University Students > Fundraising advice

Fundraising advice

When faced with the opportunity of a lifetime - there tends to be only one major factor that holds people back……. expense! Fundraising is an integral part of any expedition and, in many ways, it may appear to be the most difficult challenge you will face.  Remember though, it has been achieved by countless other volunteers. 

When a volunteer confirms their expedition place we provide a full information booklet.  Whilst this does not cover every possible fundraising avenue it does provide information on what ideas and events have worked for our volunteers in the past.  We concentrate on ideas that work with minimal lead-time and as little initial financial outlay as possible.

At almost all of the universities we visit it is our aim to set-up an effective fundraising group.  The best way to ensure success with your fundraising is to mix individual with group fundraising, so events as well as grant applications. Note at a very few US Universities fundraising on campus is not allowed because if fundraising for Opwall Study Abroad options were allowed then the argument would be why not other Study Abroad options. In these cases fundraising needs to be confined to grant applications and off campus activities

When it comes to getting started we are happy to come and talk to groups, or talk you through the pack over the phone if you’re coming on your own.

Throughout the pack we cover everything from writing a letter of support, who you can look to for financial assistance and what events and ideas really do work.

There are basically four main ways of raising the funds:

1.   Fundraising Activities
These events include bag packing, cake stalls, collections, sponsored events, car boot sales, swap shops, fun days, themed parties etc

2.   Raffles and Prize Draws
Operation Wallacea have created the Opwall Grand Prize Draw. Volunteers buy books of tickets from the fundraising team for £3.50 a book and sell them on for £10 a book making a huge £6.50 profit for each book sold.

3.   Grants and Sponsorship
Applying to local companies, trusts, schools and universities for funding. Groups such as the Round Table, Lions International, Rotary Club, and parish councils are usually only too happy to help.

4.       Working for it
Part time jobs, holiday jobs and Christmas jobs - even a few hours a week will bump up that expedition fund and make those targets even more achievable.

To find out more or for help and support with fundraising please contact anyone of our fundraising team on (01790) 763194 or email:

Rachael Forster - rachael.forster@opwall.com

Carys Edwards - carys.edwards@opwall.com

Rachel Daniels - rachel.daniels@opwall.com

Pippa Disney - pippa.disney@opwall.com

To find out more or for help and support for US students for fundraising, please contact anyone in our US fundraising team on 9739200487 or email:

Sara Carlson - sara.carlson@opwall.com

Matt Horder - matt.horder@opwall.com

Annual Operation Wallacea Grand Prize Draw - results

Operation Wallacea Trust grand prize draw 2010 - 2011

1st prize - A brand new Nissan Pixo - Scott McGready from North Ayrshire

2nd prize - Two around the world tickets - Hamish Martin from Edinburgh

3rd prize - A six week Operation Wallacea expedition - Harriet Swan from London

Operation Wallacea Trust grand prize draw 2009 - 2010 

1st prize - A brand new Citroen C1 – Kate Lalor from London

2nd prize - Two around the world tickets – Peter Wakelin

3rd prize - A six week Operation Wallacea expedition – Tim Newberry from Cardiff

Operation Wallacea Trust grand prize draw 2008 - 2009 

1st prize - A brand new V W Fox – Michael Wheeldon from Banbury Oxford 

2nd prize - Two around the world tickets – Emma Steward from Dagenham, Essex 

3rd prize - A six week Operation Wallacea expedition – Kelly Stewart from Barnstaple, Devon