Fundraising

Starting your journey to expedition

Fundraising is the first (and for some people the biggest) challenge of your British Exploring Society expedition. However, this metaphorical mountain is by no means unsurpassable.

YOUR FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

With a positive attitude, a little hard work and by following our tried and tested advice, you will not only achieve your goal but also gain some great memories and invaluable CV enhancing experiences in the process.

Whatever fundraising methods you decide to use, be proactive and start early but most importantly do something you enjoy.

Like the many thousands of Explorers who have already travelled with British Exploring Society, we have no doubt that you too will reach your target. Have a look at a few of our favourite case studies below or download the full Fundraising Guide.

Fundraising guide Fundraising challenges

Fundraising support

You won’t be doing this alone – our team are here to answer any questions you have. We will help you wherever possible.

If you are struggling for ideas or worried about not being able to reach your fundraising target, please get in touch with us and make sure to use the resources available on our website.

Why fundraise?

Fundraising is an important part of your expedition journey with us. While your place on expedition is largely funded by grants, trusts and generous donors, by raising funds you contribute back to British Exploring Society and show your commitment to taking part.
Your contribution ensures that more young people can have the opportunity to join us on expedition.
Fundraising helps you to develop very useful skills and confidence. The skills that you will gain through fundraising will be invaluable on your CV and help you in adult life and employment. Fundraising is a great way to go out into your community, use your networks and inspire others to get involved in your British Exploring Society journey

FUNDRAISING FAQS

Why is there a deadline?

It’s really important that we know that you have reached your target and receive the funds you have raised in advance of you leaving for your expedition, so we will set you a deadline to make sure all funds are received and processed. This will also give you the time to focus on preparing for your expedition in the weeks before departing. Your place on expedition with British Exploring Society may come under review if we haven’t received your funds by the deadline. We are here to support you so that you do not need to worry about reaching your target.
Why is there a fundraising schedule?

The fundraising schedule is to help you stagger your fundraising. It will make it easier to hit your target if you plan events over a period of time and stagger your contributions.
Where does your fundraising go?

The funds that you raise go directly to British Exploring Society and support the work we do, ensuring young people continue to have the opportunity to join an expedition to a remote location where they will face challenges, acquire outdoor skills and learn about themselves. We will always ensure that the funds we receive contribute to our vital work. Laws on how charities can use donations mean we cannot give back your donations apart from in exceptional circumstances.
How do I pay in offline funds?

If you receive cash donations, please pay the amount into your bank account and then donate to yourself on the platform you are using, with a note of where the funds have come from. If you receive cheques, please send them to your contact at British Exploring Society.

Plan and host an event

Putting on an event is a great way to involve your friends, family and local community in your expedition. Events do require more time with planning but if done well they can also be your biggest fundraising success. Not only are they a great way of fundraising but they also provide excellent experience for interviews and CV’s and can be a lot of fun!

Entrepreneurial adventures

Explorers and entrepreneurs are like two peas in a pod. They both have a mindset to create opportunities for themselves. Trying your hand at setting up your own business is a great way to use skills and talents you already have in combination with learning entrepreneurial skills that are becoming increasingly more sought after.

Part-time work

Part time work has been found to be one of the most effective ways of raising money. The steady stream of income quickly amounting to a morale boosting amount. This could be working in a shop, café or restaurant, or maybe think tutoring younger pupils or lifeguarding – there are lots of opportunities.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is a great way to gain funding from charitable and grant making trusts, local companies or maybe even through existing funds. As a recognised organisation with a long-history of purposeful expeditions we can direct you to some of these organisations, but independent research and local connections can be just as useful.

Explorer Miles

Explorer Miles is our new volunteering initiative run in partnership with vInspired. It gives you the opportunity to go and volunteer locally and make a difference by contributing to social action projects or charities. Once you have been accepted for an expedition every hour of volunteering you complete goes towards earning you a bursary of up to £1,000.

Top tips from previous Young Explorers

"At whatever stage you start your fundraising its always possible to get it done. In my experience, I had 7 months from when I applied to fundraise the £3500 total. At first, it seemed an utterly impossible task yet after talking to a few people and bouncing loads of ideas off those close to me it finally became a reality. So never give up. If you have that motivation and drive to raise the money then you will, and speaking from experience it will be so worth it in the end."

No matter what you're doing to fundraise I think it's important to have fun! You should be happy doing it.

Don't give up; fundraising a lot of money is difficult and takes a lot of time and effort but so many people are willing to help you out, whether it's by throwing a few coins in your bucket or giving you a bursary. At the end of the day, you will find a way of raising the funds and going on that expedition
Young Explorer

I held a quiz night at my village hall. We made curries, which were not expensive and had a £10 door charge. I bought drinks for the bar, returned the ones that didn't get bought and held a raffle with prizes I had donated from local businesses. I raised £1900 in one evening!
Rebecca - Young Explorer

My most successful fundraiser was me doing leavers hoodies for my old school, I was able to get 80% of my year to buy them. Through this, I was able to fundraise a lot of the funds needed for my expedition
Morgan - Young Explorer

Make a plan - Sit down on your own or with a parent and realistically work out how much you need to raise, how you want to do it, and when you will be able to put the time in around other commitments, exams etc. Don't forget to include your expedition cost, flights, kit and any vaccinations.
Young Explorer

I did a sponsored Aqua-Bike-Hike, where I swam 50 metres, cycled over 40 miles and climbed up a local hill called Dumyat in a day. I created several sponsor sheets and handed them out to trusted friends, and also my parents as their work mates can be quite generous. After I finished I approached people I knew if they would give a small donation, though they would usually give a lot more than I expected them to.
Hazel - Young Explorer