View Video of Fundraising Tips By Real Break Alumnus Noah Papas
Fundraising Essentials
Fundraising for your Real Break trip will be a new adventure. People want to give their financial donations to good projects and activities. OCF's experience has been that very rarely do students NOT raise the total amount of the trip . . . in fact, they usually raise over the amount. Below are some basic tips!
Start Early! Many students wait until after January 1 to begin their fundraising. However, many donors prefer to give in November/December for year-end tax deduction purposes. It's okay to contribute some of your own funds! You will be asking many people to help support you in your participation in Real Break...don't be afraid to be a donor too.It’s important that your parents are supportive in your Real Break Trip for various reasons, make sure they’re on board – they are a great resource to help in the process!
This is how it works: All checks should be made payable to Orthodox Christian Fellowship. Donors will send all checks and cash to you and you will then mail in the checks and cash, along with the donor forms to the OCF Donation Box (Orthodox Christian Fellowship/Lockbox Services/25275 Network Place/Chicago, IL 60673-1252/Memo Field: RB11 – YOUR NAME.) The only exception to this will be the online donations done via credit card.
On Line Donations Can Be Made Here:
If you would like to contribute to your trip, either include a check with your other donations or log onto your online registration to make a payment. You are responsible for knowing the amount of funds you have raised.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If a cancellation occurs, the participant will be responsible for all trip costs incurred up to that point. Cancellations must be received in writing to realbreak@ocf.net. In case of a cancellation, the participant will pay the $150 non-refundable deposit to the North American Office. OCF reserves the right to use the credit card on file for any incurred costs.
If cancelled, OCF is not responsible for the domestic flight booked by the participant. In case of an international flight, the participant is not responsible for the flight if he/she cancels six weeks prior to the departure date. If the cancellation occurs less than six weeks prior to the trip, the RB participant must pay the international flight cost, as well as the $150 non-refundable deposit.
Payment Policies
Your trip must be paid IN FULL by January 21, 2011. There will be NO exceptions to this policy.
If we do not receive your funds two weeks prior to your trip, your spot will be forfeited, and you will still be responsible for payment in full.
Letter of Appeal
The mainstay of your fundraising effort will be to write a personal letter appealing to your relatives, friends, and even to churches in your local area (suggested letter enclosed, though it needs to be personalized and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope). Your letter should be brief, and should request support for your involvement in the project, and also include a chance for them to pray for this missionary endeavor. Invite anyone in to contact your priest or the Orthodox Christian Fellowship office for a better understanding of your participation.
Remember to provide a Donation Support Form with your letter.
Download Sample Appeal Letter and Donation Form (MS Word Format)
Parish Appeal
Start with your parish priest. He knows you and will be more than willing to back you by approaching your parish to support you. You might ask your priest for his permission to speak to your congregation after Liturgy on a Sunday. You can ask church organizations, such as the Ladies' group, Parish Council, teen and young adult groups to allow you the opportunity to give a presentation and ask for support. Your priest can also help you appeal to other local/regional parishes and charitable organizations. Be honest in your presentations and share from the heart. Let your audience know that they will be sharing in your work by sending you.
CHRISTmas Gift
Many of us are fortunate to receive generous gifts for Christmas. Save yourself the returns and request that anyone from your family or friends support your Real Break monetarily and assure them this is a real CHRISTmas gift.
Once you receive your donations, they should be sent immediately to:
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Lockbox Services
25275 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1252
Memo Field: RB11 – YOUR NAME