Frequently Asked Questions

How does a student get featured on the site?

You must first submit a preliminary application, then create a blog following the guidelines on the Fundraising Wiki.

Are donations through this site tax-deductible?

No. U.S. tax codes reward donations to nonprofit organizations but not to specific individuals.

What if I want to make a tax-deductible contribution?

You can make a tax-deductible contribution to AFS through the general AFS scholarship fund (Global Leaders) here.

Do you have to have a PayPal account to donate?

No. Simply click the ChipIn! button on the student's blog, enter the amount you wish to contribute under "unit price" on the PayPal page, then click "update totals" and on the next page, select "Guest Checkout."

Do payments made on this site go directly towards the student's AFS bill?

Yes. However, there is currently a slight lag (approximately one week) between when payments are made and when the payment shows up in our accounting systems. Also, PayPal charges a minor convenience fee (2.9% + $0.30) for each transaction.

What happens to contributions if the student withdraws?

The money will be refunded to the sponsor in the form of a check (individual checks will be issued for each contribution.)

Can the general public access these blogs?

Yes. AFS candidates are encouraged to ask their family members and friends for support. We hope AFS volunteers will help spread the word too.

Doesn't AFS already give financial aid?

As part of our commitment to sending outstanding students abroad, AFS offers over $1 million in need- and merit-based scholarships each year. We are proud to offer financial support to students who exemplify the AFS spirit: students who are involved in their communities, have strong academic records, and demonstrate the flexibility and open-mindedness required to succeed as young ambassadors. Many of the students featured on this site have received partial awards already, but our scholarships are sometimes insufficient to meet families' demonstrated need. We encourage students to fundraise to bridge this gap, and this site is one way to do so.

Where can I find other fundraising resources?

Check out the AFS Fundraising Wiki, talk to an AFS advisor, volunteer, or contact scholarships@afs.org.





	Frequently Asked Questions How does a student get featured on the site? You must first submit a preliminary application, then create a blog following the guidelines on the Fundraising Wiki. Are donations through this site tax-deductible? No. U.S. tax codes reward donations to nonprofit organizations but not to specific individuals. What if I want to make a tax-deductible contribution? You can make a tax-deductible contribution to AFS through the general AFS scholarship fund (Global Leaders) here. Do you have to have a PayPal account to donate? No. Simply click the ChipIn! button on the student's blog, enter the amount you wish to contribute under "unit price" on the PayPal page, then click "update totals" and on the next page, select "Guest Checkout." Do payments made on this site go directly towards the student's AFS bill? Yes. However, there is currently a slight lag (approximately one week) between when payments are made and when the payment shows up in our accounting systems. Also, PayPal charges a minor convenience fee (2.9% + $0.30) for each transaction. What happens to contributions if the student withdraws? The money will be refunded to the sponsor in the form of a check (individual checks will be issued for each contribution.) Can the general public access these blogs? Yes. AFS candidates are encouraged to ask their family members and friends for support. We hope AFS volunteers will help spread the word too. Doesn't AFS already give financial aid? As part of our commitment to sending outstanding students abroad, AFS offers over $1 million in need- and merit-based scholarships each year. We are proud to offer financial support to students who exemplify the AFS spirit: students who are involved in their communities, have strong academic records, and demonstrate the flexibility and open-mindedness required to succeed as young ambassadors. Many of the students featured on this site have received partial awards already, but our scholarships are sometimes insufficient to meet families' demonstrated need. We encourage students to fundraise to bridge this gap, and this site is one way to do so. Where can I find other fundraising resources? Check out the AFS Fundraising Wiki, talk to an AFS advisor, volunteer, or contact scholarships@afs.org.