I agree. Is very difficult to raise money for personal causes, unless they are health related.
I was almsot insulted by a woman because I was fundraising for my son and 3 other kids to go on a trip to Australia with People to People. A few months later the same lady was at the mall sellig girl scouts cookies. I approached her and asked her how this was different from my son going on a trip. She said the $ was for girl scouts programs. I reminded her that her daughter gets free nights at a summer camp depending on how many boxes she sells and that the field trips are free for the girls. I am on the board of directors, so I know who is played. She them apologized to me for her behavior.
Good luck. Unfortunately education is not affordable.