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Agencies and organizations can develop funding for individuals w/disabilities two different ways. They can look for individual funding, or fund an technology program that will then meet the individual needs of its clients' w/disabilities. One way is no better than the other and neither way is easy. This article offers some examples of ways agencies can build a technology program fund within their agency.
If your agency is a state-funded facility, you may have prohibitions about asking for private funds for a special program or project. However, that does not necessarily mean you cannot develop a technology program with private funds. Remember, while you may be unable to ask for money directly, a parent’s organization or other related group may accept funds and distribute them to your program or clients as needed. You should begin working now with those groups about the importance of having an technology program. The trick to getting funding is to figure out the funder’s game. Each funding source, public or private, has certain ‘game’ rules. If you don’t’ know the rules . . . you will certainly lose. Before asking for financial support learn about the rules of the game. For example, United Parcel Service likes to give money to capital development projects. They also don’t accept unsolicited applications. So, if you send UPS a request to fund a technology program, the likelihood of getting a ‘yes’ is quite slim. What do I need to know first?You need to know whom you will serve, what needs you will address, how much money you will need and when you will need it. As you go through this process, try to identify if lower cost alternatives will work. Don’t hesitate to mention it in your application. Funders like to know they are getting the biggest bang for their buck. Be thorough in this step. Make sure you know exactly what you want and how much you will need. Funders do not like a change in plans once they dedicate their money. What do I need to know about the funder?As you do research about a potential funding source, you will need to know some facts that include where they like to spend their money, how much they usually give, how to apply, how often they review applications and what does the funding source want for their money. Let’s look at each of these components individually. What is the Organization’s Giving Priority? Most philanthropic organizations have special causes for which they like to target their grants. These might include a specific group (i.e., people with disabilities, Hispanics or religious organizations) or certain types of social issues (i.e., education, empowerment or cultural) or within a specific geographic area (i.e., inner city, county or state). Make sure your application matches the organization’s giving priorities. What is Its Average Grant Amount? If you want $10,000 to run your program for a year and you apply to an organization that usually gives $500 (or $50,000) as its average grant, the likelihood of getting a "yes" is, again, slim. Find an organization that usually gives about how much money you need. How Do You Make an Application? Some organizations have printed brochures that outline each step of the process. It appears that others try to make it very difficult. They provide almost no information to prospective applicants. While some organizations want an application in a short letter form, others want a more formal approach. Others still, may ask for only a presentation to the board. You will then need to ask around to find out the best way to approach your potential funder. Call people you know, subscribe to fundraising publications, call organizations that received funding in the past. You will need to do some sleuthing, if the organization does not have printed material available. When Does the Group Review Applications? Some funders review and vote on applications as they arrive. You usually hear from them within 30-45 days. Some wait and review applications quarterly, semiannually or even (egad!) annually. It will help in planning to know. What Does the Funder Want Out of the Deal? Some funders want publicity. Others may just want a tax break. Find out ahead of time. If the funder wants publicity, make sure you mention it in the application. If they don’t (and some do not want any publicity) honor and mention that preference too! Who gives money?Foundations Foundations are nonprofit organizations that support charitable activities to serve the common good. Individuals, families or corporations create them with endowments . . . donated money. They make grants with the income they earn from investing the endowments. Foundations are exempt from federal income tax. You can learn more about trusts by visiting your local Donor’s Forum (listed below). Corporate Giving Programs Corporate giving programs differ from foundations in that the money does not come from income from endowments. Generally, it comes from a company’s community relations or other community outreach funds. They typically give money in areas where they have offices or factories. Companies usually participate in giving programs to support the local community and to enhance their community image. Some do it by employee matching funds (the company matches any employee’s gift to an organization), others respond by providing outright grants to not-for-profits in the area. Civic & Service Organizations These organizations, like SERTOMA, Rotary, Kiwanis, Zonta and sororities and fraternities all have ‘good works’ as part of their mission. They can provide one-time or ongoing support. Don’t forget to survey your membership and/or staff to see if you have members that can make an initial contact for you. If you can get one of these organizations to do fundraising events for you . . . You can save much work! Check your local chamber of commerce for a list. "Wish maker" Individuals/organizations There may be such an organization in your community. These organizations usually grant one-time wishes for an individual and/or organization. Begin asking people you know if one exists in your community. How do I find out more?Illinois has four libraries in the state that have collections of funding sources. Contact them for more information. The libraries marked with an asterisk (*) have sets of private foundation information returns (IRS forms 990-PF) for Illinois. The librarians at the Donor’s Forums will not do the work for you, but, are very helpful by pointing you in the right direction. *Donors Forum of Chicago *Evanston Public Library Rock Island Public Library *University of Illinois at Springfield |
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