Nonprofit work is deeply fulfilling, but it comes with its own set of challenges—foremost among them is securing funding. While grants can provide essential financial support, internal fundraising remains a cornerstone for many organizations. It requires initiative, dedication, and creativity. This summer, the DREAM team in the Boston region demonstrated these qualities in spades, transforming a vision into reality through a successful fundraising campaign.
Our Boston team had a clear and exciting goal: to fund a memorable end-of-summer trip to Canobie Lake Park, a local amusement park. Under the leadership of Senior Youth Service Director Melissa Maharaj, the team embarked on a journey that began with meticulous planning. From the outset, they developed a comprehensive fundraising schedule that unified all Boston sites, fostering a collaborative spirit.
Every Monday, the team convened to strategize their fundraising efforts. They devised a multifaceted plan that included a GoFundMe campaign, targeted social media outreach, and hands-on fundraising activities. This combination of online and offline strategies was designed to maximize engagement and support from the community.
In the weeks leading up to the fundraising days, DREAMers rallied together to create handmade bracelets, lemonade, cookies, and Rice Krispies treats to sell. Their commitment was fueled by the strong connection between DREAM and the Boston community—many locals know Melissa by name, and this familiarity played a crucial role in the campaign’s success.
Some of the fundraising took place at a prime location near a busy train depot, ensuring high visibility and foot traffic. This strategic choice paid off significantly. Over just two days, the team raised an impressive $2,400. But that was only the beginning. Across all Boston sites, the fundraising efforts soared beyond expectations, accumulating a total of $6,500—far exceeding the initial goal of $5,000.
Maharaj attributes the success to the clear, tangible goal and the excitement it generated among the youth. "We went into the summer knowing exactly what we were working towards. Fundraising for a fun trip to an amusement park really motivated the kids," she said. The promise of a joyous outing was a powerful driver, turning hard work into a shared triumph.
This accomplishment underscores one of the most rewarding aspects of nonprofit work: the combination of effort, community support, and the joy of achieving something meaningful. The journey from planning to execution, and the satisfaction of seeing a goal come to fruition, exemplifies the heart of what we do.
If you want to support our DREAMers and contribute to more enriching experiences like this one, click here to learn how you can help. Your support makes a significant difference in the lives of these young individuals and the communities they serve.
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