The ideas listed below are possibilities for raising funds for your event participation.
Participants who choose to organize independent fundraising activities do so voluntarily and at their own risk. YCNA/Focolare is not responsible for injuries, damages, losses, or legal issues arising from such activities. Participants are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and safety requirements and for accurately representing the mission of YCNA/Focolare. Certain activities may require prior approval.
General Principles:
- Diversify: Use multiple strategies, not just one
- Plan for 12-18 months: Regular smaller events work better than one huge push
- Track everything: Spreadsheet of expenses, income, who donated
- Involvement: Each pilgrim should be fundraising personally
- Share the mission: Help people understand WHY they’re supporting you
- Connect to YCNA/Focolare: Emphasize YCNA’s vision of a united world where fraternity is lived among all people. living unity and building relationships
Crowdfunding Campaign
- Set up personal pages on GoFundMe, Zeffy, or Catholic-specific platforms
- Share your “why” story: faith journey, what WYD means to you
- Update weekly with preparation progress, Korean culture learning, prayer intentions
- Target: Friends, family, social media networks
Social Media Challenges
- For every 50 likes/shares, ask followers to donate $5
- Create reels about Korean culture, WYD theme, preparation journey
Personalized Letter Campaign
- Write to family, godparents, former teachers, mentors
- Include personal testimony and specific prayer intentions
- Follow up with thank-you notes and WYD updates
Sponsor-a-Mile Walk/Run
- Seoul is ~6,800 miles from most US locations
- Get sponsors to pledge $1-5 per mile walked/run
- Track progress on app and share with sponsors
Skill-Based Services
- Babysitting
- Tutoring sessions ($20-40/hour)
- Tech help for seniors (phone setup, social media basics)
- Home organization, yard work, pet sitting, cutting grass
Garage Sale Mega-Event
- Collect donations from parish families
- Large-scale multi-family garage sale
- Price everything to sell
- Leftover donations to charity
Knights of Columbus Sponsorship
- Local councils often support Catholic youth
- Present at council meeting
- Emphasize evangelization mission
Ideas useful in a church or parish
Plate Sale Fundraiser: One person or a group of people prepares a specific dish or plate. Supporters pay a set amount to receive one plate of food. Plates can be sold in advance or on the day of the event.
Plates can include full meals, single dishes, or themed food options. Examples include BBQ plates, taco plates, tamale plates, pasta plates, chicken and rice plates, or cultural dishes.
Plates can be prepared by:
- One individual
- A family
- A small team
- Volunteers taking turns
Sales methods:
- Pre-orders with pickup date and time
- Same-day sales while supplies last
- Combination of pre-orders and walk-ups
Pickup options:
- Drive-through pickup
- Central pickup location
- Community event pickup
- Designated seating area for on site dining
Virtual Game Night: Participants join an online game session such as trivia, bingo, or simple competitions. An entry donation is required to participate. The event is hosted on an online video platform so participants can join from anywhere. Games can be played in rounds, and winners can receive donated prizes or recognition. The event can be scheduled for a specific date and time and repeated with different games.