The resources you have access to has a great influence on your ability to turn an idea into reality. Often, coming up with a plan is not the hardest part of creating a project, it is bringing together all the components that you need to make it possible. Whether it is prizes for the participants or a guest speaker, these things are important to the success of your project. The reality is, however, that many of the things that you may need don’t come free and aren’t always accessible.

Fortunately, there are always ways to acquire the things that you need:

1. Use school resources

Before you look to purchase or rent something from a business, know the resources that your school can offer you. From audio-visual equipment to printers, a lot of the things you need are can be found right at your school and don’t need to be paid for.

2. Get students involved

Be creative and take advantage of the skills of your peers! Instead of printing a banner, work with the art group at your school to make one, or instead of hiring a DJ for an event, have a student volunteer. This way, you can have more students involved in your event, and also meet your needs!

3. Seek donations

If the resources aren’t accessible, you’ll have to seek them elsewhere. As you are raising money on behalf of your school and because it is going to a good cause, there is a chance that local businesses will support you by either donating their products or services, or offering them at a discounted price. You just need to take the initiative to ask. A good place to start is by using your network; approach businesses where one of your team member works at or has a connection to. Call them or walk in to request to meet with the manager, and from there tell them about your project and the cause it’s going towards.  Be sure to also mention what they can do to support you, and give them reasons that they should help you. Will they be able to put their business logo on posters, have their banner displayed at the event, or be able to influence the event in any way? Work closely with them and remember to thank them for their generosity!

4. Apply for grants

Many funds are established by corporations or by community groups to help groups just like yours. Apply to ones that you are eligible for, and you could raise the money you need to fund your project!

In all the projects that Turn the Page creates, we make it a priority to have expenses covered by partners to ensure that as much of the  funds raised as possible can go directly to the people that need it. We wish you the best of luck so you can do the same!