Questions on raising money

[Jimnphx]

Hello,

I apologize if my post does not fit this forum. I am at a loss as to where to post this. I am a 44 yr old re-entry college student in the process of obtaining a degree in Conservation Biology, and have some questions as to how to raise money for school. I am aware of and have applied for student aid and scholarships. My questions are for other ways to raise some money to off-set expenses. I just found out that I have been accepted to a field study program for four weeks this summer in Kenya. This is a tuition based program, along with travel expenses and equipment needs. There is an opportunity for financial aid, at the same time I would like to try to raise the money needed to eliminate student loans once I graduate from college.

My needs are as follows:
Tuition: $3500
Travel: $1800 (estimated)
Medical shots: $600
Passport: $75
Suggested cash to bring: $600

Wish list:
Laptop with the proper hardware/software/memory: $1000-$1300
Digital camera with telephoto capabilities: $500
Binoculars: $200-$400 (Tasco just would not do)

My questions are:
Can I legally solicit money/donations from individuals & businesses/companies for my cause?
Would I be considered a non-profit? Would I need to create an organization?
Should I set up some kind of bank account for donations, and how do I do that?
Any suggestions on what/how I could solicit monies/donations to be as successful as possible?
Any places/people I can turn to for help with letter writing etc?
Has anyone heard of going straight to the source and contact manufacturers for donations?

I am sure I have more questions, at the same time this is all I can think of for now. I appreciate any and all advice and feedback, even if it means hearing that I am crazy for thinking of trying to do this. I might as well know now.

Thanks again for any help

Jim
Phoenix, AZ
Also, anyone who would like to help out please let me know.

[misstreat]

you know what you need? mathew lesko's book of free money from the government...I'll sell you mine for ten bucks!

[justbeingher]

Since you are in research field, I'm thinking it's possible to design a project for which you could apply for a grant. Or some wacky obscure scholarship.

Any secret talents? I used to think people would think I was wack for being a reader (psychic). Now I make $500/month doing it - just getting started, and I am learning how to network to build my clientele. I also do clutter coaching.

A friend found herself laid off from a sales job when the firm folded. She got resourceful and since she is a marketing wiz, she decided to work for herself going and getting promo gigs for places like restaurants, doing freelance marketing for people she knows, she does physical training with people who want a trainer and she started a concierge service. This may not be for you but may make you think of something you do as a hobby or interest that could serve others.

Hey, if you are eligilbe for doing The Fulll Monty, I have seen those guys with their Gstrings looking like tutus full of cash.

plenty of folks look for housesitters, dog walkers, personal assistants.

I also saw an Oprah show where a girl got her whole private college ed paid for by dressing up in business clothes and standing on the street in NYC with a sign that said something like "I'm brilliant. My desired college thinks so too. I need money for my education, will you help me?" Some lady who was loaded with$ got all inspired and stopped, and heard her story and picked up the tab for her education because the girl reminded her of herself at that age. you never know what will grab people.

good luck.

[PaidSurveyEzine]

I guess you could try that route. But, why not get a part time job or two? Then invest your employment income conservatively.

Let me know what happens!
Chris

[heloarcher]

There is two problems with money. Not having enough and having too much.
The rich have serious problems and it doesn't stop when they have too much money.

It sounds to me that you need to get financially educated; The other post mentioned to get a second job to earn some more income or you could do what I do and earn a full-time income with part-time hours--all from home at your own lesiure.

I applaud you for continuing your education; I encourage you to get financially educated as well.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in getting started.

[Don Francisco]

TEXT X CFVFSSSDDHello,

I apologize if my post does not fit this forum. I am at a loss as to where to post this. I am a 44 yr old re-entry college student in the process of obtaining a degree in Conservation Biology, and have some questions as to how to raise money for school. I am aware of and have applied for student aid and scholarships. My questions are for other ways to raise some money to off-set expenses. I just found out that I have been accepted to a field study program for four weeks this summer in Kenya. This is a tuition based program, along with travel expenses and equipment needs. There is an opportunity for financial aid, at the same time I would like to try to raise the money needed to eliminate student loans once I graduate from college.

My needs are as follows:
Tuition: $3500
Travel: $1800 (estimated)
Medical shots: $600
Passport: $75
Suggested cash to bring: $600

Wish list:
Laptop with the proper hardware/software/memory: $1000-$1300
Digital camera with telephoto capabilities: $500
Binoculars: $200-$400 (Tasco just would not do)

My questions are:
Can I legally solicit money/donations from individuals & businesses/companies for my cause?
Would I be considered a non-profit? Would I need to create an organization?
Should I set up some kind of bank account for donations, and how do I do that?
Any suggestions on what/how I could solicit monies/donations to be as successful as possible?
Any places/people I can turn to for help with letter writing etc?
Has anyone heard of going straight to the source and contact manufacturers for donations?

I am sure I have more questions, at the same time this is all I can think of for now. I appreciate any and all advice and feedback, even if it means hearing that I am crazy for thinking of trying to do this. I might as well know now.

Thanks again for any help

Jim
Phoenix, AZ
Also, anyone who would like to help out please let me know.
jIM, ITS VERY SIMPLE, YOU CAN CONTACT THE PEOPLE THAT YOU WANT TO SOLICIT FROM DIRECTLY, YOU MUST TELL THEM WHAT YOU ARE RAISING MONEY FOR, DO NOT MISREPRESENT YOURSELF! TELL THEM YOU ARE ASKING FOR A CASH GIFT! ANYONE CAN GIVE YOU CASH GIFT AS LONG AS IT IS UNDER $11,000 PER PERSON PER YEAR. THE US GIFTING RULES ARE FOUND IN THE IRS TAX CODE, TITLE 26, SECTIONS 2501-2504-AND 2511.
THE LAW STATES THAT ONE OR MORE INDIVIDUALS CAN GIVE A GIFT TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL OF UP TO $11,000 EACH CALENDAR YEAR WITHOUT ANY TAX LIABILITY TO EITHER THE GIVER OR RECIEVER OF THE GIFT

[sunshinebaby]

Hello,

I apologize if my post does not fit this forum. I am at a loss as to where to post this. I am a 44 yr old re-entry college student in the process of obtaining a degree in Conservation Biology, and have some questions as to how to raise money for school. I am aware of and have applied for student aid and scholarships. My questions are for other ways to raise some money to off-set expenses. I just found out that I have been accepted to a field study program for four weeks this summer in Kenya. This is a tuition based program, along with travel expenses and equipment needs. There is an opportunity for financial aid, at the same time I would like to try to raise the money needed to eliminate student loans once I graduate from college.

My needs are as follows:
Tuition: $3500
Travel: $1800 (estimated)
Medical shots: $600
Passport: $75
Suggested cash to bring: $600

Wish list:
Laptop with the proper hardware/software/memory: $1000-$1300
Digital camera with telephoto capabilities: $500
Binoculars: $200-$400 (Tasco just would not do)

My questions are:
Can I legally solicit money/donations from individuals & businesses/companies for my cause?
Would I be considered a non-profit? Would I need to create an organization?
Should I set up some kind of bank account for donations, and how do I do that?
Any suggestions on what/how I could solicit monies/donations to be as successful as possible?
Any places/people I can turn to for help with letter writing etc?
Has anyone heard of going straight to the source and contact manufacturers for donations?

I am sure I have more questions, at the same time this is all I can think of for now. I appreciate any and all advice and feedback, even if it means hearing that I am crazy for thinking of trying to do this. I might as well know now.

Thanks again for any help

Jim
Phoenix, AZ
Also, anyone who would like to help out please let me know.
hey jim check out this package called think a little different and I know you will have found a way by then to pay for everything.