jacob
Jacob's Final Assignment — Defining Costs, Revenue, and Funding
Project: After-School Club with Structured Activities
Task 1 — My Project
My project is an after-school club that gives students a safe, supervised, and engaging place to spend time after school. The club offers a mix of structured activities including academic help, tutor-based sessions, supervised intramural sports, and drop-in advising for students who need guidance.
A lot of students in my school don't have a safe or productive place to go after the bell rings. Some go home to empty houses, others hang out with no direction. I want to change that by creating a space where students feel supported, challenged, and part of a community.
Task 2 — My Costs and Expenses
Running an after-school club takes organization and resources. Here are the main costs I've identified:
My main costs include:
| Expense | Type | Estimated Cost | |---|---|---| | Information booklets and brochures for parents | One-time | $40 | | Advertising posters around the school | One-time | $20 | | Paper and stationery supplies | Variable | $15/month | | Printing costs (schedules, handouts, activity sheets) | Variable | $20/month | | Volunteer coordination materials | Variable | $10/month |
Estimated initial investment: approximately $105 to launch
My costs are mostly paper-based — printing materials, creating schedules, making handouts. The school has agreed to let us use a classroom after hours, so venue costs are covered. I'm also recruiting student volunteers and teacher advisors, which keeps staffing costs at zero.
By thinking strategically about what I really need versus what would just be nice to have, I kept my initial costs manageable.
Task 3 — Revenue Sources
My after-school club operates as a non-for-profit scheme. I am not charging students to participate — that would defeat the purpose. The whole point is to make support accessible to everyone, regardless of their family's financial situation.
This means I don't have traditional revenue streams. My focus is on providing value to students and the school community, not on generating income. The "return" I'm looking for is measured in student engagement, improved grades, and stronger school community — not dollars.
Task 4 — Funding Strategy
Because my project is non-profit and school-based, I need funding that understands that mission.
My funding strategy: Connect with Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit that supports young entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, and financing through their partnership with Business Development Canada (BDC). Their approach to planning and sustainability is something I can learn from, even for a non-profit initiative.
Beyond Futurpreneur, I'm also exploring:
- School board grants — many school boards have small grants for student-led initiatives
- Local business sponsorships — businesses that want to invest in youth in their community
- Community foundation funding — organizations that support educational and youth programs
- Parent council contributions — parents who see the value of the program
The goal is to build a funding base that doesn't depend on any single source, so the club can keep running even if one funding stream dries up.
Task 5 — My Lean Canvas: Cost Structure and Revenue Streams
Cost Structure:
- Paper and stationery supplies
- Printing costs (booklets, advertising posters, activity handouts)
- Materials for organizing club activities and schedules
Revenue Streams:
- Non-profit model — no student fees
- Supervised after-school space that benefits the school community
- Funding through Futurpreneur Canada, school board grants, and local business sponsorships
The value I deliver: My cost structure is designed to maximize impact per dollar. By keeping costs low and leveraging free resources (school space, volunteer advisors), I can reach more students. The "revenue" of this project is measured in community impact — students who feel supported, teachers who see engaged students, and a school that becomes stronger.
Task 6 — Reflection
This was an eye-opening assignment. I have been passionate about creating an after-school club for a long time, but I never really thought carefully about the financial side of it.
Going through this exercise made me realize that even non-profit projects have real costs. Booklets, posters, printing — it all adds up. I can't just wish those costs away. I have to plan for them, find funding, and manage them carefully.
I was also surprised by how many funding options exist for community-focused projects. Futurpreneur Canada, school board grants, local businesses — there are people and organizations who want to support what I'm doing. I just have to find them and tell my story clearly.
The part that felt both exciting and nerve-wracking was thinking about sustainability. How do I keep the club running next year, and the year after? Managing costs and finding consistent funding is an ongoing challenge — it's not something you solve once and forget.
But that's all part of the journey. Every challenge I figure out makes the club stronger and more sustainable. I'm ready for it.