Even volunteer groups where everyone donates their time and energy need an operating budget. Office supplies, equipment, phone or Internet service and refreshments for meetings all take money. Fortunately, there are many resources out there for volunteer groups. The trick is finding them and presenting your group in its best light so that others will feel comfortable funding and supporting you.
Instructions
1. Use local events, such as fairs and festivals, as fundraising opportunities, or as a platform to raise awareness of your program. Having a raffle booth, games, auctions or tastings can raise funds and gain exposure for your program that could attract the attention of local sponsors.
2. Ask large local businesses, especially ones that relate to your program, for help. For example, if your program works with battered women and children, a local women's health center or pediatric group, women's and children's clothing store, salon or day spa may be willing to provide help with funding or fundraisers.
3. Find the local chapters of organizations such as United Way and service clubs, such as the Rotary Club. These groups can either help you directly with funding or support, or direct you to local sources that can assist you.
4. Contact your local city or county government office and inquire about any programs they offer that work with volunteer groups. Cities such as Bloomington, Indiana have a volunteer networking program that helps local groups find funding. You can also contact a group such as the National Association of Volunteers in Local Government.
5. Hire a grant writer to help you write funding proposal or have someone in your group learn write a proposal. There are many free resources to learn write grant proposals, but a professional will know put one together, guide your group through the process and already be familiar with funding sources. They will generally charge an upfront fee for their services. Research the grant writer and his credentials before hiring him.
6. Research large corporations that relate to your cause and see if they offer any grants for nonprofits and volunteer groups. Verizon, for example, offers grants to groups that aid with education, literacy, safety and health. Be aware that many large companies give money only to groups that are registered nonprofits.
7. Explore government websites, such as the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Department of Agriculture, for further suggestions of additional government funding sources.
8. Contact the Foundation Center, a group that compiles a database of funding sources for nonprofit and community-based programs. You can enroll in their database for a fee; however, they also provide several free resources and advice.
Tags: volunteer groups, your program, funding sources, with funding, your group, free resources, grant writer
