If you have oodles of contacts in your address book…
Using email is a great way to get the word out, however, it’s not enough to send out one email asking for donations. Give your donors something in return for their generosity by helping them feel like they are a part of your success. Consider creating categories of giving. For example, if someone donates $25, send him/her a postcard form abroad. At the $50 level, send three postcards at set intervals during your exchange. As the amount of the donation raises, increase the value or meaning of what you will provide. If you are a great writer, you could consider writing a short story (for a $250 donation) featuring the contributor as the main character. Better yet, make it a story set in the country in which you are studying abroad. Be sure to periodically update your email list and contributors about how your preparations are going, how your fundraising is progressing, etc. They will appreciate hearing from you.