Step 8: Research Funding Resources

Purpose: To research financial support and donation of goods and services for the Community Access Program

a. Find others to help with this effort.

Successful fundraising requires a significant investment of time from your staff and volunteers. Many individuals have a special interest in fund raising; so don’t be shy about asking for help. For example, you might look to your patrons who have business or non-profit backgrounds or to a local public relation firm for advice.

b. Compile a list of funding prospects

Develop a list of local businesses and retailers, civic and charitable groups, government agencies and local and national foundations. This list can build on names you compiled for your “Key Contacts List” Add more names to this list. Be sure to consider less obvious sources of support such as trade or professional organizations, media outlets and educational institutions.

c. Research

Match potential funding sources with your needs. Learn more about potential funding sources by visiting their Web sites, requesting their annual reports and brochures, speaking with representatives of the organization and contacting other organizations that they have supported. During the research, find out if the funding source limits its support to specific categories, such as certain geographic regions, subject areas or population to be served by their program.

Knowing what types of projects the funding sources usually adopt will help you use your time efficiently. For example, if a source has funded only large-scale projects and your program is a relatively small community program, then it may not be worth your time and effort to approach that source.