Tips for Fundraising and Simplifying Your Life
As a Young Adult Volunteer, I have been asked to raise 6,000 dollars to support volunteer living expenses, the non-profit I am working for and Presbyterian Church (USA) administrative costs.
As a Young Adult Volunteer, I have been asked to raise 6,000 dollars to support volunteer living expenses, the non-profit I am working for and Presbyterian Church (USA) administrative costs.
$6000! Wowzah! At first, this amount seemed overwhelming, but now I am on a role and enjoying the fundraising process.
I have three main fundraising projects:
Personal Donations, Airbnb, and Selling Household Items
Personal Donations, Airbnb, and Selling Household Items
If you are moved to donate please click here.
Thank you so much!
Personal Donations
I am currently reaching out to my friends, family, and spiritual community for donations. Asking others for money makes me uncomfortable. Nonetheless, so far my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. When I tell people about what I am doing next year in Tucson, people seem interested and even excited. Recently, there has been a lot of news on the influx of undocumented Latin American youths who are crossing the border unaccompanied. This crisis has been well documented in news, exposing many, including my friends, to immigration issues of which they were unaware. These events has posed a unique opportunity to gather together and support a healthier immigration system.
I am thrilled to announce that my home church, First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, has pledged a donation of one thousand dollars to Youth Adult Volunteers. Last week, I spoke at the Session meeting about my intentions and hopes for the next year. Soon, the elders will meet and discuss whether or not they would like to pledge another one thousand dollars. Surprised and grateful, I am honored to be part of such a giving community. In order to share what I learn, I will speak about my year of service in church before and after my experience.
Again, thank you First Pres!!!
Again, thank you First Pres!!!
Airbnb
I have become somewhat of a businesswomen and have started my own rental enterprise on Airbnb, a website that connects travelers to local short-term renters. My mom converted our backyard shed into a guesthouse. So, with her encouragement, I got it ready for guests and promoted our space on Airbnb. And... all the revenue goes to my fundraising goal!
So far, I have had one guest, a friendly middle-aged Texan on a business trips. Many others have contacted me and would like to stay in the guest house in the future.
The experience of getting the space ready, creating an online profile, interacting with guests, and tackling issues with handymen has been quite illuminating. It has given me a better idea of what it would be like to start a business or be a landlord.
It's got me thinking about whether not I'd like to start a business, something I had never considered before! I have even started discussing entrepreneurial ideas with my friend Hillary. Entrepreneurialism may be in my future!
Check out My Airbnb Listing, especially if you are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area this summer!
Below are some pictures of my eco-chic poolside cabana complete with a mini-kitchen, heated outdoor shower, and luscious garden.
 |
| The Eco-Chic Poolside Cabana |
Selling Everything I Own
In addition to asking for donations and hosting guests on Airbnb, I have been selling all of my family's unused household items. I now have a deep understanding of (and friendship with?) the garage, basement, and the attic.
Today I sold 200 CDs, two old laptops, and about 150 books. This can be a frustrating process as used items do not usually sell for much, but it adds up and can be a good workout. I have learned that it is best to sell things as soon as possible, before they become culturally or technologically irrelevant. You can get a better resell price and create more space in your house.
If any of you are trying to make or raise money or just want a clean house I recommend selling your CDs, DVDs, and video games on Decluttr. We live in a world of streaming and do not need all this clutter! And of course, sell anything worth over $5o on Craig's List.
If any of you are interested the Tiny House movement or simplifying your life, I recommend you read my friend Eli's blog. She catalogues her experience of moving from a 3900 square foot house in the suburbs to a 1500 square foot apartment in New York. She has lots of great tips!
Local (South SF Bay) Places I Recommend:
Yea!Mac - They can fix and buy Mac items.
B Street Books - The store has a lovely atmosphere and will buy select books.
Fine Consign - Sell your used furniture and get half the profits.
If you are moved to donate please click here.
Today I sold 200 CDs, two old laptops, and about 150 books. This can be a frustrating process as used items do not usually sell for much, but it adds up and can be a good workout. I have learned that it is best to sell things as soon as possible, before they become culturally or technologically irrelevant. You can get a better resell price and create more space in your house.
If any of you are trying to make or raise money or just want a clean house I recommend selling your CDs, DVDs, and video games on Decluttr. We live in a world of streaming and do not need all this clutter! And of course, sell anything worth over $5o on Craig's List.
If any of you are interested the Tiny House movement or simplifying your life, I recommend you read my friend Eli's blog. She catalogues her experience of moving from a 3900 square foot house in the suburbs to a 1500 square foot apartment in New York. She has lots of great tips!
Local (South SF Bay) Places I Recommend:
Yea!Mac - They can fix and buy Mac items.
B Street Books - The store has a lovely atmosphere and will buy select books.
Fine Consign - Sell your used furniture and get half the profits.
If you are moved to donate please click here.
Thank you so much!
