A key part of the MLK Challenge is group autonomy, and seed money is one of the ways that groups are allowed such independence. Recognizing that not every campus has the means/desire to incorporate seed money into their project, the following information details how/where some campuses have received funding for seed money as well as what it's used for.

Where does the money come from?
Since it's inception, ASU's MLK Challenge has received funding for seed money from grants, program budget, and a local business sponsor (a local student-apartment complex).

How much is each group given?
This will vary between campuses, but ASU's event gives each group $75 to start the day with.

What's the money used for?
In general, groups use the money to buy supplies to complete their challenge. This might mean buying paint, lumber, PVC pipes, any number of things to complete the project. Year after year, groups have successfully managed their seed money by spending it on needed supplies, stretching it by negotiating discounts at local stores, and making it go even further by requesting donations from businesses. Obviously, for some groups, what they need to purchase with their seed money will be clear. For others, for room-refurbishing projects for example, it's a lot more open and the group will have to spend some time deciding what they want to purchase and from where.

What if the groups don't spend it all?
Explain to your groups before they leave for the day that they are not to come back with money. That doesn't mean they should just give it away though. Site leaders should know that the money needs to be spent in the manner it was intended (for good things). Encourage groups to be creative with their money -- if they have $25 leftover, could they benefit the agency somehow? With that said, handing over the money directly to an agency isn't very creative either. One group at a local legal non-profit finished their project early and with money to spare, so they noticed the sign out front was in pretty rough shape, and used the rest of their time and money to get a brand new professional sign made for the agency. Money can be used towards the bonus challenge if need be. Or, some groups might need extra money, so groups may end up donating their money to a group that they know needs it. (Having a staff person or two to stop by the projects throughout the day makes this money-transferring process a lot easier, since they can be the shuttlers of funds!)

(One year at ASU a group "upped their challenge" by giving away their seed money at the very beginning of the day to help the fundraising group, and start completely from scratch! While groups certainly don't have to go to that extreme, encourage them to think of how they can use their money most effectively and most creatively.)