understand what’s expected from each scheme and make a note of their specific prerequisites. Then, ensure you address these clearly and directly in your application.

Target Each Scheme Appropriately – Just like you would for a job interview, research the organisation you’re applying to. Their ‘About Us’ page is a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with their goals, values, and what matters most to them. By reflecting these in your application, you’ll make a strong, relatable connection and stand out as a perfect candidate.

Be Prepared to Give Unique Examples – Highlighting your skills is one thing, but showing how you’re truly unique is what sets you apart. Go beyond generic statements like “I’m a good communicator.” Instead, back up your skills with real-life examples. For instance, if you’ve supported your local community, describe specific actions you’ve taken and the positive impact they’ve had. This level of detail demonstrates your value and helps you stand out.

Explain What You Will Do in Return – Some funding schemes may ask for something in return, such as a presentation or a written report. Even if this isn’t a requirement, be proactive in illustrating how you’ll show gratitude for their support. For example, explain how you’ll implement the skills and knowledge you gain into your local community. This thoughtfulness can give your application an extra edge.

Proofreading is Key – Don’t skip this step! Start by reading your application out loud to catch any grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. Then, share it with friends and family for feedback. Your application should be clear, concise, and easy for anyone to understand your goals and aspirations.

Think About Attaching Your CV – If appropriate, consider attaching your CV as a supporting document. Even if it’s not officially required, a CV can offer valuable insight into your background, experiences, and goals. This extra effort can strengthen your application and give the bursar a clearer picture of you as a candidate.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of incredible funding schemes you may want to explore further. While Plan My Gap Year is not directly affiliated with these bursaries, grants, or scholarships, we hope these examples serve as a great starting point for your independent research.

Before diving into any funding scheme, take the time to read all the details carefully on the provider’s website. Bursaries, grants, and scholarships often have specific deadlines or changing requirements, so make sure you’re fully informed before starting your application.

Jack Petchey Foundation

The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, is dedicated to inspiring and motivating young people to reach their full potential. Through grants, the foundation encourages individuals to get involved in life-enriching volunteering opportunities that not only contribute to developing communities but also help participants grow personally and professionally.

Application Eligibility – Up to age 25
Scholarship Award – Up to £400
Application Requirements – Must be a UK resident living in Essex or London

Find out more here.

The Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust

This scheme supports young individuals undertaking projects that enhance their personal development, career prospects, and community involvement. It’s perfect for anyone planning to volunteer in education, conservation, or community work.

Application Eligibility – Aged 17–24
Scholarship Award – £50–£1,000
Application Requirements – UK resident, with priority for applicants connected to the City of London

Learn more here.

The Ferguson Trust

Founded in 1979, the Ferguson Trust supports young individuals in the UK seeking opportunities to volunteer abroad, with a strong focus on education, peace, and development in global communities.

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

More details are available here.

The Young Explorers’ Trust

This UK charity has been promoting safe and responsible expeditions since 1973, offering support for community projects and wildlife conservation programs.

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

Discover more here.

Go Overseas Scholarships

Go Overseas offers scholarships to encourage young people to explore the world and engage in volunteer programs that make a difference.

Application Eligibility – Varies based on scholarship
Scholarship Award – Typically $500 (varies)
Application Requirements – Varies based on scholarship

Find out more here.

Volunteer Forever Scholarship

Volunteer Forever provides resources and scholarships to support individuals embarking on volunteer journeys abroad.

Application Eligibility – University students internationally
Scholarship Award – $500–$1,000

Application Requirements – Open to residents of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU

More information is available here.