Operation Crossroads Africa is committed to moderate participation fees in order to ensure that as many people as possible may have the Crossroads experience. The participation fee is $3,800 for the Africa Program.
The participation fee covers international airfare, orientation costs, in-country transportation, materials, food, accommodations, all scheduled program expenses, visas, and international health insurance. Program costs do not include: immunizations, individual transportation to orientation, and personal items.
Each year, many participants raise their fee through steady, determined fundraising and hard work. Most raise their fee by soliciting the aid of college, community, and religious groups. They hold auctions, bake sales, garage sales, and benefits on their campuses and in their communities. In exchange for financial support, Crossroaders often become representatives of a particular organization or community during their stay abroad. Upon their return, they commit themselves to sharing their experience with those who contributed to their journey.
Successful fundraising requires a willingness on the applicant’s part to articulate a fundraising plan and to ask others for help. Many successful applicants enlisted the help of friends, relatives, and colleagues to form a support committee for their effort. However, time is critical, and applicants who need to fundraise are encouraged to begin their efforts at least three months before departure in order to identify possible funding sources and map out a realistic fundraising plan.
Crossroads does everything possible to assist those interested persons who are uncertain about their ability to pay the participation fee. We provide fundraising ideas, contacts with others who have successfully raised their fee in the past and consistent encouragement in the process. It is up to you, however, to initiate and undertake the fundraising process.
Because Crossroads is a not-for-profit organization, contributions to it on an applicant’s behalf are tax-deductible in the United States to the fullest extent the law allows.
