Funding
Fundraising
ideas
Thanks to Marilyn Hennessy from
the Retirement Research Foundation for her suggestions on fundraising.
1. The greatest sources for funding are individuals.
81.2% of all giving is done by individuals and 6.8% through
bequests. Only 7.3% of the total is provided by foundations
and 4.7% by corporations. Recognizing that approximately 45%
of individuals' contributions are to religions, the amount contributed
by individuals is still significant.
2. Intergenerational efforts don't take great sums of
money. Read the newspapers and be alert for fundraising opportunities.
examples are local service groups, small businesses and individuals.
Develop a concise statement on what you will do, what resources
are needed, and what the impact will be. Build relationships
with potential funders by sharing your newsletter, supporting
their events, or introducing yourself to individuals who can
make a difference. First, try local funding.
3. People look to foundations for funding and yet they
give a relative small percentage. There are 37,000 foundations
in the country, yet only 10,000 have assets of $1 million or
make grants of at least $100,000. Many are small community or
family foundations. Foundations get all the publicity and press
for funding big projects. In local communities there are smaller
family foundations. Often trust departments in banks are asked
where to give money by their customers. They may also have small
trusts and offer custodial funds. There are always emerging
organizations. People need to look in their own communities
when seeking funding for intergenerational programs.
4. Businesses are interested in funding particularly
if you can get local employees or administrators interested.
Don't forget the local hardware store, grocer, or drug store.
Meet with someone and tell your story and then emphasize what
is important. Large companies can also be a possibility if they
have employees in your community.
5. Read the newspapers and be alert to opportunities
from clubs and organizations such as Kiwanis, Lions, American
Association of University of Women, Junior League, Civitan and
other local community groups that can be approached.
Process: Thinking
about your target population.
1. Know something about the funders and their interest.
For example, if their interest is young people, highlight that;
if it is older adults, focus on that. Some like to fund buildings
and equipment. Others like supplies and salaries. Find out what
they typically fund.
2. Be clear about what you want to do and develop a
succinct statement that explains why it is important, what resources
you need to do it, and what you expect as the outcome and impact.
Invite the funder to see the operation or meet with you and
key people involved so they get a feel for your organization.
3. Most funders want to know that their funding makes
a difference to someone -like a child or older adults. Illustrate
your point with a story.
4. No funder wants to be in the position that when their
funding is withdrawn the program dies. Then the funder is the
bad person. Show how the program will continue once the money
is gone.
5. Include something about your organization - history,
purpose and major accomplishments. You can't assume that funders
have heard of your organization before or that they are
knowledgeable
of intergenerational programs.
6. Demonstrate organizational commitment by providing
evidence e.g. letters of support, staff time, in kind support,
space, release time, and access to information and data. Show
that it isn't just one person's idea but the rest of the
organization
supports this initiative.
7. Demonstrate your commitment by articulating what
you want to accomplish, and the effort you are committing to
launch the effort.
Writing Good
Proposals:
1. Various levels of approaches--if you are approaching
a large organization with a big staff, you need a more formal
and sophisticated proposal. If it is a smaller family foundation,
they will require much less information and documentation.
2. Secure information from the funders on the specific
information they want in a proposal. Generally, funders want
the rationale for the program, a statement of measurable objectives,
a plan for achieving the objectives, a line item budget and
justification, key personnel and lists of applicant's Board
members and affiliation. This information is available from
the Foundation Center and the Donors Forum.
Resources:
Illinois Guide to Bequests and Funding--identified potential
recipients of grants and funds - list of charitable organizations
to which people can leave their money. Institutions Press,
PO Box 505, Murray Hill Station; NY, NY l0l56 2l2-3l6-7088
Foundation Center:
Donors Forum is located in Chicago at 53 West Jackson Boulevard,
Chicago, IL 60604, 312-431-0264.
The Foundation Center has cooperating libraries in Evanston,
Rock Island, Springfield, and in Chicago through the Donors
Form. The Foundation Center can be reached at 212-620-4230,
79 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10003-3076.
Local directory of civic clubs: The Chamber of Commerce lists
businesses that are potential sources of funding.
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