Fundraising

The cost of supporting a volunteer in Latin America, including travel, training, and administrative costs, is significant. For 2009-2010, the Peninsula Chapter of Amigos de las Américas plans to cover these costs through a combination of product sales, donor contacts through letter writing and phone calls, and a family contribution.  We chose this mixture to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to our volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances, to provide an important piece of volunteer training (via fundraising), and to get the word out about AMIGOS.  Here are the major elements of the program:

Product Sales

• Grapefruit --- an AMIGOS Tradition
• Poinsettias --- Great Christmas gifts

This effort primarily takes place in November and December for the Holiday season. Each volunteer receives a fixed amount of product to sell; if the quota is not met, the volunteer is responsible for making up the difference. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to sales strategies and we have a long list of repeat customers that we can draw upon. The experience gained in this effort will definitely help you in Latin America!

Letter Writing/Donor Contacts

Each volunteer is required to send out a minimum of 100 letters to friends and family, and contact a limited number of prior Amigos donors via telephone, to request individual tax-deductible donations to AMIGOS. The revenue from this effort is pooled - eg. volunteers have no individual quotas on raised funds, except for the requirement to participate in the activity. Letters are written by the volunteer, but again, considerable help is provided by the Chapter in composing them.

Family Contribution

The family contribution for 2009-2010 is anticipated to be $2,750 per volunteer.

• This fee can be paid in installments.
• Scholarships are available for as much as the full cost of the family contribution depending on financial need. The Chapter Board supports the scholarships through its own fundraising efforts plus any additional funds that may be raised through the volunteers' letter writing/phone campaign.