Fundraising Information

The following is a list of the latest fundraising requirements for the YAV Program:

• International Sites: $9000
• Atlanta: $6500
• Chicago: $4500
• Denver: $4500
• Hollywood/LA: $6500
• Miami: $6000
• San Antonio: $4500
• For fundraising information about Tucson, Nashville, Seattle, Cincinnati and New Orleans, please contact Essie Buxton at (888) 728-7228, x5300 for the latest updates.

Fundraising FAQ

How much do I need to raise?
We ask you to raise $9,000 for international sites and anywhere from $3,000 to $6,500 for national sites.

Do I need to raise the whole amount before I begin serving as a YAV?
No—our office will provide you with a timetable of how much should be raised, and by what date. The first deadline for international YAVs is July 25, at which point you should have raised $2500.

National sites ask YAVs to have raised about a quarter of their funds by this point as well.

Why do I need to raise part of my own funds?
The YAV office and Presbyterian World Mission can offset about half of the cost of hosting a volunteer at a site for a year. The rest comes from the support of family, friends, church members and mentors of Young Adult Volunteers.

Also, and equally as importantly, fundraising is an important part of transitioning into your YAV year. You will speak with many groups, write many letters and make several phone calls, each time articulating what you will be doing as a YAV, and whom you will be serving. Your enthusiasm for the program and for the community you will be serving will show when you talk about it, and donors will want to support this excitement.

Finally, by taking small donations from several people or groups of people, you are allowing all of those who gave you funds a chance to participate in ministry with you, even though you are the one who is physically traveling to a new place.

What are typical ways in which people fundraise? Is there a certain “format”?
There is no one way that you must go about raising funds. “Typically,” YAVs speak with their congregations during a Minute for Mission, or something similar. We will provide you with resources to guide in the fundraising process. YAVs also write many letters and make phone calls. Sometimes people also speak to their Presbytery and Synod, depending on what kind of funds are available for young adults in mission. People can get very creative in this process

Can people support me in ways other than giving money?
Yes—and you need their support in other ways! As a YAV, you will need the prayers of your friends, family and congregation members. Hopefully, they will “travel with you,” as you keep them updated on what you are learning and whom you are meeting. In this way, they are serving, too, because they are supporting you.

When should I begin fundraising?
After you have been placed with a site. For applicants considering international sites, this will be after March 29. For national-only applicants, you can begin fundraising as soon as you are placed.

How does the YAV office support me in my fundraising?
You will have your own ECO (Extra Commitment Opportunity) account through the PC(USA) assigned to you, to which your donors can send their tax-deductible donations for you. That way you don't have to deal with any of the money yourself. We will send you regular updates on how much money has been sent in on your behalf.

How successful are YAVs in their fundraising efforts, typically?
Almost universally, the feedback that we get from YAVs is that fundraising was easier and quicker than they thought possible! Church members and friends are eager to give money to support YOU, because they know you and want to see you do well, and to pursue things about which you are passionate. As a result, they are happy to support you through prayer, as well as by donating their money to support your year as a YAV.