Ask HN: What is your backup plan in case you don't get into YC S25?

I'm a solo founder. Lived on Maui during the pandemic and a little after the fire to work at Red Cross. I got a job offer at a five-star resort as a concierge on Kauai and free housing at a very interesting farm-to-table operation, so I moved there.

I got invited to Idaho to work at a non-profit conservation project that is aligned with my startup. Our funding was cut by DOGE and Trump a few weeks ago, so I had to pivot.

I decided I'll just go for it and apply to YC with what I have and with my story. I've tied everything together as fast as I can but I don't have much beyond a vision, a plan, a business model canvas, a few screenshots to show how the app works.

I have a script for cold emails that I will send out while I wait to hear back. My other option is something like KickStarter or just bootstrap somehow with the help of an angel investor.

I've never raised money before, so this is all uncharted terrain for me.

Thanks for sharing any insight or encouragement. :)