Final update! Not going to make these seem natural, just going to answer the questions they asked.
To be considered for the evaluation, please post a comment on your Manifund project, answering these questions one at a time:
1. How much money have you spent so far? Have you gotten more funding from other sources? Do you need more funding?
For last semester I probably spent around a thousand dollars, which I believe was mostly overkill. The other funding source was my wallet. I'm starting up again this semester aiming to spend a lot less. Think my big expenses will be food (just for the first day) and prize money for games (prediction tournament and a few others).
2. How is the project going? (a few paragraphs)
Weirdly great! This semester I am doing two tracks--one for advanced students, one for new students. Both classes have thirtyish people in them. I expect to lose some as the semester rolls on, but last semester I GAINED people every week for the first five weeks, so who knows. One unexpected advantage is UMD is more of a party school than I thought, so I've been slowly carving out a social enclave of the nerdy students who aren't comfortable with that while introducing people to basic rationality / EA ideas. Which makes me think the niche I'm trying to occupy is more stable than I thought, because it serves an existing need.
3. How well has your project gone compared to where you expected it to be at this point? (Score from 1-10, 10 = Better than expected)
10, I honestly thought I'd have about ten people after three classes.
4. Are there any remaining ways you need help, besides more funding?
I don't think so, unless there are any people in the DC area who want to give talks.
5. Any other thoughts or feedback?
This was great not just because I couldn't afford what I was trying to do, but also just to feel like someone thought my idea was good and worth supporting.