It can be difficult fundraising for any cause, let alone one that's not in your own backyard. That's the number one concern of potential donors I've approached over the years for the World Partnership Walk (WPW), Canada's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for international development.
Giving internationally is as important as giving locally, and one shouldn't be sacrificed for another. Research on next generation donors implies that it doesn't matter that donors feel recognized for their contribution; they want to know that their investment has real impact on others. They want to see the change they are making...and it doesn't matter to them whether it local or international -- saving a life is saving a life, regardless of the geographic region.
Since 1985, The World Partnership Walk has raised over $75 million dollars. Last year alone, over 40,000 Canadians participated and raised over $7 million dollars. What's particularly interesting about this endeavor is that 100% of each donation is applied to the cause (a.k.a projects an initiatives); not one cent is spent on administration! How is this possible? Well, all the expenses are funded by his Highness the Aga Khan -- the cost of food, tents, technical equipment etc. And all administrative tasks in organizing and implementing the Walks are done by volunteers -- people who dedicate thousands of hours each year to ensure the increased funds and awareness towards international development.
In addition, the World Partnership Walk is recognized for the fact that their "projects are identified and implemented by local communities, targeting areas of greatest need and providing long-term sustainable solutions -- like revitalizing a rural economy, ensuring clean water and sanitation, strengthening community-based organizations and educating new generations of girls and women.
Funds raised by the Walk also help AKFC to leverage additional support from major donors like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This means that the impact of every dollar you raise is multiplied many times over."
This means that CIDA, in addition to various other corporate national foundations, will leverage your donation up to 9 times. The means that your donation of $100.00 = $900.00!! And ps. you get a tax receipt for your donation.
You can help a child in Aghanistan get an education. You can ensure that a new mother in Mozambique is healthy enough to take care of her baby. You can help provide a loan to a father in Egypt to grow his business and help sustain his family's resources for generations to come. Just because these people don't live in your backyard doesn't mean they don't need your support.
Canadians are well known for their generosity and charitable giving practices. Here's your chance to prove it. Visit www.worldpartnershipwalk.com and donate to an ambassador, start a team, or just attend a Walk and be inspired by 40 000 Canadians who believe in the cause.