Fundraising Ideas

There are lots of ways to fundraise for your voyage. Below are some ideas but get creative and if you need any help, our friendly fundraisers will be happy to help out!

Write some letters

Make sure you explain what you are raising money for and what you feel you will get out of it. If you are applying to a local organisation/business, emphasise that you are from the local area. You could also mention other plans you have for raising funds, as this shows commitment and that you don’t expect to get the whole amount from one source.

OYT Scotland Regional Shore Groups

Our local groups are always keen to sponsor young people from their area. We currently have three groups;

Southeasterlies (Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders) Support Group
Aberdeen Support Group
Clyde Support Group

In return for sponsorship groups usually like you to give a report or presentation about your voyage, or help out with an event the group is running. See our Shore Groups page for contacts.

Alternatively you can send a letter into the main office in Greenock and we will forward it to the relevant group.

Charitable Organisations

Local organisations will often give grants to local young people. As with Shore Groups, these groups usually like you to give a presentation telling them what you did on your voyage and what you feel you got out of it. Below are some suggested organisations;

Set up a Virgin Money Giving page

The Virgin Money Giving website allows you to set up a fundraising page to advertise what you’re doing and collect sponsorship. It’s really easy to donate through your page, so make sure that you use the link on anything you send out telling people about your voyage.

Our Virgin Money Giving Page

Sponsored Activities and Events

You could do lots of small things (washing your parents’ car, tidying your neighbour’s garden), or organise a big event such as a ceilidh or a quiz night. Why not hold a raffle during an event, you can usually get people to donate prizes so all of the ticket money will go towards your sailing fund. If you are at school/college see if you can do fundraising activities
in school time, or using school premises. Why not see if you can get involved in something going on already at school/college or any clubs you go to, helping out with organisation for a share of any money raised.

Write an Article

Why not write an article for you local paper, explaining what your voyage involves and why you want to take part. You could offer to do a follow up with photos after your adventure. Make sure you include your Virgin Money Giving link.

Grants for Young People / Local Businesses

Check out your local library, Citizens Advice Bureau or school/college welfare office for grants that are available for young people. You could also get in touch with your local council or lawyers offices to see if there are any local grants which they administrate.

Need further help with your fundraising?

Fundraising Ideas