How to Get Up Front Money for a Rave

Get funding for a rave up front if you don't want to have to pay for entertainment and security as well as venue and equipment rental out of pocket. Costs can stack up when planning a rave party. Charge patrons a cover charge at the door to offset the expenses of putting on a rave. However, that won't provide the upfront money you'll need to get things set up. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Check with people you know and ask for a small personal loan. Sometimes it's the easiest way to obtain quick cash for your rave party without the hassle of filling out paperwork. Follow through on paying them back quickly, though, just in case you need to borrow money from them in the future.

2. Contact city officials. Often times the city has money set aside for local festivals, dances and other events. Convince the city that the rave party will be a safe and drug-abuse free event and that it will support a good cause of some kind, and they will be more than likely to fund it as long as it seems legit.

3. Apply for a loan through a bank. Realize that banks are picky and don't like to take risks with their money. Come up with collateral or a co-signer to better your chances of obtaining a bank loan. Provide them with paperwork showing expense allocation and probable profit margin. Banks like to see plans and accounting records that show positive cash flow.

4. Check online for government grants to obtain your upfront money. If a rave is an event promoting a drug-abuse free theme, you might actually qualify for a grant. However, realize that you have to write a grant proposal (or get someone else to do it for you) and that it takes a long time for turn around of funds.

5. Raise money at your high school or college if you attend either of those. Distribute flyers advertising the rave and check with school officials to see if you can set up a place to receive donations for the upfront money.

6. Plan out your rave and pay everyone upfront that you have to so that you can count on certain commitments. Remember to get signed contracts and receipts for your records (and the bank's if you get a loan through them). Have a great rave.

Resources

• The Honolulu Advertiser: City taking applications for anti-drug grant proposals
• How to Get a Business Loan in Five Steps
• DanceSafe