Emma's Fundraising Page for Veterinary Students

 

Hi !!

I have created this web page to share my fundraising tips and experiences with anyone who is thinking of training to become a Veterinary surgeon but is faced with raising the tuition fees. This has more impact on graduates rather than school leavers, but as tuition fees are now an issue with anyone intending to go to University, this may help other students as well.

In 1998, I was offered a full cost place at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, to study for the BVetMed degree. As I already had a first degree, I was eligible to pay full cost fees. Initially, I was very sceptical about raising this money, but knew that if I didn't try, then I would lose my chance to become a vet......and I wouldn't give that up without a fight!! £65,000+ is a huge amount for someone to have to find by themselves (it certainly didn't exist in my bank account!) but I decided to give it a go. A year later, I have found sponsorship which covers the entire cost of the fees. So it can be done... if I can do it, you certainly can!! So just read on....

 

Science Graduates and Fees

In recent years, the rules regarding tuition fees for graduate entries onto the undergraduate veterinary degree courses have changed. This has resulted in the introduction of full cost fees which all graduates are eligible to pay. Obviously, this has put a great deal more financial pressure on potential students and, like overseas students, they must be in a position to support themselves throughout the duration of the course.

Whether you think this is fair or not, this is the situation you will be faced with if you decide to apply as a graduate to a UK University. You may be successful in negotiating with the University entry into the second year if your first degree was directly relevant to the course. This will help you financially, but unless you are lucky enough to have lots of money (or generous relatives / a winner of the lottery!), most of you will have to raise the cost of the fees by yourself.

DO NOT PANIC !!! IT CAN BE DONE !!!

 

I have created this web page to point you in the right direction and help you get started . Hopefully it will inspire you to try to raise your fees and not miss your chance to become a vet.

 

List of Tuition Fees

 

I have an offer! How do I start raising money ???

 

Well .......CONGRATULATIONS.........you have an offer which is a big achievement!! Give yourselves a big pat on the back,

All of the UK Universities now charge full cost tuition fees to graduates. Normally, you will receive your offer for entry at the start of the next academic year. This doesn't give you much time (a few months), and it may be wiser to start your preparation, at least, sooner than this. However, your offer letter will be needed as proof of entry onto the course.

Be prepared for lots of letter writing. This money will not just fall into you lap. You have to be committed from day 1. Determination and patience is the key. I suggest you invest in a computer, or at least have access to one. I found that for every 40 letters sent, on average just 1 was successful. JUST KEEP GOING- IT WILL BE WORTH IT. You must be prepared for the majority of your letters to be rejected, or not even replied to. However, those that do secure some funding make up for all the failures.

Secondly, use your iniative. Your letter must clearly set out your objectives, stating the reasons why you feel you need to write to the addressee. Emphasize your determination and dedication, and your willingness to attempt to support yourself throughtout the very intensive and demanding 5 year course in the face of such huge financial pressure. Just remember that you will be competing with many other individuals/groups, all requesting help for worthy causes and all hoping to be awarded some money. Think about who you wish to contact, and how to go about it. Remember, your letter needs to stand out from all the rest, so it is well worth investing time in preparing it properly. It is important not to ask for help with funding straight away, but to thoroughly explain your situation etc initially so that the addressee is able to build up a clear picture of you and your appeal. Make sure, however, that it is not too long and drawn out...you don't want the reader to become bored.

Although I have included some addresses of some organisations below, I will not be naming any individuals whom have sponsored me. What I will reveal is that they come from all walks of life, both in the UK and abroad, and include businessmen, the aristocracy, charities and trusts. My main sponsor is donating £5,000 per annum and is not linked directly with the Veterinary profession.


You will probably find that the hardest part is finding your first sponsor.

Once you achieved this, then others will be much more willing to commit to you, and you will find that it will become easier. Charities, especially, are keen to ensure that you are genuine and are serious about your intentions.You are fortunate in that many people will be impressed by your self motivation and determination, and in addition, consider Veterinary medicine a worthwhile and commendable career which will increase your chances of being sponsored (lots of people, even if they don't admit to it, have a soft spot for animals and will find themselves sympathetic to your appeal)

 

 

Below is a check list of ideas to help you plan your fundraising strategy!!!

 

1. The University Itself

The first place to start is at the University. They may offer scholarships or have some funding specifically for students in this situation (hardship funds). It certainly wont cover the fees, but it may help you get started. They may also have compiled their own list of charities/trusts etc whom have assisted students in the past, or give some suggestions about possible sponsors ( Bristol University has a list of charites and trusts)

Links to the UK Universities offering Veterinary medicine courses:

Royal Veterinary College, London University

Glasgow University Veterinary School

Bristol University

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University

Cambridge University Veterinary School

Liverpool University Veterinary Medicine Dept

 

 

2. Contact your LEA

If your first degree was for a period of 3 years, your LEA may be willing to support you in terms of contributing to your tuition fees for the extra 2 years (even more if you are lucky). Some autorities are more willing than others, and it seems to vary between counties.

Also, check to see whether you are eligible for any benefits, especially if you have dependents.

 

3. Take a trip to your local library.

In the reference section, you should find some books on fundraising and lists of charites and whom they assist. (see link below for list of useful books).The first thing to realise is that if you are writing to charities/trusts/foundations, they will have strict guidelines. It is pointless writing to an organisation whom only help the homeless, for example. Educational charites are obviously worth contacting. Another good starting place is the Family Welfare Association (for address, see below). Once they have assessed your particular situation, they will be able to match your requirments to organisations in their database, and send you details of any charities etc. whom may help you.

Most organisations have limited funds, so bear this in mind. From my experience, I have been awarded amounts varying from a few hundred pounds up to £2,000 per annum. Be aware that many charities do not sponsor individuals. The Lottery Fund is a specific example. However, you may be able to overcome this if the University/College is willing to apply on your behalf as a holder of charitable status.

4. Consider a career development loan

A career development loan can provide you with a financial boost which may make the difference between being able or unable to cover the cost of the fees. For further information:

Telephone: (0800) 585 505

 

5. Make a list of names

Try and make a list of people or companies whom you think will be willing to sponsor a Veterinary student. I've listed some ideas below:

 

Many feel strongly about the issues relating to student loans and tuition fees. Veterinary students have a tougher time than medics. Refer to these issues in your letter

 

Local/national Veterinary practices may be willing to sponsor you. Full or partial sponsorship may be repaid by your committment to work at the practice for a specified period of time after graduation, perhaps at a reduced salary to help pay back some of the capital. This arrangement could also apply to any organisation/business whom employ Veterinary surgeons. Get your thinking caps on and start writing those letters!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

 

6. Keep up to date with the media

Keep an eye on the tabloids/broadsheets. I found one of my biggest sponsors as a result of reading about a legacy in the Telegraph, the proceeds of which were used to set up a Foundation. I wrote immediately, and a few months later, I was awarded £2,000 per annum towards my fees.

You may get some ideas about various people to contact aswell.

If you can bring yourself to do it, read publications like "OK" and "Hello!". You are bound to get some ideas from the articles on various people. Even if they are based abroad, it is worth taking the trouble to write. I was sent donations from individuals based abroad eg. in the USA.

 

Some papers/magazines do publish lists of the wealthy, and these are very useful indeed. I spent many hours in the library with just such a list and a copy of "Who's Who". Who's Who certainly lists many hundreds of individuals so you can pick up some ideas. If an individual is not listed but are in some way linked to a company, then you can find the address of the company in "The Kompass Directory- Company Information" which will be in your local library.

The majority of my funding was obtained in this way.

 

7 Include proof of your offer

I would advise including a copy of your letter of offer from the University as proof of your place on the course. Also, if possible, include some documentation regarding the cost of the fees. The more information people have to hand, the easier it is to judge your situation and decide if they wish to sponsor you. Remember that you are writing to complete strangers asking them to help you- they have to be sure that you are genuine, and the more information you can include to persuade them of this, the better.

 

8. Get some publicity !!.

I contacted my local newspaper and they offered to run an article about my appeal and included a photo. Then when I wrote my letters, I included a copy of the article. This definitely helped my fundraising. It gives people the impression you are serious about the task you have set yourself, and they can see a picture of you which makes it more personal. I saw a definite increase in success rate after the article was written.

 

9. Don't be disheartened.

I sent over 50 letters before I secured my first sponsor, and as I said previously, it then becomes relatively easier. It is worth all the effort you put in because it will open the door for you to have the opportunity to become a vet. Just don't give up without a fight!!

 

List of books useful books to check out

Addresses

 

.....feel free to email me with any question or comments about this site or fundraising.

 

(05/02/99)

 

 

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