<p>So yeah I want to start an organization over the summer. I'm not going to go into detail about the nature of it because I don't want every CC member jumping on the bandwagon (no offense). I get really excited when I think about it because I know it will be the most enjoyable EC I could possibly do. The only thing is, it will cost quite a bit of money and time. I could potentially make money off it, but I would rather not go down that path, and keep it non-profit, with just enough money to keep it functioning. It's really worthwhile, and I feel like it could benefit a lot of people.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice about raising money (aside from the usual bakesale, etc)? I think I heard something about organizations that give out grants to worthwhile organizations started by teens, but can anyone give me further information about it? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>^ Thanks so much, if I could get one of those they would be extremely helpful.</p>
<p>I probably will need a few hundred dollars to start off with. I’m estimating it will cost $1000 or more a year (I’m not entirely sure yet, since I haven’t calculated exact costs)</p>
<p>You shouldn’t depend on outside funding, but should do what you can to earn or otherwise raise the money. Organizations are more likely to help you with grants if you’ve also worked or have done something involving work (such as organized a fundraiser) to raise money for your cause.</p>
<p>How difficult is it exactly to get outside funding? Is it better to apply for it before you’ve started the organization, or after, so they can see examples of the work you’ve already done?</p>
<p>Does asking for donations work very well or not?</p>
<p>It’s better to ask for money after you have a track record. Asking for donations works after you have a track record. So, if you want to start something, first get a job or otherwise find a way to use your own money to start it. Doing so proves that you’re serious about what you’re doing. People aren’t likely to invest in your ideas unless you do.</p>
<p>Sorry for not being of help but what you’re doing sounds really neat. Are you going to make it a local non-profit or a nationwide one? I was thinking about starting one since last year when I was a freshman, but now I’ve personally decided against it because I have too many things that would come in the way. Good luck!</p>
<p>^local…it’s nonprofit, but not a charity or anything in that vein. Sorry if I’m coming off as paranoid, but the idea I have is really important to me.</p>
<p>I would be willing to invest some money of my own (I have enough for the initial startup in my savings account) but since I’m such a stingy person I have trouble parting with even a dollar (I’m not even joking)
But this organization would be worth it, to me, definetely, I just want to explore as many options as possible before I spend my life’s savings…plus I will need continual incoming funds to keep it going, so I have to figure that out.</p>
<p>Why would anyone invest money in a project unless the creator is willing to invest their own money in it? If you don’t want to invest your savings, get a job or create a job to fund it. Babysit, do lawn work, pet sit, etc. to get the funds.</p>
<p>Yeah, I was thinking of dogsitting during the summer, so that could go towards the organization funds.
I just have trouble using my savings because I’m thinking of putting it away for college (I really need money for that more than anything) instead of using it.
But good thing I won’t have to payroll to deal with, I can potentially do this whole organization by myself, or with a small group of people, depending on what I decide.</p>
<p>I think I will try my hand at dogsitting (or a real job, which is very unlikely since I’m only 15). Or I could do a bakesale or sell candy or something (how much would you normally make off of those?)</p>
<p>If worse comes to worse, I will cut costs as much as possible, and use my own savings to get this organization started.
And hopefully I can pick up a grant on the way…can’t wait to get started!</p>