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You can spend countless hours searching websites, databases, how-to manuals, and program announcements when a few simple phone calls will get the information you need. Time is money; don’t waste it. Family resource centers are networks of community-based organizations serving similar populations and seeking similar outcomes. We are here to help each other, and we are here to help you. If you want to fund a specific project, we may know places to start. If you are wondering about a specific funding source, we may be able to put you in touch with the right person. So please, call us at 402.223.6040.
Typically, fundraising is when you solicit money directly from businesses or the general public. You generally have a specific project in mind and a specific dollar amount you plan to request. Many organizations develop donor categories and provide benefit and recognition levels to match the contributions. For example, donors in one category might receive a certificate, while donors in the next highest category would receive a certificate and a lapel pin. This format encourages creativity and provides flexibility when approaching donors. Unless your request is very large, most donors do not require a formal proposal and budget. There are a number of companies that cater to fundraising. They sell everything from lollipops to telemarketing services to Internet fundraising strategies. The key word is "sell." Before engaging the services of a professional fundraiser, you will want to check references and carefully review any contracts. (You will need a contract to clarify your financial obligations and what you are guaranteed in return.) Many nonprofits routinely operate small fundraising projects (car washes, golf tournaments, auctions, and bake sales). As with grant writing, contact other family resource centers about projects that have worked for them. They can provide candid assessments of how to fundraise. There are numerous online fundraising links, but again, most will send you to companies selling products and services. Below are three "online magazines" worth watching.
Grants typically require a formal proposal and budget. Funding sources want to know specific information about your agency, the community needs, and how the proposed project will address those needs. They will also want to see a project budget, including what support (cash or in-kind) you expect to receive from other sources. A proposal can range from a few pages to a few inches thick. While each proposal is unique, most will request the same type of information — a summary, a statement of need, project description (including objectives and outcomes), expertise of staff and the applicant agency, a conclusion, and an itemized budget. Sometimes, funding sources have proposal preparation workshops on their specific applications. Others supply written instructions. It is important to pay attention to and follow instructions. It is even more important to develop a relationship with a potential funding source. People fund people — not agencies. For a quick overview of proposal preparation, check out the following: The Foundation Center A Proposal Writing Short Course. A Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing, Miner et al., at oryxpress.com.
Foundation Center. One of the best sources of information on private sources of funding is the Foundation Center. Their website covers the basics — from writing a proposal to finding a suitable funding source. The Center tracks funders under four main categories:
You can use their online database search to find a potential funding source. When available, links to websites maintained by individual funders are provided. Council on Foundations. Besides the Foundation Center, the Council on Foundations maintains a website with information on its members. Just remember this site is not designed to give you information on how to apply to their members for support. It can, however, provide useful information about a potential funding source. The Society of Research Administrators (SRA). SRA maintains Grantsweb. Their listing includes private foundations, as well as links to other sources that track potential funders. Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). DED publishes an online version of the Nebraska Foundation Resource Directory. This publication contains information on foundations that fund community, family and youth projects in Nebraska. Funding priorities and points of contact are included.
Government Funding Sources Federal. Soon, every government program will have information online. This means you can spend hours searching through departments, bureaus, agencies, and programs. One of the better overviews of the many sites maintained by the federal government is accessible through the Society of Research Administrators (SRA) Grantsweb. They also provide a search engine allowing you to find information from over 530,000 web pages. State. Nebraska does not currently maintain a comprehensive, online database of grant programs. You may wish to call our central office at 402.223.6040, review information posted by our partners, or simply visit with other family resource centers to find out sources currently funding programs for families and children. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Community and Rural Development Division does have an online publications site. You can download or view copies of DED funding options, strategic planning materials, and suggestions for townhall meetings. DED also maintains a Nebraska Development Directory. This resource lists agencies and the services they provide to communities, including grant writing and grant administration.
Most proposals will require statistical data to justify your need statements. They will want to know national data as well as local numbers. Below are a few resources to help you find these numbers. US Census Bureau. In addition to the online Census Bureau statistical information, there are depositories around the state that have data on CD-ROM. Census Bureau maps are also available online. University of Michigan. The University of Michigan makes national and international statistical information available online. Nebraska. Maintained by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, The Nebraska Databook and economic trends contains a wealth of statistical information on the state of Nebraska. Another excellent source of local statistical and demographic information is maintained by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Links to Our Partners Several organizations maintain information on funding for their constituents. Their listings are screened for the specialized work they do. Thus, not all listings will be equally useful to all family resource centers. Still, it may be worth a look.
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