FATS Phase 3 funding

[seenvic]

FATS has morphed into three phases.

We are almost done with the first phase of 17 miles.

We are about to start on phase 2 of about 6-7 miles.

We are about to apply for funding of phase 3 of 8-9 miles.

Here is the deal. For phase one, we got $10,000 from the USFS and SORBA-CSRA pledged 1500 volunteer hours that are worth $15000. We have about 340 hours to go. By the March 25th Grand Opening, I would estimate we will need 100 hours to reach 1500. I expect to get 400 hours that day.

For phase 2, we need about 400 hours. 300 of them should come on the March 25th date. We then have April/May to do the final 100 hours and open the fourth loop.

Then we take off 8 months and if the funding comes, we will start phase 3 in Jan 2007.

The USFS is back in for $10,000. This leaves SORBA-CSRA on the hook for $15,000.

Here is gist of this post.

I don't think SORBA-CSRA can/should committ to 1,500 volunteer hours again. I am tired. I know the volunteers are tired.

I think the $15,000 should come from three things.
1. 500 volunteer hours at $10 per hour. $5000
2. $3000 worth of donated materials. I have leads on these and can get them. $3000.
3. $7000 in cash spent on materials. We will need signs, bridges, and armoring material. $7000

So, the issue is this. Can we raise this money ($7000)? We have a $2000 matching committment from one donor that will give $2000 once $2000 has been raised. This puts us at $4000. I have asked three people their thoughts and one made a $250 committment, the other two committed $50.

These donations are tax deductable.

I see our options as this.

1. Pursue the grant with the above mix of matching funds. Knowing we all must give a little cash.

2. Pursue the grant with some other combo of funding.

3. Pursue the grant with 1,500 volunteer hours. We will need someone to take leadership of the volunteers.

4. Don't pursue the grant. Let the pin flags rust away and not build these trails.

My vote is for the first option.

Any thoughts?

[rayandtrish]

I think a combination of what you proposed with hours and donations of materials and such is possible. With the core people that assisted with the first phase like myself, as long as we have a good plan to lead the wp's from, I would be very happy to take the job. I also know from talking to the other members that we will need a detailed plan to handle the fund raising opportunities, which I believe events held on phase 1 trails could help support.

Again, obviously I am committed (or committable) to the FATS. I just don't want to take on a large commitment without a good plan. To many years running projects of different sizes that have taught these lessons... Ray

[seenvic]

I think we could need some events. But I am not sure we do. I hope we don't. I'd like to see it done via contributions.


If we do have to do some events, Todd Branham said he'd promote a race. He is the promoter of the Off Road Assault on Mt Mitchell and the Swank 65. He is a fine MTB Race promoter.

I covered events today w/ the USFS. They're fine with them, but we would have to jump thru some hoops first. No more than we jump thru on the Bakers Dozen.

Oh yea, I just got a $500 commitment from a local business. I'm ready to collect checks, not promises.

Is anyone ready to write a check?

I am.

[azdrawdy]

How about the wife and I raise our $50 commitment to $500. That is not a question, but a statement.

The only question I ask is when does the cash have to hit SORBA's hands? January 1, 2007? When the USFS finalizes the grants? We will be willing to hand over the money when the grants are finalized. No questions asked.

Michael

[wooglin]

seenvic said:

Is anyone ready to write a check?

Given my poor volunteer performance, I'm in. $50 now and $50 later.

Can't wait to ride this trail. Legally of course.

[seenvic]

azdrawdy said:

How about the wife and I raise our $50 commitment to $500. That is not a question, but a statement.

The only question I ask is when does the cash have to hit SORBA's hands? January 1, 2007? When the USFS finalizes the grants? We will be willing to hand over the money when the grants are finalized. No questions asked.

Michael

Michael,
Right now I am trying to get the officers to agree to move forward on the fund raising effort. It is my opinion that we need at least half of the money in hand by the grant application submission (March 22, I think). But that is only my opinion.

But the question you asked can only be answered by the SORBA-CSRA officers/members. And only if they agree to move on the fund raising effort.

BV

[JIMMY C]

AS FAR AS THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE WORKED ON THIS PROJECT I THINK THEY WOULD GLADLY PITCH IN AT LEAST $50 A PIECE. MOST OF THE OTHER FOLKS WOULD DO THE SAME. I THINK WE NEED TO TRY IT AND IF WE COME UP SHORT WE CAN MAKE IT UP WITH MORE MONEY OR WORK HOURS.
TREE DRAGGING AND JUMPING ON BUSHES IF FUN BUT I WOULD RATHER RIDE MY BIKE.

JIMMY C.

[azdrawdy]

JIMMY said:

TREE DRAGGING AND JUMPING ON BUSHES IF FUN BUT I WOULD RATHER RIDE MY BIKE.

JIMMY C.

That's pretty much the general concensus right now among us all.

Michael

[Paul]

SORBA-CSRA is a non-profit charity registered with the state of South Carolina. SORBA-CSRA is a non-profit charity with the IRS as a subordinate unit of SORBA. All of this means that any donations to SORBA-CSRA may be tax deductible. The following are the SC & IRS web sites for SORBA:

www.scsos.com/ch_profile.asp?char_id=7268


This is the IRS site. At the search engine type in:
Bicycle for Organization and GA for Location under state.

apps.irs.gov/app/pub78