There are many types of non-profit organizations, but they all have two things in common: a group of people who share a passion for their particular cause, and the need to raise money to support that cause. No doubt you’ve seen or participated in gala events, fundraising raffles or donation campaigns designed to financially contribute to your favorite non-profit group. Although the organization may be close to your heart, attending yet another typical fundraising event can become tedious. Wouldn’t it be more fun to share experiences and build long-lasting relationships with other donors while contributing to the organization at the same time? For that win/win combination, we recommend that non-profits consider fundraising through group travel.

How does the organization make money?

When a non-profit organization designs and promotes a group trip, they can choose to include a donation to the organization in the per person trip price. The association can set the contribution at any amount and the charitable donation portion of the payment is tax deductible to the trip participants. If, for example, the pre-determined donation amount is $150 and 30 people make the trip, the organization earns $4,500 for their cause!

What are the benefits of fundraising through group travel?

Group participants consistently say that sharing travel experiences with like-minded companions and forming meaningful relationships with other patrons is one of the best parts of their trip. The participants have the opportunity to get to know the organization’s leaders on a personal basis, strengthening their bonds with the institution.

Dee Dee White, Corporate Meeting & Event Planner and a favorite group tour escort with Covington Meetings & Events says, “The common bond between people naturally encourages friendships to blossom. Some folks only see each other once a year at an annual fundraising trip, so they plan their travels around the group being together. It’s like a reunion of sorts.”

Covington Travel assists the group in promoting the trip, which raises awareness of the organization’s cause in the community. Financial benefits are inherent in group travel, too. Our group travel planners are often able to negotiate group discounts based on volume, or include extra amenities for added value at no additional cost.

In addition, we always design and price the group trip to include at least one free trip for the organization’s trip leader. The association can choose to raffle off the free spot for additional fundraising dollars, give it to the MVP (Most Volunteered Person), or even receive the dollar value of the free trip as a contribution to the organization. Travel Maestro tip: Talk to your group travel planner to determine available options for your specific trip and which will work best for your organization.

Who Uses Group Travel for Fundraising?

Fundraising through group travel is appropriate for all kinds of non-profit organizations:

• Civic Groups or Social Service Organizations
• Religious Communities for spiritual retreats
• Sports Groups and Athletic Programs
• Medical or Legal Associations
• Arts & Culture or Historical Societies
• Disability Groups
• Pride, Animal Rights or Environmental Special Interest Groups

Where do groups go and what do they do?

From Paris to Punta Cana, trip destinations are often driven by what the supporters are interested in. Fundraising group trips include the air and ground transportation, the hotel accommodations and all taxes. Meals can be included at the leader’s discretion. We work with the group leaders to include special events and exclusive activities that not only relate to the organizational cause, but are fun and engaging for the membership.

Past group fundraising trips arranged by Covington Travel include:

• Virginia Opera visited the magnificent Santa Fe Opera where they attended several performances and enjoyed a back stage tour.
• Richmond Symphony took a group trip to Ireland for a homecoming concert and fundraising for two Irish charities.
• Virginia Repertory Theatre has done multiple group fundraising trips that include stage productions and insider commentary by the artistic directors. They are currently planning a 2016 trip to Scotland.

If your organization would benefit from fundraising through group travel, contact Covington Meetings & Events to design a trip that will be a win/win for the cause and the people who care about it.