Hey Pham,

I need some fundraising ideas. I have 8 months before, God willing, I enter the convent. The big obstacle is that I have a $10, 500 student loan to get payed off. I figure that I will need about $4000 from a benefactor in the end.

Does anyone know about any charitable organizations that can help?

Any ideas for how I can drum up some money?

I'm totally cool if God decides to make me wait another year, but I figure that I should atleast try to get it all payed off.

First off... I volunteer the prayers of us PMers to help you in your holy endeavor.

Second, the fund raising experience I've had (which may include getting rid of my own debt soon) is be specific. For instance, if you need $200/mo for room and board during your postulancy year ask people to donate for a month. (Then later on, say during the month of April, you send them a note of thanks.) Also, if possible, stress what you've done to help minimize your debt. Did you work two jobs or take the bus instead of buying a car? Also, make contacts at your parish/school and see if you can come and talk. If possible, have members of your community accompany you. Visual aids are always helpful!

Edit for some additional encouragement: $10,000 in 8 months is very doable!!!

Try Walk4vocations.com. They help with student loans.

Try applying for grants. There is one grant foundation that I know of but I know there is at least one other one. The one I know if is the Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations. Also, you could talk to your parish priest and ask him for ideas. He may even offer to hold a fundraiser for you. Just a few thoughts! You're in my prayers!!

To state the obvious, make sure you have at least one well-paying job that will allow you to make a good dent in that debt. Both St. Vincent de Paul and St. Benedict were very big on his sons and daughters doing what they could to be as self-sustaining as possible
If you like kids, see if you can find some parishioners who will not only pay you for babysitting, but who will give an extra donation for your debt. See if there are any other odd jobs you can do. Often, people are willing to pay more for equal work if they know that it is going to a great cause.

Be assured of our prayers!!
In Jesus and Mary,
Lauren

Thanks every body, these are some great ideas. I'm definately working my buns off, to get my debts down:)

College loans can be such a drawback. Might your chosen community have - or consider - a residential candidacy (pre-postulant) program? You would live rent-free in one of their houses and become a salaried employee in one of their ministries, even in an ancillary role if you're not yet qualified for their main apostolate.

A few U.S. groups have been doing that for a while now, and it has been an advantage for everyone involved. The candidate saves greatly on living expenses, while paying down the loan and becoming increasingly part of the group. At the same time, the community has some reliable help. It is also an excellent opportunity for further discernment on both sides.

Which community do you want to join?

The Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate

I'm going off a hunch here but you seem to really like this community.