As a non-profit lodge, we financially support our projects, but overheads are high. We also need to fundraise to improve the quality in which our projects run, and replenish materials and equipment. There are several ways which you can help….
- Personal fundraising and sponsored events
- Encourage your friends and family to shop online through the Easyfundraising
- Helping us to find corporate partnerships
- Applying for grants
Not everything you find in the West is available in Malawi. If you are Volunteering, there’s a variety of items to bring to make an impact to the projects you work with. Contact Us if you have items which you would like to donate. We also receive direct donations through Chuffed.org.
All of our projects benefit from fundraising, whether it’s for books, pens, or building new school blocks. Here are some ideas for fundraising before you visit:
- Sponsored activates, such as runs, walks or swims- get creative and make it fun!
- Host a fundraising event, such as an auction, games night, coffee and cake morning or cocktail party.
- Community classes – share your skills for a donation or fee.
- Build an email campaign and send to friends and family.
- Hold a discussion about the project you wish to support at a local community centre, your work place or uni.
- Research & contact major donors for funding & grants.
Why is it important to fundraise?
Although we work towards our projects being financially sustainable, running certain workshops and activities can be costly. National funding and grants can be difficult to source, so the projects always benefit hugely from a financial boost no matter how big or small. Things in Malawi can be surprisingly expensive, such as buying equipment, paying for transport and even maintaining the projects buildings. Our non-profit status means that profits from Butterfly Space Lodge offers financial support to our projects where possible, but often after the basic overheads and maintenance for the on-site projects are covered, there is little left in the pot!
Fundraising efforts mean we can purchase new equipment and enhance the projects so they can really benefit the community. Funds can also be put towards a fun field trip with a community group, or running workshops and events. If you have a specific goal for your time volunteering at Butterfly Space, the funds can contribute towards achieving those goals.
Our Wish List
Below is a list of some useful items we would like for our community projects, so if you can source any of these, have them spare, or wish to fundraise to buy them, the project will benefit!
COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND INTERNET ROOM
- Musical instruments
- Laptops and associated equipment (mouses, flash drives, earphones etc.)
- Software for computers (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud)
- Audio interface for recording
- Tablets, to provide more access to educational material via Raspberry Pi
- Library books, especially reference books
- CD Roms of useful information on any topic
SCHOOL LINKS AND TEACHING:
- Educational resources, especially for the teachers – reference books, maps, teaching aids
- Raspberry Pi
- USB Projectors (for Raspberry Pi)
- Power banks
- SD memory cards
YOUTH CLUB/ NURSERY SCHOOLS
- Paint and paint brushes
- Arts and crafts materials
- Play parachute
- Deflated balls
- Football pump
- Kids books
BABY BASKETS
- Baby clothes
- Baby toys
- Baby blankets
- Reusable nappies
- Nipple pads
MEDIA ROOM
- Studio headphones microphones, cables (XLR, jacks, adapters)
- Flash drives, batteries, blank cd’s, micro cards
- Microphone
- Mixing desk
- Basic digital cameras, video cameras, voice recorders
- Documentaries and interesting films to screen and add to our collection
- Music catalogues
- Manuals and textbooks on the ins and outs of recording, film, photography etc.
DISABILITY CENTRES:
- Tablet/ smart phones
- Raspberry Pi
- Micro SD memory card (for raspberry Pi)
- Disability aid equipment, handles for walls, crutches, wheelchairs etc.
- Carpentry tools
- Gardening tools
- Toys, books, arts and craft materials (for the nursery school)
- Mini USB projector
- Bluetooth Speaker
SCHOOL GARDENS AND PERMACULTURE CLUBS:
- Seeds for the gardens (remember we are in the tropics, so seeds that like the climate!)
- Garden tools such as loppers, secateurs, and gardening gloves.
- Relevant books on permaculture.
- Personal Protective Equipment.
- Materials for environmental demonstrations.
Setting up your fundraiser:
- Plan which fundraising methods do you plan to use (e.g., online campaigns, events, sponsorships).
- Think about what you want your money to be used for.
- Discuss goals with one of our project coordinators.
- Put fundraised money directly into our charity bank account (to avoid unnecessary fees) Contact us for the details!
- See and access our official charity details through this link.
Donate Now!
Please support our projects. Without the generosity and support we have received over the years, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do!
Thank you, from all of the Butterfly team!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
If you have other ideas, something specific, or want more information on postage and donations, please click the link below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
