When I started this Kapipal almost 1 year ago I had no idea really what to expect. Really, who would just give a stranger money to make their dreams come true? Turns out, raising $50,000 isn't as easy as you would think.(quit laughing)
As the Internet grows so do the ways to reach people. There is a number of ways to raise funds online now, but not all of them are open to everyone.
A year ago I found Kapipal was available to Canadians to raise money for things. I stumbled upon it because there was another Canadian who was trying to raise money so he and his family wouldn't be kicked out of their existing Earthship.
Errol Starr Francis built an Earthship and was in danger of having it seized by the bank. Unfortunately, when I stumbled upon Errol's problem it was already too late for me to help much. Errol wasn't able to raise the required funds and was forced from his home. I hope one day he makes it back.
I know Kickstarter is another great way to raise money too, but I was unable to get it to accept a Canadian address. That may have changed from a year ago, but I haven't been back to check it out recently.
I initially wanted to use Kickstarter to raise funds because you do not actually have to donate anything until you reach your target, then everyone is charged. So, if I managed to get 10,000 people to pledge $5 each I could kick start my project. I figured it would be easier to get pledges from people then it would be to just get straight up donations.
Another issue I have run into is getting the word out to as many people as possible. How do you reach 10,000+ people without constant spamming of your friends and contacts or spending loads of money on targeted ads? Word of mouth will only spread your idea so far and so fast.
I am not a shameless self promoter who has no problems spamming everyone and anyone looking to raise cash. Generally, people do not want to be bothered with some scheme unless it somehow enriches themselves directly. I am not trying to enrich myself at the expense of others, just trying to make a tiny step in the right direction for this planet and for the people who live in my part of the world. I know once I build my Earthship retreat the people will come. Build it and they will come I tell myself.
I still have just over 3 weeks on my initial Kapipal to raise $50,000 to buy a piece of land so that I can start construction of an Earthship retreat and education center for the people of Southern Ontario.
I know it's a daunting task and if the 3 weeks passes and I haven't raised the funds I'll just keep trying, because if you don't try then how can you ever succeed? I know once I have the land I'll need more money and more help with construction, permits, plans, material, etc but I just need to take baby steps. One thing at a time.
I might split up the Kapipal into more manageable chucks once this one expires to try to raise money, instead of trying to raise One giant load of cash for land. There are many expenses when designing and building an Earthship retreat and education center and I really need to break them down.
In the meantime, you can donate here directly, you can LIKE my Facebook page to stay tuned, you can Join a group on Facebook to stay informed like all the other people looking to build one of these magnificent structures or you can just talk about them with your friends and family to educate people on the beauty that is an Earthship.
Happy New Year to you all!
ml
 |
| Raining cash? |
As the Internet grows so do the ways to reach people. There is a number of ways to raise funds online now, but not all of them are open to everyone.
A year ago I found Kapipal was available to Canadians to raise money for things. I stumbled upon it because there was another Canadian who was trying to raise money so he and his family wouldn't be kicked out of their existing Earthship.
Errol Starr Francis built an Earthship and was in danger of having it seized by the bank. Unfortunately, when I stumbled upon Errol's problem it was already too late for me to help much. Errol wasn't able to raise the required funds and was forced from his home. I hope one day he makes it back.
I know Kickstarter is another great way to raise money too, but I was unable to get it to accept a Canadian address. That may have changed from a year ago, but I haven't been back to check it out recently.
 |
| What What? |
I initially wanted to use Kickstarter to raise funds because you do not actually have to donate anything until you reach your target, then everyone is charged. So, if I managed to get 10,000 people to pledge $5 each I could kick start my project. I figured it would be easier to get pledges from people then it would be to just get straight up donations.
Another issue I have run into is getting the word out to as many people as possible. How do you reach 10,000+ people without constant spamming of your friends and contacts or spending loads of money on targeted ads? Word of mouth will only spread your idea so far and so fast.
 |
| Mmm SPAM |
I am not a shameless self promoter who has no problems spamming everyone and anyone looking to raise cash. Generally, people do not want to be bothered with some scheme unless it somehow enriches themselves directly. I am not trying to enrich myself at the expense of others, just trying to make a tiny step in the right direction for this planet and for the people who live in my part of the world. I know once I build my Earthship retreat the people will come. Build it and they will come I tell myself.
I still have just over 3 weeks on my initial Kapipal to raise $50,000 to buy a piece of land so that I can start construction of an Earthship retreat and education center for the people of Southern Ontario.
I know it's a daunting task and if the 3 weeks passes and I haven't raised the funds I'll just keep trying, because if you don't try then how can you ever succeed? I know once I have the land I'll need more money and more help with construction, permits, plans, material, etc but I just need to take baby steps. One thing at a time.
I might split up the Kapipal into more manageable chucks once this one expires to try to raise money, instead of trying to raise One giant load of cash for land. There are many expenses when designing and building an Earthship retreat and education center and I really need to break them down.
In the meantime, you can donate here directly, you can LIKE my Facebook page to stay tuned, you can Join a group on Facebook to stay informed like all the other people looking to build one of these magnificent structures or you can just talk about them with your friends and family to educate people on the beauty that is an Earthship.
Happy New Year to you all!
ml
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