Dani's MA Fund

Hi There!

My name is Danielle Lefeuvre and I have created this campaign on GoFundMe because I need your help! I’ve been accepted onto the Masters course of my dreams – an MA in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies – at the University of East Anglia and am due to start in September. However, I do not have the necessary funds in place to cover the entire cost. I do not qualify for Student Loan Company Support, and cannot finance my chosen course from my own resources. Despite these barriers I have decided to make this happen.

My Degree and My Experiences so far

I am incredibly passionate about Archaeology and Heritage and it is for this reason that I chose to do a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Leicester. I graduated in 2006, and since then I have remained in full time employment whilst doing as much archaeological work as I can in my spare time. This has included carrying out conservation work with the Great Yarmouth Cemeteries Project, helping to research the Norfolk Tokens Project with Adrian Marsden at Norwich Castle Museum, and carrying out two seasons of excavation work with the Caistor Roman Project. I have also been fortunate enough to be selected to go on an excavation near to Mount Vesuvius this Summer, which I am extremely excited about as I love Roman archaeology in particular.

The Dream, The Challenges, and Making it Happen

My dream is to have a job where I can research and preserve heritage for future generations. All the above fieldwork has given me a great deal of practical experience of this. However, the job market at the moment is challenging. I have applied for numerous heritage jobs and been rejected due to being under-qualified.  It is essential, therefore, that I complete a Masters in order to fulfil my dream. Yet, the rising cost of education combined with the fact I am independently funded and from a low-income background has thus far made this dream impossible for me. I have sent off for many Postgraduate prospectuses over the last nine years and ended up casting them aside, knowing it just wasn’t affordable for me. However, last year something changed. I’m not sure whether it was the prospect of turning 30, or just that I couldn't stomach another wasted prospectus, but I threw all caution to the wind. I not only went to the postgraduate open day at the UEA, but I applied for this Masters in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. Even better I got accepted! This is it; I thought to myself, I am finally doing it, and come hell or high water  I am going to make it happen. And so my fundraising journey began!

My Fundraising Journey so far

Well first things first, staying in employment has always been the priority. I have opted to do this MA part time over two years so that I can carry on working four days a week in order to pay my living costs.  I have also sent off numerous funding applications to various charities and other organisations in order generate further income to put towards course fees. So far with the support of Futures For Women, The Yorkshire Ladies Council of Education, The George and Ruby Will Trust and SC Witting Trust I have managed to raise £2400.

What I need now

Although what I have raised so far is amazing, it isn’t going to be enough to cover the total cost of the course fees, which is £7500. This is where I am hoping that you will come in; I am seeking to generate £5000 via Crowdfunding, and any contributions made, no matter how small, will be put directly towards my course fees. This will not only help me to fulfil my dream of doing this MA, but will enable me to gather the necessary qualifications needed to secure a role within the Heritage sector and make a real difference at preserving our heritage and culture for future generations. I realise that asking for money is a bit of a drag, so I have tried to make this campaign fun too. Check out my exciting funding rewards below: you can claim Smarties, get thanked in my thesis or even win a special prize!

Other ways you can help

I understand that some people just can't contribute, and that is fine. If you like my campaign you can help me by simply spreading the word- share this with all your friends and help me achieve my goal! You can also follow my fundraising page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DanisMAFund) and don't forget to check for updates!

Thanks Everyone!

Dani :-)