PAGE UPDATE 12.03.06

I never imaged I would be able to raise the funds required for this trip. In the end I successfully managed to secure myself a few jobs (main income) but have also managed to actually fundraise over £3000 by writing to charitable organisations!

I initially estimated that this expedition would cost me around £5000. However as time went by, this figure escalated. The total cost is now in the region of £6000.

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06.09.05 Last updated: 13.09.05

The cost of undertaking a gap year project is far from cheap and I reckon I will need around £5000 to go Svalbard. Here is the breakdown:
 

At the moment I have already raised over £650 and hope to reach my target without parental intervention. On this page you'll find out how I intend to raise this daunting sum.

• Getting a job!

• Fundraising events

• Grants

• eBay

• Carboot Sales

• Birthday/Christmas presents

• Money bag

Getting a job

Considering my gargantuan target, I believe my bulk income will have to come from a job as there is an element of uncertainty in each of my other fundraising ideas (especially grants).

During July and August I worked temporarily at a bank and nursery and managed to make around £200.

At the moment I am job hunting and I must find one within the coming weeks. I would be willing to work full time up until the start of my expedition (mid March 06), but of course any fundraising activities would make the task slightly easier.

Fundraising events

In the near future I will organise some form of fundraising event. I haven't yet finalised the date or particular activity, but here are my ideas.

A marathon - this would be the most obvious option. I think I'm good at endurance and so if I could get people to sponsor me for every mile run (or kilometer - even less!) then I think I could get a decent amount. I mean, let's say I get £20 from 10 (generous) friends/family, then that makes £200.

A 50km night walk - a more challenging one. What's the point in doing something everyone else does (marathon)? To get a potential sponsor's attention, you must do something fairly insane. 50km (or less) at night - whether in town or in the country - sounds quite dangerous. However, if done with other people in an organised manner (e.g.. with parents at checkpoints) then it could prove to be a very constructive experience.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts! - If you've tasted these doughnuts (found in USA and in various places in the UK including Harrods) then you'll know they are heavenly. Krispy Kreme have a fundraising program where you can buy their yummy doughnuts at half price and sell them at normal price. If sold at a busy event (with permission of course) then I'm sure I could make loads! (and I certainly wouldn't mind if they didn't sell).

Grants

I have never tried this option in the past and therefore do not know what to expect. However I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

If you pop by your local library, you'll discover a little treasure: The Directory of Grant Making Trusts (ask your librarian). The book boasts a list of a large number (over 4500) of trusts found in the UK. These trusts donate money to various people for various causes. I would advise you to check your eligibility in applying for a grant with the trust directly (call them up) instead of writing a thousand letters and getting only a few responses.

You may also find some trusts by carefully looking on the internet.

eBay

Hail eBay! I have already made lots of profit on eBay - in fact with the money I made, I was able to apply for this expedition by paying the £500 deposit (all by myself!).

It all started when I sold a limited edition DVD for £50 (which I bought for £5!). With the profit, I bought a different item (on clearance) at £5 and managed to sell it for £25 - I therefore bought out the shop's stock of that item and put it all up on auction. Business was booming and with even more profit, I bought two MP3 players (£50 each - they were discounted) and sold them for double. At the end of the day, I would say I have made over £350 on eBay (in 1 month!).

Alas, I have run out of ideas - but I will soon be making a comeback. If you would like to do the same, make sure you sell an item that people actually want and will pay dearly for (a DVD will not make much, unless it is signed or limited edition). There is bound to be someone in the world who will want to buy your merchandise.

Carboot sales

Even though eBay is useful, there are loads of fees to pay (you will only make profit on expensive items). I hope to sell some of my junk at a carboot sale soon. The other day for example, I sold some of my A-Level books at a book sale at my old school (and pocketed £15).

Birthday/Christmas presents

I have told my parents that if they want to get me a present for my birthday or Christmas, then they must get something that will be useful on my expedition - for example a sleeping bag (which it quite expensive). It is also much more substantial than them simply giving me money. Of course, I will not let them get me just anything - the right equipment is critical.

Money Bag

At my local Sainsbury's, there is a machine that will take your one penny coins and print you a receipt, which you can redeem for cash at the till (minus a very small commission). At the moment I have a huge bag full of pennies - I reckon there is around £15. I think this is a great way to get a small amount of money. You can also get your friends to do the same - they won't even notice it. 

This website and its content has been created by Yann Rashid as a personal website for his expedition to Svalbard in 2006 and does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of BSES Expeditions.