BUDGETING

All prices are correct at 1 October 2009

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? - Why pay to volunteer?

People sometimes ask why they need to pay to volunteer when they are giving up their time and essentially, working for free. This is an understandable question and we are happy to explain.

IEP’s volunteer programs are designed to not only help the disadvantaged but to provide support to our members who are volunteering in a foreign country. We are a not-for-profit organisation which means we aim to keep our costs as low as possible. The program fees do include full, comprehensive travel insurance for the time you are overseas. Insurance is vital when volunteering in these countries which is why we include it in the price.

If volunteers didn’t pay the program fee there would be no resources to keep IEP and our partners in these countries up and running. It wouldn’t be possible to operate theprogram, from employing staff, recruiting volunteers through different marketing efforts, interviewing and then placing members on a project. At each destination the price covers keeping the local offices open with working facilities such as computers and internet, orientation and tours, transport, supporting our volunteers while away withfood, drinks and a place to stay.

By paying the program cost you are ensuring you have support throughout the volunteer process and you are helping to keep our programs up and running so more people in disadvantaged countries can benefit from the assistance we provide.

FUNDRAISING

Looking for some ideas of how to raise funds towards your volunteering quest? You can involve your community in your fundraising, simultaneously spreading the word about your cause and helping your raise the funds to get there. For some hints and tips about how to get started, click here.

COST OF LIVING - SOUTH AFRICA

All costs are approximate and are in South African Rand (R). AU$1 is equal to roughly R6.75.