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Fund Development for Community-Based Programs

This fund development toolkit will help provide a structure for sustaining community-based programming and funding. Materials in this section include: Steps for achieving long-term sustainability, tips and resources for identifying and building relationships with funders, how to leverage state and federal funding to support community-based programs, how to access funding through partnerships - even if you would not be eligible for those dollars on your own, and techniques for effective grant-writing

Action Steps: Identify Community Problem and Proposed Solution

It is important for your desired audience to understand the problem in the community and proposed solution. It is always helpful to refer back to the 5 “W’s”.

WHAT is the problem or need in your community?

 

WHAT is your proposed solution?

 

WHY this intervention?

 

WHO will be served by this program? (Target population)

 

WHEN and WHERE will you serve them? (Geographic region)

 

WHAT do you hope to accomplish?

Step 1: Identify Funders

Funding sources can come from a variety of places including federal, local, and private programs. Identify major funders in your region by outlining keywords and phrases that focus on your program goals. Check out federal and private funding sources below!

Step 2: Leverage State and Federal Funds

Managed by DHHS, the County Child Care Fund, approximately 400 million with a 50% cost-share for in-home care and out-of-home placement is the primary source of funding for serving delinquency, neglected and/or abused youth. The Child Care Fund is an important funding source because it grants courts flexibility in their programming.

 

  • Most community-based programs can be Child Care Fund eligible

  • Programs must be intensive with a caseload of 1:20 with weekly visits, prevent the need for out-of-home placement, and provide for an early return home from placement.

  • The challenge is finding the local dollars to draw down the 50% match from the state.

Find State and Federal Funding Resources Here

Step 3: Develop Collaborative Funding

Funds will be bolstered by addressing a specific need, successful program outcomes, positive feedback from youth and families, and support from community partners. Here are some tips to help develop collaborative and sustainable funding for your program: 

 

  • Develop/join a program and finance an interagency group

  • Learn about each other similar non-profits  funding sources

  • Teach about agency requirements

  • Identify common target populations

  • Brainstorm how to develop services by braiding or blending funds

  • Co-locate and/or cross-train staff

Collaborative Funding Considerations

Local Leadership

The most successful long-term programs have the support of local leaders, particularly those who have decision-making roles. It is helpful to assess who the local champions of your community are and how they would be useful to your proposed project. These individuals may include:

  • Chief Judge

  • Police Chief

  • Local Department of Human Services or Community Mental Health Director

  • City council or county commissioner

Partnerships

Partnerships with government and other service sectors allow you to share resources and leverage funding. These partnerships may include but are not limited to:

  • Child welfare agency/local DHHS office

  • Community mental health agency

  • Social service agencies & tribes

  • Substance abuse coordinating councils

  • Workforce development boards

  • Local school district

  • Local police department

Community “Buy In”

The more people who are informed about and involved in the success of your program, the more likely it will be meaningful and practical for the whole community. “Buy-in” strategies include:

  • Engaging community volunteers

  • Creating a youth/community advisory team

  • Distributing an annual report/fact sheet highlighting outcomes

  • Notifying your local news to get media coverage

  • Host an open house or recognition event

 

Do community members support your project? Have they been providing regular input and/or feedback?

Policies, Procedures, Trainings

Developing policies, procedures and training will ensure that staff understand and implement your program effectively.

  • Intake/assessment procedures

  • Eligibility criteria

  • Staff training

 

What policies, procedures, and trainings have you developed for your program? What additional changes areneeded?

System-Level Improvements

System-level improvements enhance the infrastructure of your agency or program, such as:

  • Purchasing an automated case management system

  • Upgrading an information management system

  • Establishing information-sharing agreements

 

What systems-level improvements have you made/could you make in support of the program?

Cost Savings - Realignment

Many jurisdictions saved money by prioritizing community-based programs over placement, freeing resources to serve more youth at home.

 

Has your county realized any cost-savings by reducing placement or reinvested savings into prevention and community-based services?

Step 4: Consider These Questions

  1. Which areas of sustainability are strongest for your program?

  2. Which areas of sustainability could use additional support?

  3. Which areas of sustainability would be strengthened with grant funding?

Step 5: Apply for Funding!

  1. Read the grant solicitation very, very carefully! Make sure that you are eligible and the grant is applicable to your project.

  2. Give yourself sufficient time. Federal grants require that you register in the appropriate online system (GMS or grants.gov) and obtain a DUNS number, SAM registration, and VIN, if required.

  3. Review a copy of a successful application, often found on the grantee’s website or annual report

Find Our Grant Application Resources Here
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