UPDATE (Sept 30, 2008): The deadline has come and gone, and although I’ve been amazed and humbled by all the support, I won’t be able to get to Oxford. Although this was a tough realization, I have come to accept it (more on that later). The donations are being given away to two fantastic non-profits: Engineers Without Borders and Medecins Sans Frontieres. In an effort to do this as transparently as possible, campaign documentation is being reviewed by Wayne Robertson of the Law Foundation of BC. When he is comfortable that what came in as donations is going to the non-profits, he’ll report on it and we’ll wrap things up. Please see the blog for more info.

I’m trying to get to Oxford to do an MBA, focusing in social entrepreneurship. I’m fascinated in the ways that business can be used as a tool for social change. Oxford’s Said Business School is one of the world leaders in social entrepreneurship. I’ve been admitted, but face the daunting task of raising $90,000 in two months to be able to go. I’m not going to be a banker afterwards, so the price tag is prohibitive. But I think it can work.

How? I’ve asked for $3 from 30,000 people. Yep, just three dollars! So far the response has been fantastic, with donations from people in dozens of countries, on every continent (well, Antarctica doesn’t really count, does it?). Many have come with notes of support. The website has been translated into other languages. This has been exciting and humbling.

And as thanks, I’ve decided to send a real piece of the real degree to everyone who has supported me. I’ve calculated that I can cut my Oxford degree into about 7000 pieces, maybe more if I use a really sharp blade (!). Feeling generous? Individual or corporate donations over $500 will put your name or logo on my thesis cover. Yep, I’m also selling sponsorship of my thesis. These are ways I can thank people and companies for helping me achieve my dream. Please read more here.

The Basic Idea (**This is obviously a fake I made.  I actually have no idea what a real degree from Oxford looks like.  And I couldn’t find one on google, which to be honest is a good thing.  There’s probably a lot more latin stuff on a real one)

Or hear me say it (One thing I’ve learned during this process is that I’m good at some things, but filming short clips of myself is definitely not one of them. Georges was able to turn my very rough footage into a nice clip that, as it mocks me, gets the point across nicely. Thanks Georges).

If feel you can send 3 bucks my way, please click on the button below and help me get to Oxford.

UPDATE: I have stopped taking donations.  Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far.  I will offer a full update very shortly.

One common question people have asked is: what happens to the money if I don’t go to Oxford? Simple, it will be anonymously donated to Engineers Without Borders and Medecins Sans Frontieres. So there’s really no downside!

In fact, please consider giving something to these organizations (Engineers Without Borders, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Kiva, One Water). Their people work shockingly hard, every day to help others work their way from poverty and establish a better life. It is sometimes tough to understand how someone can have a real impact in helping people from a country far from their own. I guarantee giving something to these organizations is a powerful way for you to do just that.

Thanks!

Brendan