Compass Fundraising: Getting Started
New to fundraising or not sure what to do? We’re here to help!
How do I get started?
Write a fundraising blurb (up to 250 words) that everyone who visits your Compass Fundraising Page will read. Your message should tell people who you are and why you want to do a spring break trip with Compass. Include details such as specific events that have affected your life recently and what you’re learning in your journey. Share goals you have for yourself during the trip, or something you may be hoping to learn throughout the trip.
Email this message to kendall.billings@compasspath.org. We will use this message and the photo you submitted for your application to create a personalized fundraising page that you can distribute to friends and family. (See sample page below). Anyone who visits your personal fundraising page will be able to make online donations directly to your Compass account. Compass staff will also include information on how to donate by check for your supporters on your page.
"Great. Now what?"
Watch the “Getting Started with Fundraising for your Compass Experience” video (download here or watch below).
Take time to draft a letter and/or email you’ll be sending to your family and friends. You could also record a video of yourself with your fundraising message. It can say a lot of the same things you used for your fundraising blurb above, but should be longer and provide more details. (Need help writing your letter? Check out some of our sample support letters!)
Work on filling out the My Compass Support Team spreadsheet (provided below). Brainstorm a list of family and friends who may be interested in contributing to your trip, then contact them individually. You may also choose to post a link to your fundraising page on your social media sites and invite people to donate that way.
Thank everyone who is praying for you and supporting your trip!
Fundraising Resources:
After that, hang tight. Compass staff will send your customized fundraising page soon.
Once you receive that, you’re all set to begin fundraising!
Remember that your 50% deadline is December 31st. All funds are due by February 14th.
Important reminders:
All contributions toward your trip costs will go directly to Compass. (If people Venmo you or write a check in your name we won’t be able to give them a tax deduction). Donations should be made online through the personal fundraising page Compass will create for you, or an invoice sent by Compass if you choose to pay outright. Any donations made via check should have your name in the memo line and be mailed to:
Compass Path C/O Bryn Clark
PO Box 274
Wenham, MA 01984
All gifts made to Compass on behalf of your participation are tax-deductible and, therefore non-refundable. This is not a policy of the Compass organization but is a regulation of the IRS. Failure to oblige by this standard (i.e. refunding a donation) could result in the loss of the organization’s 501c3 status, a serious detriment to the future of Compass. It is vital that when someone makes a gift to your trip, they understand that it cannot be refunded under any circumstances.