Compiling a Directory of Fund raising sources

[ebarker]

A helpful hint:

When asking local companies for a grant, limit your initial request to $ 500 to no more than a $ 1,000.

The $ 500 number is big enough to make a big budget impact without hurting the business too much. That level is also low enough that it doesn't require too many signatures in the company for the grant to be made.

Explain to the potential donor the team 'business plan'. After the season you should report to the donor the results of the season. If you demonstrate impact and progress, you may be able to repeat the request for the next season, but at a higher level of financial commitment.

If your team doesn't have a business plan, then that should be your first order of business. The reason for having the plan is to help you and your team members get your head around what you want to do, and how you want to accomplish it.

Plus, if you do it well, it can be submitted for the Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship Award.

But remember, the first goal of the plan it to help the team achieve it's goals. The Award is the icing on the cake.

Good Luck !!

Ed

PS. If you carefully study the Lowes submission criteria, you will notice that it is forcing you to plan your activities. Plan, Plan, Plan