What I Learned about Launching a Project from Winning $5K

This weekend my team and I competed at the Mobilize.org Democracy 2.0 conference in Philadelphia. We were awarded $5,000 to launch OnlyUp.org, a project designed to make the non-profit sector more appealing and friendly to people between the ages of 16-30 through evaluation and advocacy. We are a multifaceted program that will work with non-profits make their orgs more “Gen Y friendly,” provide resources to people under 30 to help them explore and excel in a career in public service, and connect excellent non-profits with excellent potential under 30 employees and board members.

When you win you are legitimized. It means that someone thinks your project has such potential that they are willing to invest in you. However, this award was different from any award I have ever received in that it left us with more questions than when we began. It’s almost as if we have to start from scratch and re-evaluate our organizational road map. During the weekend long process I’ve learned a few things about launching a project.

• Be unique: This was by far the biggest issue we faced. While people applauded our passion, what we felt made us unique was too subtle to stand out. When you apply for grants you are talking to people who have heard every big idea out there. What makes you so special? Why are you necessary?

• Plan to last: Not just in terms of your business plan but also in terms of your social impact. What will people take away from you? How will you make a difference?

• Don’t chase the money: This conference was a huge deal for us and the preparation for it certainly made us more solid as a group. But I can’t help but think of the various opportunities we may have missed and how we may have begun to see our project solely in the eyes of the competition instead of in terms of our overall goals. What does your idea look like for this grant? What does it look like outside of this grant? Make sure they match!

• Get advice from EVERYONE: Not just your target audience. The more perspectives, the better. When I when I was bouncing some ideas off of my friend who does not work at a non-profit he asked, “Do you have to be in a non-profit to make a difference?” The answer, of course, is no. However, these kinds of questions make you narrow down your focus and push you to be clearer. What would someone new to the field say about your idea? An expert? Don’t assume—go ask!

• Be open to collaboration: Call it the superhero complex. We all want to be the one to bring that new exciting idea that will change everything. Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. Success is made by collaborating with others. Who are your partners? What existing organization can benefit from your vision?

This weekend was an amazing learning experience and my friends and I are excited about moving forward! We will be relaunching shortly after more reflection. If you have any questions or suggestions for us leave them below or shoot me an email.