Interested in participating on an archaeological dig?

SGT Justin Singleton — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 10:26:11 -0500

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?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 2:42 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:42:39 -0500

Wow ... I am an Andrews grad myself!! I heard of these archeological digs while I attended Andrews. I hope and pray that all goes well as you work toward the end of your PhD. History is fascinating!

I don't know if it would help, but see if the Kellogg Foundation has funding for such project. They are based right here in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 27 at 2014 3:03 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:03:25 -0500

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?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 3:17 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:17:12 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 27 at 2014 4:14 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:14:20 -0500

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.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 12:26 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:26:02 -0500

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.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 12:28 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:28:38 -0500

In Google url, search for online fundraising charity, there are way too many to list here.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 1:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:01:04 -0500

SGT Justin Singleton : Wow... sounds like a great project. My wife would be all over this (she loves biblical archeology). I would go as well if I had time and money.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 1:36 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:36:54 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 30 at 2014 11:47 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 11:47:50 -0500

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 3:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 03:23:30 -0500

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!

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 17 at 2015 2:18 PM

SGT Justin Singleton — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:18:04 -0500

Update: I am meeting with a lady on Thursday to discuss stating the non-profit. I will also start a kickstarter campaign a bit later.

If anyone else wants to go this year out of your own pocket (two coming with me so far), herre is the link: https://augoestosicily.wordpress.com/

Andrews University Sicily Excavation

WELCOME! Sicily is an island to the southwest of the Italian peninsula. At more than 9,920 square miles, it is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Due to its position at the crossroads of Europe and North Africa, and between the eastern and western Mediterranean, the island was a land of conquest until modern times.…

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 2:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:32:35 -0500

Now that is "ground breaking". You can all Operation "Re-tread".

Sounds awesome and like a good idea for a long term program.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 22 at 2015 11:50 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:50:02 -0400

Contact the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Wounded Warrior Project. They might be able to paint the picture better. Good luck and thank you for helping vets.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Aug 31 at 2015 7:10 PM

SGT Justin Singleton — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 19:10:17 -0400

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

Operation Excavate - OE

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 12:43 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:43:20 -0400

I wish I could sign up for this, too bad I still got 8 years before I will have the free time to do something like this.