Funding the Expedition
Let’s be honest, sailing isn’t cheap, and even by sailing standards, this is a monumental undertaking. There are considerable expenses involved in meeting the expedition’s very specific needs such as the cost of operating a boat, the necessary refit, navigation and electronic equipment, provisions, permits, legal/professional services, and docking/mooring fees. In our pursuit to make every penny count, we are working tirelessly to narrow down our budget, exploring innovative ways to minimize costs without compromising crew safety. Every decision, from choosing sustainable options for the boat's refit to optimizing our route to reduce expenses, reflects our commitment to responsible spending. All funding raised will go directly to these vital expenses. Our hope is to split the expenses across the following funding streams:
Personal Investment
First and foremost, we are deeply committed to our cause, and we have and will continue to invest a substantial portion of our own savings/income to make this dream a reality. We are not looking for a free ride and we hope our personal financial investment shows our commitment to the expedition and not to our own personal gain.
501c3 Nonprofit Status
Osborne Adventure is a nonprofit corporation and we are currently waiting for the approval for our 501c3 nonprofit status. We believe operating as a nonprofit will ensure transparency and accountability with the added benefit that all donations will be tax-deductible.
Corporate PARTNERS
Once our 501c3 status is approved we will begin pursuing corporate partnerships with companies who share our vision for adventure without boundaries. Our hope is that corporate partnerships will not only help cover essential expedition costs but also serve as a catalyst to deliver our message to a broader audience.
CROWDSOURCING, DONATIONS, AND INDIVIDUAL PARTNERSHIPS
We are frequently asked, “How can I get involved?” so we have set up multiple avenues for individuals to contribute to the expedition:
TELL EVERYONE - First and probably the most important is to tell everyone you know! Share our website, share our mission, and tell anyone who will listen to what we are about to do. We are amazed at the chance meetings we have had when someone says, “I have a cousin with Down Syndrome!” or “I know a family who has a child with Down Syndrome!”
CHECK OUT OUR MERCH - We have a merch STORE with a full line of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats on our website. All proceeds go directly to our nonprofit and go towards the expedition.
DONATIONS - I would like to take a moment and say, we are not independently wealthy and we truly understand the value of money. We understand how every penny donated to our cause is money individuals don’t have for themselves and/or their families and we take that very seriously. We would love to have the means to pay for everything without a single contribution but sadly we cannot so we have created Patreon, PayPal, and GoFundMe accounts. We want everyone to understand that no matter how big or small the contribution every penny goes directly to the expedition. If you are inclined, contributions can be made through the following links:
Join Us on this Journey
Support doesn’t always mean money. Whether or not you donate you can still be a vital part of the expedition. Check out our Instagram and leave an encouraging comment, watch one of our Captain’s Logs on YouTube, or share one of our stories with a friend. Through your support, we aim to create a world where inclusivity is celebrated, differences are embraced, and every individual is given the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society.
Thank you for believing in our cause and supporting our expedition. Your kindness makes a world of difference.