Help

[Ditch Monkey]

I'm trying to get an expedition off the ground. Basically the idea is to go off to the jungle and live in it for a year all the while writing a blog about the thing on a jungle proof lap top and running an online travel guide.

It seems like a bit of an odd thing to do when you see it written down like that. Anyway the reason for doing this is to raise money through an online sponsorship site for a charity called Rainforest Concern

Things are going reasonably well, various newspapers and the like have been in touch as they would like to cover the story once the expedition has started. The only thing that is now holding me back is a lack of funds. Can anyone think of any companies who might be interested in backing this project and thus getting themselves a bit of positive advertising?

 

[maddave]

I'd first try the outdoor manufacturers like berghaus, the north face etc and specifically look at those that produce jungle kit and offer to do reports, tests etc. Also write to retailers like Blacks, Cotswold etc and send them a copy of your mission statement. Remember these companies don't want to part with their cash for nothing, you'll have to have something on the table for their outlay. It'll be hard work and expect a few knockbacks.......good luck

 

[spamel]

Give Richard Branson a shout too, he may help you out with flights out and a couple of quid towards your scheme. Don't give up first go if you don't get replies from these people, keep trying. Good luck!!

 

[weekend_warrior]

Try AlpKit and CragHoppers.

 

[Ditch Monkey]

Thanks guys

I have come up with a cunning plan.

A plan so cunning you could put a tale on it and call it a fox.

 

[Carcajou Garou]

Try any of the "green" political parties, environmental groups and such.

 

[Jedadiah]

You could try Breitling Watches (Bear Grylls seems to have) and why not contact 'Woodlore' as it is their 25th Anniversary soon.

 

[Jodie]

Good luck with your project - I enjoyed reading about the last one.
Also I hope your cunning plan makes the following redundant

Could you get some advice from the Royal Geographical Society?
They run all sorts of expedition-related events and I'm sure they
could cover funding issues and give you some pointers.

Does the charity itself have a fundraising pack full of ideas? Is there
a mailing list where funding opportunities are offered or discussed?
I'm on one relating to science communication which flags up funding
streams from major trusts / government etc. etc. so there could be
a similar one for green issues, or even a general charity one.

Are you hoping to get a large wad of cash from one source or many
small donations from varied sources? Could you give local fundraising
talks, hold a pub quiz etc.?

Have you looked in your local reference library for the 'Trust directory'
which lists all of the grant-making trusts and the criteria that you'd have
to satisfy to approach them.

How about companies that have no overt green links but would jump
at the chance of writing on their website that they are sponsoring you?
Perhaps even a company which has had bad press relating to activities
in rainforests who would like a bit of good PR

As others have suggested, are you keeping a keen eye on which
sponsors are backing other people? You could probably google
rainforest "Sponsored by" rainforest or rainforest "we are
grateful for" and variations thereof just to see what names come
up, if any.

Might one of the newspapers back you, for exclusive rights? I've
no idea about that last one but might be worth asking at least.

Perhaps Endemol might like to film the reality of living in a rainforest...

Finally - why not re-open your justgiving page!
http://www.justgiving.com/ditchmonkey

 

[Ditch Monkey]

hi all, thanks for all the feedback. As I feared it seems that there is no alternative to doing lots of paperwork, writing loads of letters and all that malarky. Thanks for all the leads, I'll follow them up.

 

[fredcraft]

Thanks guys

I have come up with a cunning plan.

A plan so cunning you could put a tale on it and call it a fox.

very clever !