My YouImpact.us team met via phone conference today to hash out a preliminary schedule for moving forward. We also talked about the scope of our company moving forward, and exactly how niche we want to be. Basically, YouImpact.us aims to coordinate the easy donating of money and volunteering your time, and then make it as social as possible. We’re like a match.com for your civic engagement needs.

Anyway today we discussed how targeted we want to be. I brought up the point that as we develop technologies for fundraising, we would be closing people out by excluding people who might want to raise funds for other capacities – for instance artistic ones, like with Kickstarter.

That said, we ultimately determined that keeping it niche is the way to go. Let’s do one thing, and let’s do it well. So we’re going to facilitate fundraising and volunteering for specifically social causes. And we’ll take your social network, interests, and location all into account.

In terms of a schedule moving forward, we’ve identified a number of opportunities that we’re applying for and taking action on moving forward. In the interests of growing the social enterprise movement, I’m including them all here.

1.) The Unreasonable Institute. We determined that I would be the best person to apply, as Fernando and Lucas are currently full-time employed, and I am free-lancing. Applications are due DECEMBER 15. The application is pretty involved – nearly 20 questions, answered in paragraph form. We’re doing heavy work on our app tomorrow, and I’d encourage you to as well! You can apply here: http://unreasonableinstitute.org/apply/application

2.) Open Angel Forum.  This applies to you if you’re in the Los Angeles area.  There will be an event on January 14th featuring highly-engaged angel investors like founder of Digg Kevin Rose, founder of LowerMyBills.com Matt Coffin, founder of Adbrite and the forthcoming Blippy Phil Kaplan, and more.  (ps more on Blippy in a forthcoming post)  In short – people with money, and ready to move.  The deadline to apply to pitch is DECEMBER 23rd.

You can apply here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDBWLUdYT3ZyUVBQRy1IZ3A0dkJkTEE6MA

Ultimately, we decided not to apply as we are in very preliminary idea stages. As we develop, we will be attending numerous events like these.  If you apply, I’d recommend you have a convincing value proposition and show these guys how they can make serious $.  Remember, typical VCs look to get 10x their initial investment at exit.

3.) Global Engagement Summit.  Okay – this isn’t a funding opportunity.  But it is a phenomenal networking and career advancement opportunity for CURRENT STUDENTS who are aspiring social entrepreneurs and changemakers.  Held at the Northwestern University Center for Global Engagement (founded by Nathaniel Whittemore, who blogs about social entrepreneurship at Change.org), the event is a 5-day training event.  Deadline to apply if you are INT’L is DECEMBER 15.  Deadline to apply if you’re a US student is DECEMBER 30.  This will be competitive so get started now.  Apply here:  http://theges.org/apply/

4.) YouthBridge Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition.  This program is based in St. Louis, but I e-mailed the program director and it’s NOT specific to students at Washington U. in St. Louis.  If you’re not from there, it’s okay.  Matt Mitro, who founded Indego Africa – a women’s empowerment social enterprise (and former winner of the competition) commuted as well.  We hope to commute all the way from Los Angeles!  The reason being?  As much as $65,000 in funding.  An Executive Summary is due on JANUARY 4TH.  Read about the application process here:  http://www.sc.wustl.edu/SEIC/enter.html

5.) West Coast Village Capital.  This program incubates social entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay area, connecting them with each other in a supportive environment.  It’s very hands on (meetings every week) and the rewards are great.  You get valuable feedback from your team, and the teams most ready for launch at the end of the program (mid-April) will receive investments of $25,000 or $75,000.  To receive funding, your business must be registered as a C-Corp or LLC by March 31, 2010.  The deadline to apply for this program is JANUARY 7TH.  Apply here:  http://westcoastvillagecapital.wufoo.com/forms/2010-winter-west-coast-village-capital-application/

6.) Global Social Venture Competition.  Only read on if you have a current graduate business student on your team – it’s a requirement (we unfortunately don’t).  If you do, an executive summary is due JANUARY 20TH if you’re applying from within the United States  Eventually, you’ll submit a full business plan.  What do you get?  Professional feedback on your summary and business plan (often invaluable) and a chance at $45,000.

Now if you’re international, pay attention, because it gets confusing.  People from Europe have different deadlines than people in India, or Thailand, or even England.  You have to figure out which region you belong to here:  http://www.gsvc.org/the_competition/calendar/ and then learn more about what you need to submit and when.

7.) Do Something Awards.  If you’re 25 and under, you have until MARCH 31ST to submit your project for social change.  Finalists win a $10,000 grant, and the grand prize winner receives $100,000.  More information is available here:  http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards

Am I missing something?  Upcoming deadlines?  Comment below, or tweet me at @socentex.  Wishing you the best of luck and opportunity on your forthcoming endeavors.