In a sheer flash of brilliance it comes to you in the middle of the night. One big idea set to change the world for the greater good. It may be an idea for your own non-for-profit, charity, community project or event, a documentary exposing the injustices of the world…anything, just something so big you know you have to act on it.  

Sounds familiar? Hope so! There certainly needs to be as many of these types of flashes of brilliance as possible when it comes to figuring out just how to make the world a better place. But have you acted on your idea yet? Again, hope so! But if you have not, we can certainly not blame you. It seems as though being struck on the back of the head with an awesome idea is often the easiest/luckiest part of the process when it comes to doing something big and positive for the planet. But then how do you know where to go from there? Where do you get the funding you need? Who do you turn to for advice and guidance? In a sea of information we hope that we can perhaps throw you a life buoy with a couple of pointers on just how to get that idea of yours up and going….

The internet abounds: Get ye online because there is literally too much information there. It is for starters the place to go if you are wanting to get the funds you need in the most flashest of modern ways. With websites like IndieGogo, Kickstarter and Sponsume, your moolah is only a few mouse clicks away (and yes, ok, a few Facebook statuses begging for friends support too). Got a campaign you're passionate about? The good folk at Digital Eskimo have created DoGooder, with all the tools you need to spread the word.

 Go old school: As much as we love the interwebs, there is of course this strange thing they call real life. Odd, I know. Try getting out amongst it (we promise you, it won’t hurt too much) and raise the funds you need through real life human contact. From bake sales to raffles, to anything completely random, have a look at some creative ways to raise the funds + awareness you need here.

Get skilled up and connected: Certainly a key to success when it comes to trying to kick start any serious project is making sure you know what you are doing…at least to best of your abilities. You may want to check out the School for Social Entrepreneurs, which as the title suggests is literally a school for those wanting to be educated on the art of starting a social enterprise. Read all about it here.  

Just ask: I think many people are surprised by how far simply just asking for help will get you. Can you think of an organisation or two that might benefit/be interested in your project? Approach them. Definitely get your professional on, make a plan for your project demonstrating what these organisations have to gain from supporting you and then just go and say hi. Will they be able to provide you funding? Guidance? A dancing monkey? You will never know unless you ask.    

Just do: At the end of the day, funding, mentoring and guidance by others is the bee’s knee’s, but only you can ultimately get this social party started, so go get to it!

Feature Image: Just Full of Ideas by Cayusa