Economic conditions such as cost-of-living scales vary from community to community. This makes it difficult to provide clear dollar amounts for each program component. Below is a guide for organizations considering replication to that they can anticipate some of the expenses. It is meant only as a guidance tool with the amounts listed dependent on variables that are unique to each community. 

Start-Up Costs

• Training (recommended but not required)
• Puppets: Price varies
• Optional: $300-$500 for items such as art supplies, body bands, parachute

Annual Expenses

• Salary and benefits for staff:  One full-time person can serve approximately 50 participants per year. For the first year, you may want to scale back and propose launching one group total or one group per school semester. This will allow for careful planning and attention to developing the many relationships related to LRP. 
• Considerations:  Is there project management, administrative or clinical support? If not, you will need to budget for this. Figure the same amount of time your organization dedicates to other programming.  
• Group Supplies:  Approximately $100 per group of 8 -10 participants per year
• Snacks and Incentives:  $300-$400 per group per year
• Adventure Activities:  What does it cost in your area for activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, camping, fishing, etc.? In our area, we budget $500-$700/year per group. A group should be participating in approximately one adventure activity per month.
• Community Volunteer Activities:  Although paying to do volunteer work seems a little strange, we have found that paying for some supplies or to help the organization pay someone to supervise/lead the activities can enhance collaborative relationships. What may be required in your community? 
• Transportation:  To get participants to activities. In the long run, it is more cost-effective to acquire your own organizational transportation than renting vehicles. There are many factors that go into this budget piece. The main thing is to plan for transportation – the program will not be effective without it.
• Program Evaluation:  Many programs use a third party evaluator. This is usually not a full-time position, but contracted with a university or private individual. The time commitment needed for an evaluator depends upon the level of expertise of staff. At present, our staff collects data and complete data entry. Our external evaluator completes a data analysis report for us every year which allows for program improvement and produces program outcomes. If the organization is new to this approach, it may be advisable to locate an evaluator who will participate with the organization as a learning process to build internal capacity and skill. Over time, the need and cost associated will be reduced as staff take on more responsibility for program evaluation tasks.