Sorry for the multiple postings, but received # of requests, re: observations
from Expedition presentations/meetings at recent EC Symposium at
Drexel Univ., re:  Funding Exploration.  With more than 6,000 Expeditions
expected to go into the field in 1997 worldwide, these seem to be the
most common, serious  *Mistakes*.
 
1) Focus upon the end results of the Project, rather than potential DONOR's
    Needs & Mission ("unenlightened self-interest")
 
2) Creation of concept for which no funding source is in sight ("the mirage")
 
3) Development of project done better, elsewhere, for less money (&
    usually funded by the same source approached) ("reinventing the wheel")
 
4) Lack of appreciation for the marketing concepts of "new, improved, or
    free" ("the Edsel will sell itself")
 
5) Misjudging the financial requirements ("Roman Britain on a dollar a day")
 
6) A project too good to be passed up by funders ("insidious narcissism")
 
7) An Expedition/Institute Board comprised of experts, rather than donors
    ("the Trojan Horse").
 
Several points:
 
* Travel is more than 55% of cost associated with field exploration, so
   free air, etc. need to be addressed EARLY in funding process
 
* Expeditions seem to be going into the field with serious under-funding
   (so serious, in fact, as to be dangerous in some venues)
 
* Costs affiliated with fieldwork are increasing dramatically, with even
   bare-bones field seasons now in the $60-200K U.S. range
 
* Expeditions do not seem to have a clue, re: how to approach companies
   for loan of equipment (no, NOT free gear--everyone asks for free gear!)
 
* Science agendas need to have public component to increase funding
   potential
 
* Expeditions should conduct marketing overlays to see which companies
   have subsidiaries in venues under Exploration
 
* Expeditions need to have Boards consisting of the Wealthy, the Wise,
   the Workers, the Worriers (or, stated another way, Board members
   need to either Give Money, Get Money, or Get Off the Board).
 
I could go on, but this is the substance of what was discussed for two
days in Phila., complete with some suggested approaches for better
attracting individual, corporate, and foundation support.
Proceedings should be available later this year from Symposium chair,
Dr. Pete Capelotti <[log in to unmask]>
 
If anyone is interested, join our moderated discussion group at
<[log in to unmask]> for the latest developments, re:  Expedition
funding.  We are creating an extensive database/"knowledge warehouse"
of Expedition Profiles: who is going into the field where, when, for what
purpose and financial needs.  Don Keel and I are incorporating some of this
in our book
in preparation on the subject.
 
All the best and thanks for accepting this long post--
 
Bill Vartorella, Ph.D. (etc., etc.)