Posted on Dec 27, 2014
Interested in participating on an archaeological dig?
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I am completing my PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology at Andrews University (Michigan), and I am a Field Director with the Belice Valley Project in Sicily. A couple of days ago I was contacted by someone with the Ministry of Defense (UK) who operates "Operation Nightingale"—they take wounded British vets to different archaeological sites to help them not only learn valuable skills but to help cope in a "military-style" environment. So, I will be helping to train British vets.
I would like to start something similar to this program but for US vets (though, likely open it to both wounded and not). As I already lead a field in Sicily, I have a site ready (and we always need the help). My question is this, how would you suggest I gather funds to give, say, ten veterans a full ride scholarship for a six week excavation with me in Sicily? I honestly have no idea where to start with this, but I would like to build a "business model?" or "charity model?" or whatever. I know archaeology, but I don't really know what I would need to do to give others the opportunity.
Thoughts on creating the model? Thoughts on where to gather large donations?
I would like to start something similar to this program but for US vets (though, likely open it to both wounded and not). As I already lead a field in Sicily, I have a site ready (and we always need the help). My question is this, how would you suggest I gather funds to give, say, ten veterans a full ride scholarship for a six week excavation with me in Sicily? I honestly have no idea where to start with this, but I would like to build a "business model?" or "charity model?" or whatever. I know archaeology, but I don't really know what I would need to do to give others the opportunity.
Thoughts on creating the model? Thoughts on where to gather large donations?
History (Major)
Archaeology
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Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 14
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Sounds fascinating for a history nerd like me. I applied to be a curator at the National Cemetery in Saipan and will be working with te recovery teams from JPAC. If selected, I start classes at the University on Guam for recovery operations, etc. I hope that is the direction God sends me. Best wishes and good luck.
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SFC Mark Merino
This position is located in the Engineering and Environmental Staff (EES), Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in Rural Development (RD). EES is responsible for the formulation and administration of policies and procedures for engineering analysis for the Water and Waste Disposal Program, environmental impact and historic preservation analysis to and compliance for all RUS programs.
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SFC Mark Merino
There are about 6 positions but nothing for what we were talking about. Are there any online courses for archeology that you have stumbled across..other than history type stuff?
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SGT Justin Singleton
I teach Archaeology of the Old Testament and Religions of the Ancient Near East online at a regionally accredited college (but more historical in nature), and there are other schools that have less religiously motivated courses. Oxford (England) and Harvard have some.
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SGT Justin Singleton, why don't you go to kickstarter and begin a campaign? I think your project would gain a ton of attention and get you the starting funds you need.
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SGT Justin Singleton
I think you are right. From other replies here, I think what I will do is look into opening my program to groups like WWP and others for funding and participants, but also start a crowdfunding campaign to gather the initial funds to cover 501c3 costs, etc. I'm thinking that it might take a good year or two to really get things going, but this summer I am joining our Brit friends to see how they are doing it and then I might be taking a wounded warrior (buddy of mine I served in Iraq with) to my dig and see how things go.
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SGT Justin Singleton
I'll also take this spring to actually write up the info for the program. Since I am still working on my PhD and will be writing soon, I am going to take this as slow as possible.
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COL (Join to see)
If it's linked to military sites, you may find a friend in the War Colleges as well. Army War College, National War College, etc. You never know.
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This sounds like a great program! Something I would be interested in. As for funding, how are digs normally funded? Have you reached out to folks like WWP and Team a Rubicon?
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SFC Mark Merino
I'm tempted to take an AMC flight and meet you guys out there and work for the experience.
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SGT Justin Singleton
Always welcome, brother! It is good hard work, and very fulfilling. This summer there will most likely be burials, mosaics, etc. I dug a burial this past summer (my second burial to excavate). The old lady (could tell age from her teeth) had earrings on either side of the skull, a ring and a half, and a coin. Lots of fun.
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I am still moving forward with this program. I have now created a Facebook page and a website. On the admin side of things, I am told that the 501(c)(3) paperwork has been submitted, and I'm waiting for that to be returned before the organization can take donations. They have promised me $50,000, which means approximately 10 veterans will be able to go to Sisley with me. Like my Facebook page if you were interested in going with me this next summer. https://www.facebook.com/OperationExcavate
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SGT Justin Singleton
Yeah, I was using Voice Recignition...apparently it doesn't know what Sicily is.
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Now that is "ground breaking". You can all Operation "Re-tread".
Sounds awesome and like a good idea for a long term program.
Sounds awesome and like a good idea for a long term program.
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SGT Justin Singleton
Thanks LTC (Join to see). I am actually meeting with someone Thursday to discuss paperwork, and I need a good name, lol. The Brits are using "Operation Nightingale" (Florence Nightingale) as they are geared toward wounded warriors, but I would like to gear this toward both wounded and non-wounded. Hell, active duty as well if I could figure out a way to navigate it. Unfortunately, Operation Nightingale uses military transport and excavates on military bases—options I won't have.
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Great stuff! I was lucky enough to participate in a dig on a Native American ceremonial mound at Shiloh National Military Park back in '03. Good luck!
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SGT Justin Singleton
Thanks, brother. I spent one day on a Native American mound site...I had no idea what was going on, lol. Everything is so different digging here in the States.
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You can really go about this two ways. First, you can try to stand up a Kickstarter campaign or another crowd-source funder. The other way would be to stand up a nonprofit. As someone that has started a nonprofit, it isn't easy but could be well worth it. You would need to figure a lot of the logistics out ahead of time to help you target possible funders. You would want to have a solid plan in place on how you are going to connect with the different Veterans and be able to talk about how your idea will help provide the Veteran with a direct and lasting impact on his/her quality of life.
The bonus of going through the whole nonprofit thing is funds donate to your 501C(3) are then tax write-offs whereas with a crowd-source fundraiser the money raised is not. Either way, with such a large project your first step would be to talk to a CPA or someone that understands fundraising and the laws behind it just to cover your butt.
The bonus of going through the whole nonprofit thing is funds donate to your 501C(3) are then tax write-offs whereas with a crowd-source fundraiser the money raised is not. Either way, with such a large project your first step would be to talk to a CPA or someone that understands fundraising and the laws behind it just to cover your butt.
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SGT Justin Singleton
Any chance I could look at your business plan/model that you use for your non-profit? Also, do we know if the VA can help with this sort of thing? I know they help with small business (at least I think they do).
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In Google url, search for online fundraising charity, there are way too many to list here.
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SGT Justin Singleton there are several websites like fund.me, but like you said, you need to have a 501C formed, so people could donate. I suspect if you had a mission like this, even having the veteran pay for his plane ticket, and taking care of everything else would bet more than kosher. Look into what you need to accept charitable contributions. Then find some websites that will do the collecting for you...you still have to send out links...social network is a great resource.
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SGT Justin Singleton
I am looking at IRS info about 501c3 right now. I think I will get that going, and then do a crowdsourcing site for initial costs, or do the crowdsourcing site first to cover whatever costs to get the 501c3 going (I haven't gotten that far yet). Thanks.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Glad to help...it's the least I can do. You should also submit your idea to Microsoft Bill Gates Foundatuon, and other philanthropic organizations. Submit something very professional if you want funding. Have an English Ph.D proofread your document before sending for example...
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Do a SWAT anaylis
The SBA has funding for Veterans
You need a business plan
Do your 503 non profit with the IRS
There are webites you can post your idea for example fudly.
You can contact me via message if you want further guidance. I wish you the best of luck.
The SBA has funding for Veterans
You need a business plan
Do your 503 non profit with the IRS
There are webites you can post your idea for example fudly.
You can contact me via message if you want further guidance. I wish you the best of luck.
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SFC Mark Merino
Great intel SSG(P) (Join to see) Share your wealth of knowledge to the rest of us confused people.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I have so much as before I joined three years ago, I helped small business owners with bus. Credit, online presence. The great thing about being s veteren you get prefrence on free money. But at the miniumum have an webite with contact info and a mission statement.
The SBA has free business counseling, I would use that resourse. Become a certifited minirity own business or veteren own business.
The most important advice I can give if you are going to start a business find what your good at, become an expert and make sure your passionate about what your offering the consumer. Having your business is both rewarding and grueling on the spirit. Have support system do when your strsped for cash you dont regret your venture.
Sorry typing on my phone so if there gramatical errors I apologize.
The SBA has free business counseling, I would use that resourse. Become a certifited minirity own business or veteren own business.
The most important advice I can give if you are going to start a business find what your good at, become an expert and make sure your passionate about what your offering the consumer. Having your business is both rewarding and grueling on the spirit. Have support system do when your strsped for cash you dont regret your venture.
Sorry typing on my phone so if there gramatical errors I apologize.
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