== Securing Funding and Support ==
Sample textWhen taking on the challenge of developing community and university based events at your campus one of the first things you will need to do is create a network of people who can support you and some sources of funding to help with the costs you will encounter along the way. There are many avenues to explore here but some that have been quite successful in the past are detailed below. '''Faculty Support''' Finding a faculty member in a position of relatively high power can be greatly beneficial to the success and longevity of your events. Someone in the Business or Engineering faculty are generally your best bet as they can have access to sums of money dedicated to funding student activities such as your event. Look for a dean or associate dean who has lots of connection and approach them with a planned pitch of your idea, making sure to show your passion to make an impact and achieve your goals. If you are successful here and are able to show your dedication to the activities you carry out you will be well on your way to creating a powerful relationship that can help support you through future events and activities at your university. '''Community Support''' It can also be helpful to start reaching out to other individuals such as local entrepreneurs and business representatives that would be willing to mentor you and advise on some of the tough decisions that you will be faced with. Creating a board of advisors will be extremely beneficial for securing company sponsorships, expanding your network and getting feedback on the work you are doing. This may also lead to future funding opportunities. Alternative funding sources may also include university alumni, start-up incubator programs, financial institutions and companies related to the goals or theme of your event. Searching for national organisations may also uncover grants available for active student groups and students who are trying hard to make a change. The main idea here is to reach out to those in positions of power that can help you achieve your goals through guidance and financial assistance. Once you have gained a solid foundation here, the rest of your work will be far easier to achieve.
== Building a Leadership Board ==