Global PACT Blog

In a previous post , we introduced to you some ideas to build your project. But there is a lot more information you might want to consider.  It is important because if you go on the wrong path when you start, your hope of creating social change might not go far, and no one really wants that to happen.

Starting a Student Group is Like Starting a Business

You have to come up with a goal, a plan to reach that goal, and the funds to reach that goal. Obviously, the goal of any business is to make money; on the other hand your goal is to create social change. In business you put in money in a project to make more money. In your case, you are putting in money, but the money does not come back. On the other hand, in return you help to make the world a better place. But because of the fact that you put money in and money does not come back, you need to make sure that you continue having funds coming in to expand your project. That is why planning is important. Once you figured out the direction in which your student group is going: who is doing what? Who is your audience? You will need to figure out where to get funding. As stated in the previous post, your campus might give you money for your organization. Most schools require a budget plan, and they will pay either a certain maximum amount,  only for certain expenses, or specific events.

Figure out Your Expenses

Most colleges will pay for the Student group’s expenses. So, calculate the cost of materials, like paper for fliers and office use, trips, office supplies, phone bills, or simply anything you will need to buy to make the student group influential.   At the same time by reasonable, your campus will not give you money for everything.

Getting Money From Your Campus 

•  Rutgers University for example does not fund for everything. You will also have to go through a lot of paper work to get money. But it is worth the hard work, because you need the money to start your student group in order to bring about social change. As you can see in this document from pages 2-5 there are a list of things that they are willing to fund, and another list for things that they will not fund. So be careful. You do not want end up paying from your pocket.
• Rutgers University also funds Student groups for hosting special events . Whether it is an event such as bringing in speakers to speak about certain topics, displaying movies to bring awareness, selling Fair Trade products or any other event you will need to host can be funded. Of course, each university has its own rules, and guidelines. So, please talk to with your Campus for any specific information.
• Rutgers also provides grants to special student groups committed to fostering intercultural relations while reducing acts of prejudice and bias. All you need to do as a student organization is fill out the grant application. Just read the directions on the first page. Rutgers also has the Human Dignity Awards   which honors up to five individuals or groups who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and commitment in promoting the value and importance of diversity at Rutgers and in society.

So, What is Next?

Once you have some money to begin start the student organization from your campus you need to make sure that you do not run out of money too quickly. You campus will not give you couple thousand dollars; to be realistic they might just give you $300.00 max depending of your campus or the plan you outline for your student group. So, you will need to find other ways to get funding for your Student group in order to make your  project successful. In our next post will go in to that in more detail.

In one of our previous posts we showed you how using video can be a great tool to create social change. You can also use your video to promote your project and collect the necessary funds you need. One place which will allow to get your funds is Global Giving Connect . On this site you can set up a profile of your project, your goals, and most importantly what you need to get the project started or keep it going. This way those who are willing to fund your program can give you the funds that you need. On this site, Givers look for different projects that they are willing to fund based on the type of project and country. The below video will explain the process.

Another way to collect funds for your project, is applying for grants. Different organizations and institutions give grants to individuals or groups based on different criteria. Below is a partial list of sites which offer grants. Obviously there are a lot more sites and organizations in the world that are willing to give a helping hand to have your project be come a reality.

• The Open Society Institute (OSI)is a private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. Once you click on the “Grants, Scholarships, & Fellowships”tab you will be able to search a wide range of grants and scholarships.
• The Peace Development Fund is committed to supporting organizations and projects that recognize that peace will never be sustained unless it is based on justice and an appreciation of both the diversity and unity of the human family.
• The United Nations Democracy Fund primary purpose is to support democratization throughout the world. UNDEF will finance projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The Fund will provide assistance to governmental, non-governmental, national, regional, and international organizations, including relevant United Nations departments, offices, funds, programs and agencies. The Fund will complement current UN efforts to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide.
• Conflict and Humanitarian Fund tackles humanitarian, conflict, security and justice issues that underpin poverty in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have a critical role to play in meeting these aims. Applications for the 2008 CHF project Competition are now invited from not-for profit organisations. Full information about the CHF, including the priority areas for the 2008 competition, eligibility and appraisal criteria and how to apply, can be found in the Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions
• International Development Research Centre funds research activities that are designed to directly benefitdeveloping countries and their citizens. Just follow the guidelines and hopefully your project might get funding like the below.

• The Avon Foundationprovides grants to organizations and institutions, predominantly 501(c)(3) or equivalent, in the areas outlined in our mission statement: breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency disaster relief.
• The Asia Foundation undertakes grant making with organizations as a collaborative process of problem identification and strategic planning within our four areas of programming interest: Governance, Law, and Civil Society, Women’s Participation, Economic Reform and Development, and International Relations.
• Funding Exchange is a place to find different kind of grants which fund different kind of projects. However, you will need to apply for the grants. Moreover, the grants offered are mostly for projects based in the United States.
• Brower Youth Awards:six young people from ages 13-22 will be awarded for their outstanding activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and environmental justice advocacy.

We will look for more ways for you to get the funds needed for your project. In the mean time we hope the above list is useful. If you received a grant before from different organization from the above list, let us know. If you have any ideas of collecting funds from the internet please share with us to help create social change.