Financial Transparency
At Threshold, it is important to us that everyone knows exactly where their donation dollars go. Financial transparency and accountability are non-negotiables.
Below are some facts and figures that give you an idea of our current plans.
Please email (gpotter@thresholdgapyear.org) if you have any questions about our finances. We think of our budgets like an aquarium - anyone is free to come and take a look, but only our team gets to hop in and move stuff around. After taking a look, you may have questions or ideas that help us make this even better! If so, please reach out. We promise to always be curious, not judgmental when it comes to feedback that can help us improve!
Startup Costs
Threshold's launch costs greatly depend on whether we partner with a host property or build from scratch.
Low-End Cost: ~ $750,000
If we launch from a host property with housing and learning spaces already in place, we can begin with a significantly smaller start-up budget. This covers things like vans/busses, backpacking gear, program setup, and pre-launch staff salaries.
High-End Cost: ~ $8,000,000
Raising this amount would set Threshold up for longterm sustainability from day one. This would fund everything from building our own property from the ground up, to an endowment account that could fund student scholarships in perpetuity.
Projected Itemized Costs
These figures reflect our best estimates based on conversations with industry experts and are calculated at full market rates. While some organizations may ultimately offer discounted services, our approach is to plan and spend conservatively and budget for the full cost. Any funds above-and-beyond our goals (what a great “problem” to think about having!) will go towards an endowment fund for student scholarships.
• $65,000/year — Director salary during startup (See? We told you we’re all about financial transparency!)
• ~$60/month — Back-end costs for things like our website, email addresses, and data-gathering (survey) software
• $75,000-$225,000 — Three 15-passenger mini-buses
• $24,000 — Backpacking & outdoor gear for 30 students
• $2.2 million — Student and staff Housing (capacity: ~32 students)
• $3.7 million — Threshold Center (dining hall, kitchen, classrooms, gathering space)
• $2 million — Stretch Goal: Optional Endowment Fund, generating ~$100,000 in student scholarships in perpetuity.
Catch the Vision
While the final products will certainly end up looking very different from these mock-ups, these two images can give you a feel for what student housing and the Threshold Center could end up looking like.
