After taking the time to create your fundraising goal and plan, and putting in the efforts to use your local resources for raising money, you are now close to realizing your travel adventure! While this is something to definitely celebrate, your work isn’t done quite yet.
Before you depart on your overseas journey, it is important to recognize all those that helped you arrive at this moment. In this final article in our three-part fundraising series, we will help offer some ideas for saying “thank you” to your support network.
Showing Gratitude Before and After Your Travels
It is very important that you thank everyone who gave money to provide you with the experience of a lifetime! In addition to saying “thank you” immediately to anyone who made a contribution to your program, it is a good idea to follow up with an additional thank you once you return from your travels as well.
A great way to show gratitude is by taking photos on your Greenheart Travel program, writing a letter about how it had an impact on your life and then sharing that information with those who helped finance your travels.
Here are some other creative ways to show your community you appreciate their support:
- Send a postcard or an e-card with a personalized message and photo from your travels
- Make a video while on your program and include a thank you at the end of it to those who donated
- Give a social media shout out to those who impacted your trip
- Post a group picture of fundraising events and tag those who attended
- Take a photo series while abroad with a “Thank You” sign and make a gratitude collage
In an age where everything seems to be online, never underestimate the power of a hand-written thank you note. While photos, videos and travel montages are exciting, being able to say a personal and genuine “thanks” to show your appreciation is priceless.
Get Organized in How You Will Say “Thanks” Before You Leave
Plan ahead for your thank you ideas so you can be sure to get the footage or photos you need while abroad. However you choose to show gratitude, remember the impact that this experience had on you and the generous friends and family that used their time and resources to make it a reality.
Alongside personal thank you notes and gratitude collages, it is also worth considering giving a presentation once you return. By sharing what you have learned about a culture, language and yourself, you can inspire and educate your community. You can also use this opportunity to say thank you to groups or local organizations that helped you fundraise or your travels.
Showing gratitude for all the support you’ve had in reaching your goal is important, but don’t forget to give yourself a high-five as well. You are on your way to a life-changing travel adventure through your hard work and fundraising efforts!
How have you shared your gratitude with your fundraising supporters? Share your ideas in the comments below!