Organizations join coalitions or collaborations to combine various resources in working toward a shared goal. What if additional resources are needed? Usually, coalitions seem to prefer less formal in-kind-type resource sharing. One organization might provide meeting space, another agrees to provide copying and postage. Sometimes, a more formal memorandum for sharing larger resources may be used. For example, one organization may agree to provide a specified amount of a staff member's time to work on a particular coalition effort.

In other situations, the coalition may decide that member agencies do not have the needed resources available. Then, it may be necessary to undertake some sort of fundraising. The search for funds may take one of two basic directions, a general fundraising campaign, or the submission of a specific proposal to a foundation or public organization. You need to find out which funding sources are out there, who can tap them, what the rules are for using them and how to secure them. A funding search should embrace both private and public sources.

FUNDRAISING

There is no magic in fundraising. Above all, you need to be a good planner, organizer, manager and marketer. When these skills are combined with enthusiasm and common sense, you will be successful.

Fundraising requires pre-planning and a well-organized execution. Generally, it is not something that can be done well in response to a crisis. Designate someone as the chief fundraiser. Give that person the authority and responsibility to represent the cause and to raise the money needed. Provide the clerical and other kinds of support he or she needs to get started and do not expect instant results.

Building a group's credibility in the community takes time and that is the basis for a successful development program. People must be aware of you and have a positive impression of what you do and how you manage your resources before they will support you.

SIX STEPS TO RAISING MONEY

1. Set program goals. Develop objectives to reach your goals. Plan the methods you will use to reach those objectives. Design specific activities to carry out the methods.
2. Inventory all your resources. Preview all the people and organizations in your community who might be able to help. Brainstorm with key staff and volunteers. Develop a specific list of names, individuals, civic organizations, political organizations, media, businesses, etc.
3. Develop a fundraising campaign. A well-structured annual campaign includes the use of as many fundraising techniques as are necessary to move toward that ultimate goal.
4. Assess your financial and personnel needs. Decide what you need in people, money, services and products to reach the fundraising goals.
5. Implement fundraising activities. New programs are best funded by one or two large gifts from foundations or corporations. Programs that do not have new components are more easily funded through a variety of annual campaign activities, such as a membership drive and special events. Development activities must be planned to support the programs.
   Consider recruiting civic groups to do benefits: car washes, bake sales, a dance, a spaghetti dinner or fish fry. Not only do they raise money, but you have a great chance to educate them about the issues you are working to solve - with their support.
6. Evaluate your results. Assess what went well and what went badly in every project as each is completed. Did you reach the goals? How much money did you raise before expenses?

FOUNDATION GRANTS, GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

When you are unable to secure all the needed funds from within your own community, foundation grants and government grants and contracts can help. Many foundations are interested in helping reputable community groups in meeting local needs. Competition for funding can be stiff.

Generally, all funding organizations like to see an organized plan or proposal for upcoming activities and expenditures. It is not uncommon for a foundation to initially ask for a brief letter (two to three pages) telling about the organization, your plans and the amount of funding requested. These requests should describe the following in specific terms:

• The nature of the problem to be addressed.
• The solution proposed.
• Documentation of the group's ability to carry out the objectives.
• Financial needs associated with the request, including evidence that the effort will not rely solely on the funder's support.
• Documentation that a systematic evaluation will be carried out to demonstrate that funding has made a difference.

IDENTIFYING FUNDING SOURCES

Hundreds of foundations exist in any large or even moderate-sized urban community. Find which ones are right for your coalition. The best approach is to identify initially a core of foundations that match your interest.

To learn about community, private and corporate foundations, write to the Foundation Center, 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10106. They provide a catalogue that describes major sources of information about foundations. The Center also has a cooperating network of 90 library reference collections in all 50 states, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Contact the Center, (212) 620-4230, in New York to find out the location of the branch in your state.

The federal government prints sources of information that can alert you to available program grants. One of the most significant of these is the Federal Register, published each weekday. The "Highlight" section in the front lists major topics. The "Notices" section describes grant availability. Announcements are made of rules governing programs, so that thought money is not immediately available, you gain some idea of what grants are likely to be funded later. It is available at most major or public university libraries, or write to Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 for subscription information.

THOUGHTS ON FUNDING FOR COALITIONS

The funding source can have a profound influence on the structure of the coalition. If the coalition is formed in response to a funding initiative, much of its direction has been established. To qualify for certain grant and foundation funds, it may be necessary for the coalition to meet special conditions of membership, board structure and staffing.

Funding is available from many sources, both public and private. Multiple sources may be preferred to avoid total obligation or association with a single source. But it often means more administrative work and complying with a variety of rules and regulations. Multiple funding can stabilize an operation and ensure its survival, but securing this mix requires staff time and a well-developed coalition structure.

Securing multiple funding usually requires a grant person on the staff, an established identity, documentation of organization history and data, credibility and leverage. Multiple funding to alleviate undue influence by a single funding source is most important for self- regulating and advocacy coalitions. It is least vital for information and resource sharing and for technical assistance coalitions.

Levels of funding influence structure because they rarely are sufficient to accomplish the desired objectives. Although there often is considerable donated time and resources, these cannot always make up for lack of physical facilities and sufficient staff. Despite their purpose, all coalitions can be more effective if they have a constant funding level and do not have to constantly search for program funds.

Excerpted from Building Coalitions developed by The Ohio Center For Action on Coalition Development for Families and High Risk Youth, Richard Clark, Ph.D., Director, 1992.

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