Thank you for your sincere desire to attend ECHO! As you may or may not know, your retreat fees are allocated to provide an amazing experience: awesome community, a beautiful environment, comfortable overnight lodging, food, top-notch musicians, nationally renowned speakers and catechists, supplies, workbooks, entertainment, liturgical supplies, T-shirts, insurance, and much more! Nevertheless, we know that it can sometimes be difficult to cover the ECHO registration cost. We never want to allow money to be a reason you cannot attend ECHO, so we are here to support you!
We ask that in order to be considered for a scholarship to attend ECHO, that you consider honestly how much you are able to offer toward your registration, and commit to making some kind of fundraising effort.
We ask that in order to be considered for a scholarship to attend ECHO, that you consider honestly how much you are able to offer toward your registration, and commit to making some kind of fundraising effort.
step one: pray & Plan
We invite you to pray honestly about how much you can contribute toward your registration, and trust that God will provide. Additionally, we invite you to embark on some fundraising efforts. Below are a few ideas.
1. Talk to your pastor about your parish sponsoring you to attend, or your local chapter of the Knights of Columbus.
2. Ask your pastor if you could speak after a weekend Mass about ECHO and ask for financial support from parishioners.
3. Ask a relative for a matching gift. For example, if you pay x amount, they contribute x amount.
4. Have a bake sale. Hint: Sell items for "donations" rather than fixed prices and give people a chance to be generous.
5. Write a letter to your boss and ask them to do a matching scholarship.
6. Considering taking some time to brainstorm 10 people/families for step two!
1. Talk to your pastor about your parish sponsoring you to attend, or your local chapter of the Knights of Columbus.
2. Ask your pastor if you could speak after a weekend Mass about ECHO and ask for financial support from parishioners.
3. Ask a relative for a matching gift. For example, if you pay x amount, they contribute x amount.
4. Have a bake sale. Hint: Sell items for "donations" rather than fixed prices and give people a chance to be generous.
5. Write a letter to your boss and ask them to do a matching scholarship.
6. Considering taking some time to brainstorm 10 people/families for step two!
STEP two: send letters, emails, and TEXTS asking for support
Click HERE to access a printable letter that you can send out to potential donors, or you can attach this to an email as well. In the letter, potential donors will find all the information they need to send a donation directly to us on your behalf, either through the mail or through an online donation. We will then apply these donations directly to your remaining balance and notify you of any changes. We ask that you brainstorm 5-10 people to send the letter to. We have found this to be very effective, with most people finding success in fundraising all of their registration fees by utilizing this letter. Be sure to make it personal by adding your own personal notes to the front or the back.
You can also text this link to friends and family and ask them to make a donation to sponsor you to attend! We will apply these donations to your remaining balance and notify you where you stand.
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You can also text this link to friends and family and ask them to make a donation to sponsor you to attend! We will apply these donations to your remaining balance and notify you where you stand.
flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDMwMzc=
STEP Three: consider a payment plan
Depending on what ECHO retreat you have registered for, you may be eligible for a payment plan...customized to meet your needs. You can break up the full retreat cost into smaller automatic monthly payments, making paying for the retreat much more manageable over time. If you'd like to inquire about a payment plan, please email us at retreats@echocommunity.us.
STEP four: apply for a scholarship
Please fill out the echo scholarship application below.
Please note: This scholarship is distributed to participants who are truly in need of financial aid. Depending on the availability of funds, scholarships will range from $50.00 to $100.00.
Please note: This scholarship is distributed to participants who are truly in need of financial aid. Depending on the availability of funds, scholarships will range from $50.00 to $100.00.