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💰 Money Management: Plan Your Fundraising Target · Free Lesson

Lesson 1: Know Your Number — Set Your Fundraising Target

Before you raise a single pound, you need to know exactly how much you need — and where it all goes. This lesson helps you set a clear, realistic target.

⏱ 8 minutes 📖 Reading + quiz 🎯 Lesson 1 of 6
Your progress
1 of 6
1 Your Target 2 Track Income 3 Budget Events 4 Savings Tips 5 Avoid Mistakes 6 Your Plan 🏆
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Why your target matters

The most common fundraising mistake is not knowing exactly how much you need to raise. Without a clear target, you have no way of knowing whether you are on track, ahead, or falling behind.

Your fundraising target is not just the headline cost of your trip. It includes everything you need to pay for — and some things that are easy to forget.

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A useful rule: Always add 10% to your calculated total as a contingency buffer. Unexpected costs always come up — better to have a small surplus than to fall short at the last minute.
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What to include in your target

Here is a checklist of costs to consider when calculating your fundraising target:

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Trip cost: The main programme fee charged by your expedition company
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Vaccinations: Some destinations require specific vaccinations — check with your GP or a travel clinic
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Kit and equipment: Boots, rucksack, sleeping bag, technical clothing — these add up quickly
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Visa and travel documents: Some countries require a visa — check the cost early
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Travel insurance: Essential — check whether your expedition company includes this or whether you need to arrange it separately
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Spending money: For food, transport, and activities during free time
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Contingency (10%): For unexpected costs
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Breaking your target into monthly milestones

Once you know your total target, divide it by the number of months you have until your trip. This gives you your monthly fundraising target — a much more manageable number to focus on.

Example: You need to raise £4,000 in 18 months. That is £222 per month — or about £55 per week. Suddenly a £4,000 target feels much more achievable when you break it down like this.

Write your monthly target somewhere visible — on your phone wallpaper, on your bedroom wall, or in your school planner. Seeing it every day keeps you focused.

Quick check — make sure this has landed
Why should you add 10% to your calculated fundraising target?
To make your target look more impressive to donors
As a contingency buffer for unexpected costs
Because expedition companies always charge more than advertised
To have money left over after the trip