Fundraising ideas

How to Fundraise for a Uganda Trip – Fundraising Ideas for Africa Trips, Volunteer Expeditions & Mission Travel

Fundraising for Uganda Trips Made Simple

One of the biggest challenges for those planning to travel to Uganda or elsewhere in Africa for volunteer work, student trips, mission trips, or charity expeditions is raising the necessary funds. But don’t let the cost of travel stop you from experiencing a life-changing journey in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda.

Whether you’re travelling solo or as part of a youth group, university tour, church mission, or volunteer project, there are countless creative, fun, and effective fundraising strategies that can help make your dream a reality.

Here’s your ultimate guide packed with fundraising ideas for Africa trips—perfect for travellers from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Asia, and beyond.

Step 1: Create a Solid Fundraising Plan

Start by listing 100+ people you know—friends, family, neighbours, alumni, teachers, coaches, family friends, church members, local business owners. Categorise them from 1–5 based on how well you know them (1 = very close, 5 = distant acquaintance).

Focus first on your “1s” and “2s” and ask them to:

• Donate

• Introduce you to others who may be interested in supporting your mission

• Share your campaign in their networks

Step 2: Set Up an Online Fundraising Page

Set up your personal fundraising page on platforms like:

• GoFundMe

• JustGiving

• Fundly

• GiveSendGo

Use this page to:

• Tell your story and share your mission

• Track your fundraising progress

• Accept safe, online donations

• Post updates before, during, and after your trip

Step 3: Fundraising Events & Campaign Ideas

Below are practical, high-impact fundraising activities for your Africa trip:

🎯 Support Letters Campaign

Send physical or email letters to your network explaining your trip, your purpose, and how they can help. Include payment instructions and offer to send a thank-you update or presentation after the trip.

🎯 Movie Night or Talent Show

Host a movie night at your church or community centre. Sell refreshments or entry tickets. Or, organize a talent show—singing, dancing, comedy—and collect donations at the door.

🎯 Car Wash Day

Organize a charity car wash with your team. Sell car wash vouchers in advance, or invite people from your church or community to drop by.

🎯 Parent’s Night Out

Offer babysitting for a donation—great during holidays or special occasions when parents want an evening off.

🎯 Skip-a-Treat Campaign

Encourage supporters to skip their daily coffee or movie night and instead donate that amount to your trip.

🎯 Coupon or Receipt Challenges

Invite people to donate the money saved using coupons or receipts. Set a “coupon month” in your church or school group.

🎯 Supermarket Bag Packing

Partner with local supermarkets to help customers pack bags for donations. This also raises awareness about your Uganda trip.

🎯 Safari Supper

Sell tickets to a 3-course dinner hosted in different homes—starter at one home, main at another, dessert at a third. Great fun, great food, and great fundraising!

🎯 Face Your Fears Challenge

Get sponsored to do something you fear—like holding a snake, public speaking, or climbing a wall. It’s entertaining and attracts generous donations.

🎯 Garage or Boot Sale

Ask your church or community to donate items. Host a weekend sale and raise funds while helping people declutter.

Creative Fundraising Campaigns

• Frequent Flyer Miles: Ask frequent travellers to donate airline miles to cover your flight.

• Egg Seller Challenge: Sell eggs or simple items door-to-door with a story behind each sale.

• “Committee to Send [Your Name] to Uganda”: Form a team to help promote and run your fundraising efforts.

• Christmas Card Post Office: Collect cards from church members, distribute them in exchange for donations (instead of postage).

• Better Bones Lunch Bunch: Encourage colleagues to bring lunch from home and donate the money saved.

• Fashion Show Fundraiser: Partner with a local boutique or shop, borrow clothes, and host a catwalk show.

• Themed African Night: Celebrate African culture with food, music, dance and storytelling. Charge entry fees or accept donations.

Group and Church-Based Fundraising Ideas

These work especially well for mission teams, school groups, and youth ministries:

• Quiz Night or Games Evening: Sell entry tickets, offer prizes, and provide refreshments for sale.

• Sponsored Clean-Up Day: Volunteer as a group to clean up your town or assist at a church in exchange for donations.

• Sponsored Walk, Run, or Bike Ride: Get people to pledge money for each kilometre covered.

• Cardboard City Night: Sleep outdoors in cardboard shelters to raise awareness and sponsorships.

• Pet Sitting / Dog Walking: Simple service that families love—and it adds up fast.

Partner with Local Businesses

Ask local restaurants, cafés, or stores to:

• Donate a portion of sales from one day to your cause

• Display flyers or a donation box

• Sponsor your campaign in exchange for social media shout-outs

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

• Create a hashtag for your journey

• Post short videos sharing your mission

• Livestream fundraising events

• Thank donors publicly (with permission)

After the Trip: Show Gratitude

Donors want to see the impact of their contributions. After your trip:

• Send thank-you notes or videos

• Share photos and stories

• Offer to speak at churches, schools, or community centres

Join a Trip to Uganda or East Africa

Msafiri Tours offers a variety of impactful and life-changing travel experiences across East Africa:

• Student expeditions

• Church and mission trips

• Volunteer and service projects

• Cultural immersion and educational tours

We also provide fundraising support, sample letters, and digital assets to help you succeed.

Ready to fundraise for your Uganda trip?
Get in touch with Msafiri Tours today for a free fundraising starter guide and to start planning your trip to Africa!