Why is fundraising important in the context of support work?

• Supporting people on the move with necessities, medical support and/or legal advice, education and leisure activities always requires money. There is not only the running costs of the project, but also costs in the administrative work of the organisations or simply the travel and supply costs that you yourself have.
• Of course, such necessary care should not actually be covered by private donations. But unfortunately, the reality at the moment is that there is little or not at all enough public money available to come close to covering the needs.
• As the running costs in supporting people on the move should not all be covered by few (and always the same) private persons, it is usually a good idea to try and get donations for the organisation you are working with.
• Fundraising is of course optional, and we understand if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. But if you are open to the idea, there are many relatively simple ways and resources to raise funds and share your support with others, as donating is one of the easiest and quickest way to show support.
• If you are considering collecting donations in kind, be sure to check with your organisation first to see what exactly is needed.

Pitfalls / Recurring problems

• What are your intentions as a volunteer or supporter? Always ask yourself why you are doing something before you share it on your social networks. Are you asking for donations on your social networks to show solidarity, or do you have other motives? Are you presenting yourself as a saviour? The answers to these questions will affect your fundraising and the potentially critical picture you paint of the situation on the ground.
• It can quickly become about you rather than the circumstances you want to draw attention to, especially if you focus on your work rather than the situation of refugees.
• Even if the focus is not on you and your work, pay attention to how people are portrayed. They are not passive victims who need to be 'protected' and 'liberated' from their suffering by you. Instead, it is important to present a nuanced picture of active people who are structurally discriminated against. People of Colour are often portrayed as recipients of aid rather than in an active position. They are also rarely addressed as donors. Instead, donors are mostly addressed as white people who supposedly need racialising and stereotyping images in order to feel something - and then donate.
• Good intentions, such as raising awareness of the situation of refugees or collecting donations, are no justification for violating the dignity or privacy of other people, or for overshadowing or disregarding their self-perception.

Source: e.g. glokal e.V. (2017): Die Spitze des Eisbergs. Spendenwerbung der internationalen Hilfsorganisationen - Kritik und Alternativen (DE)

What do I have to pay particular attention to?

• Basically, there are no limits to your creativity in fundraising, but from our experience, personal conversations are always best in collecting donations.
• Do not hesitate to ask for a donation for the project you are working with or to fund your own activities. Even if asking for money is often awkward at first, you don't have to feel uncomfortable! The necessity of such donations result from a number of structural inconsistencies and inequalities that have nothing to do with you. Trying to combat injustice through various ways is a good thing, and trying to get people involved - who might have more financial resources than you do - also. The worst-case scenario is to be turned down and that's fine too.
• Pay attention to the principles of public outreach in your fundraising campaigns.