Studying abroad this year? Get started today by joining the Sponsor an AFSer program!
Sponsor an AFSer is an online fundraising tool provided by AFS to allow individuals to make easy and secure contributions to your AFS program fee. AFS handles all of the details, so after setting up your widget all you have to do is go out and find people who want to help you reach your goal!
Follow the steps below to create your personalized fundraising widget.
1. Create a blog!
Launch a free blog using Blogger. Make sure to select the “Simple” template, or else the widget may not show up on your blog. We strongly encourage you to choose a blog template with a light-colored background. Your AFS-USA widget has a white border and will look the best against a light background.
For your first blog entry, your post (at least 3 paragraphs) should reflect who you are and answer all of the questions below. Be sure to consider your audience when writing your post(s). People other than just your friends will be reading your blog, so you will want to write in a clear, professional manner that demonstrates why supporting your goal to study abroad is a good investment. Here’s a great example blog.
Answer the following questions in your first blog post:
• Who are you?
• Why do you want to go abroad?
• What do you expect to gain from the experience?
• How/what will you give in return for someone’s contribution?
• Why do you need help funding your AFS experience?
• What have you already done, and what are you planning to do, to contribute to your fundraising efforts?
• What is the Sponsor an AFSer program? Copy and paste the following directly on to your blog: Sponsor an AFSer is an online fundraising tool provided by AFS-USA to allow potential contributors to make easy, secure, and non tax-deductible contributions to my AFS program fee.
At the end of your blog entry, please include the text:
To sponsor my AFS program, please click the Donate Now button to make a non tax-deductible contribution directly to my AFS program account.
Make sure you show that you are working hard to make your AFS experience possible. It is also important to include a nice picture of yourself somewhere on your blog.
2. Email us the blog URL:
Send an email to studyabroad@afsusa.org with:
• “Sponsor an AFSer blog” in the subject line
• Your blog URL
• Your first and last name.
After sending an email to us with your blog URL, you will receive an email containing your unique widget code and instructions on how to place it on your blog.
Note: If you get within $500 dollars of your goal, we can raise your limit. Email studyabroad@afsusa.org to let us know you need your fundraising goal increased!
3. Start promoting your blog!
Launch a free blog using Blogger. Make sure to select the “Simple” template, or else the widget may not show up on your blog. We strongly encourage you to choose a blog template with a light-colored background. Your AFS-USA widget has a white border and will look the best against a light background.
For your first blog entry, your post (at least 3 paragraphs) should reflect who you are and answer all of the questions below. Be sure to consider your audience when writing your post(s). People other than just your friends will be reading your blog, so you will want to write in a clear, professional manner that demonstrates why supporting your goal to study abroad is a good investment.
Answer the following questions in your first blog post:
Who are you?
Why do you want to go abroad?
What do you expect to gain from the experience?
How/what will you give in return for someone’s contribution?
Why do you need help funding your AFS experience?
What have you already done, and what are you planning to do, to contribute to your fundraising efforts?
What is the Sponsor an AFSer program? Copy and paste the following directly on to your blog: Sponsor an AFSer is an online fundraising tool provided by AFS-USA to allow potential contributors to make easy, secure, and non-tax-deductible contributions to my AFS program fee.
At the end of your blog entry, please include the text:
To sponsor my AFS program, please click the Donate Now button to make a non-tax-deductible contribution directly to my AFS program account.
Make sure you show that you are working hard to make your AFS experience possible. It is also important to include a nice picture of yourself somewhere on your blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a limit to how much I can raise?
It’s best to start fundraising with realistic goals, and we know that potential contributors may be more encouraged to provide financial support if your goal is attainable. This is why we start you with a fundraising goal of $3,000 (or $1,500 for summer programs). If you get within $500 of your goal, we will work with you to determine a new fundraising goal.
Can anyone participate? Do I have to demonstrate financial need?
Only students who have been accepted with AFS-USA may participate.
Are contributions made through my Sponsor an AFSer widget tax-deductible?
No. U.S. tax codes reward donations to nonprofit organizations, but not to specific individuals.
What if someone wants to make a tax-deductible donation to AFS-USA?
You can make a tax-deductible donation to Sending Scholarships.
How does someone make a contribution?
All you need is a valid credit or debit card. To apply the contribution, click the Donate Now button on the student’s widget (found on a participating student’s blog). Fill out the form asking for your contact and credit card information. The student you support will be notified via email of your contribution.
Do contributions made on through the Sponsor an AFSer program get applied directly to my program fee?
Yes. Contributions are applied directly to a student’s program fee. However, contributions cannot be used to cover $500 program deposit.
Can contributions received through this program be applied to the $500 program deposit?
deposit?
No. Contributions cannot be applied to the $500 program deposit.
What happens to contributions if I withdraw from my AFS program?
The money contributed will be refunded directly to each contributor. For this reason, we don’t recommend using the Sponsor an AFSer widget to receive contributions that would otherwise have been given to the participant (i.e. money given as a birthday or graduation gifts, or for services provided, such as babysitting, bake sales, etc.).
Can the general public access my blog?
Yes. As long as you enable your blog to be viewable to others, the general public could see it. Because students are encouraged to ask their family members and friends for support, it’s important for your blog to be accessible to others. Students should connect with local AFS volunteers and get help spreading the word in their local community.
Doesn't AFS-USA already offer scholarships?
Yes, but our scholarship funds are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. This fundraising tool is another way for a student to raise money for his or her own program.
How do I know who contributes to me?
Each time someone contributes money through your widget, you will be notified via email. This email will include the name and contact information of the contributor, as well as any message the individual left when making the contribution.
Can my widget receive international contributions?
No. Unfortunately, Sponsor an AFSer widgets cannot receive contributions from international sources at this time. Only contributions from individuals within the United States can be accepted through your widget.
How long will my widget stay active?
It will stay active until 60 days prior to your program departure.