Mediators Beyond Borders - Start a Chapter

Funding is required to run the day-to-day activities of your chapter and conduct projects. So, where do you find funding for your chapter and for your projects?

Many universities have funding mechanisms that can help with travel and small projects. Or, universities may make student grants available to further student education through related hands-on educational projects.

Some University Chapters also do fundraising through hosting events. Event Approval Application must be filed prior to the event.

Students are also asked to contribute as appropriate. Occasionally MBB will secure funding for materials and travel or may subsidize some expenses. Like you, we are a growing organization that is working to do more in the future.

Grant and Funding Policies

A chapter should start fundraising as soon as possible and definitely after it is granted a project. In addition, the chapter should have long term fundraising goals and strategies for both chapter and project needs.

Use of all funds raised with MBB’s Name:

Allocation of Funds:
- Materials & Construction needs: For all projects, chapters should first allocate funds for materials and construction needs, and then determine what is remaining for travel expenses.
- Mentor Travel Costs: Travel cost for mentors should be included in budgeting and should be a
  priority. Mentors spend a lot of time working with the chapter to perfect the design. The project
  would not happen without the help of the mentor.
- Student Travel Costs: Part of MBB’s mission is to educate students. However, we are not a travel
  agency. It is not unusual for students to pay a percentage of their tickets.
Funds raised using MBB’s name or MBB grants can only be used for the following items:
- Airfare
  - Economy class airfare only for all flights
  - International and in‐country flights
  - All airfare expenses must be directly related to the project
- Other Logistical & Transportation Costs:
  - These costs should be reasonable (i.e. a van to transport multiple people to the project site, trucks used to transport materials, or train tickets).
  - Funds are not to be used for such things as individual taxi rides, safari trips, etc.
- Hotels
  - MBB grants can be used to reimburse for hotel rooms up to $25 USD per night.
  - For funds raised with MBB’s name: Hotel costs should be reasonable for the community in which the volunteers are staying.
- Material costs
  - These costs should be for materials directly involved in implementing the project.
  - Tools that are necessary for completing the project.

MBB Grants

MBB does not often have funding for projects. Chapters are expected to raise money independently to cover their project related costs.

When there are grants available, MBB provides a lump sum grant, and has the following policy:

For Assessment Trips:

Travel funds will only be provided for a maximum up to 3 people.
Materials and equipment up to $1,000

For Implementation Trips:

For projects in the Americas and Europe:
- At least 60% of the funds are to be used for materials.
- The remaining funds can be used for the following transportation and logistical related items:
  - Maximum of 5 people’s airfare.
  - Ground transportation & hotels.
For projects in Africa & Asia:
- At least 40% of the funds are to be used for materials.
- The remaining funds can be used for the following transportation and logistical related items:
  - Maximum of 5 people’s airfare.
  - Ground transportation & hotels.

Note: Exceptions may apply. Policies are subject to change depending on the project, donor requests and MBB funding. Grant stipulations supersede the policy below, however all funds are to be used in accordance with Grant & Fundraising Policies above