The first phase of starting a school in the Philippines is done. I met with the Department of Education and we discussed the neccessary requirements for licensing. I spoke with the building architect and engineer and we finalized the blueprint. I hired a project manager to oversee the building construction and the school licensing process. These were the easy part. Now, the most difficult part commences.

Phase two of the project is securing the funding. Yes, when it comes down to it, it’s all about the money. You may have all the ideas, talent, and passion but if you don’t have the almighty dollar, you’re Dead On Arrival. Luckily I have some ideas on how to finance this project.

The first one is to secure a loan from a lending institution. If you ever tried getting a bank loan for anything, you know that it is easier said done. The second one is to use the building as a collateral for a loan (this might be the easiest route as a funding source but I’m weary of mortgaging the building). Third idea is to use my family as a funding source, like my sisters, parents, and in-laws. This will take some begging but it might work, after all when the school takes off, the family name will be at the forefront.

My fourth idea is actually an exciting and fun way of raising money. I will engrave anybody’s name or company name on the front wall of the school for a $10 donation. I figure if all of my regular readers (commentors and lurkers alike) and the occassional readers donate the $10 amount, I will be able to raise about 10% of the money I need to renovate the building and to purchase materials such as computers, desks, and so on and so forth.

Factoring in construction, supplies, staff salary, and miscellaneous expenses, I will need approximately $100 thousand for the first year. This is quite a sum but I know it’s attainable. All I have to do is employ all the ideas that I listed.

Of course the best part of all of the fundraising phase is the part where you, my loyal, awesome, wonderful readers (I’m not trying to brown nose here, I truly mean it) get to play a part. Just imagine. You will be immortalized! And obviously, if you visit the school, you will be treated like royalty. Isn’t this cool? Ten dollars will give you fame and notoriety. I bet if you walk around your house and look for loose change under your sofa cussion or your bed, you will find $10 worth of change.

So take the plunge and donate. I’m happy to say that David from Life of (f)utility: Hacking the Human Race has already donated $20 to my project. Will you be the next one?

Please send your $10 through Paypal using the following e-mail accounts: cj090904@yahoo.com or chris@watdawat.com ( my donate button on the My Project page is having issues right now this is why I gave my two e-mail addresses).

I’m not good at asking people for money but I’m appealing to you because I know that this is worth doing. I know that this endeavor will require everybody’s help. If you feel like you can only comfortably give less than the $10 amount, then by all means do so. Any amount you send will help.

If you have any questions and suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment or you can e-mail me.

Thank you for your support.