Guest: Beth Briggs, Creative Philanthropy
Host: Sean Bailey, Philanthropy-Journal

Part Two

Back to Part One

Celia McCauley: Beth - hi. I worked with you at during the Olympic Festival in 87, then worked for Highwoods Properties for 10 yrs and am now home with my 18 month old and doing consulting work for my father. His company builds affordable housing and is looking for creative ways to fund his projects. An extension of his company is a 501 c 3 organization and he wants to utilize this nonprofit and approach foundations for funding. Having read what you've written, I have already gotten some good ideas. At some point, when we are more organized, would you consider coming to speak with this group? I also just wanted to say hello and see how you were doing. Thanks.

Beth: Hi Celia... Congratulations on your young one. I know that you are staying busy. There are a number of options available to your father for funding. Affordable housing is an important area for funders these days. I suggest that you identify possible corporate donors whose business might be closely tied to affordable housing. Look in the national and statewide directories to determine foundations who have given in the past. Another key word is economic development. The large utilities have supported economic development projects/housing projects. It is a natural tie-in to their overall business objectives. With the potential deregulation of utilities in the works, there will be many new players on the scene. I am sure that your dad or his associates are well aware of them. There are also other nonprofits who could provide you with technical support. Contact the local Center for Nonprofits to get a list of nonprofits working in the area of housing. Work collaboratively. Traditionally there has been federal, state and local government money available in the area of housing. Congratulations on working on such a great project.

Tim: I have been having a problem finding foundations which will give to our program. Any ideas on how to locate foundations supporting Homelessness and Emergency food assistance?

Beth: Tim... You have a challenge and unfortunately, the needs will continue to grow for a while as the federal and local welfare cut are implemented. You need to be looking for funds locally. I am not sure where you live so I can't be too specific. If there is a directory of state foundations, identify the foundations located in your county. The large national directories do not list many local foundations. If no one has published a directory in your state, contact the state attorney generals office. All foundations are required to submit a copy of their tax return to their office. It is public information and so you should be able to research foundations there. Some states are not very good in organizing them so you might have to read through a lot of tax returns. The IRS also provides copies of the tax returns and they will send you copies of the returns as well. It cost a little money for printing so you might be selective but there is a wealth of information available in these tax returns. Contact you local churches. If there is a Council of Churches ask them for help. Ask to speak before one of their meetings. You may even arrange a special meeting of the churches to ask for their help. Use your board of directors to help identify prospects. Go before your local civic clubs with a program and ask for their support. Both groups provide support for many local agencies. Also contact the local municipality, city council members and county commissioners to see what they might suggest. 89% percent of all funding comes from individuals and programs for the homeless and emergency food assistance are usually successful in raising funds from people throughout the community. A strong public relations program can work wonders. Make sure people in your community are aware of the problem. The Salvation Army has been successful in running ads in the newspapers that puts a face on the problem. If you have a local community foundation, ask them for technical assistance and ideas about where to go for funding. Make it easy for people to give. A direct mail appeal in the churches might be a way to go. In this country where we have so much, no one should be going hungry. Here again you might try a collaborative effort with other nonprofits working in the area. Perhaps you could organize a special event that can bring a lot of people together to try and identify solutions to the problem. Community awareness of the problem will really help you start to find funding.

Dee Christoff: Hi, I'm Dee Christoff, the Director of Development for the Washington Poison Center located in Seattle, Washington. Funding for administrative personnel seems to be one of the most difficult things to raise foundation dollars for. We intend to develop a comprehensive Education Program for Poison Prevention and Public Awareness. However, our first goal is to hire an Education Coordinator to develop and administer the program. Do you have any advice? Thanks. Good bye.

Beth: Hi Dee. Operational funding has always been difficult. However, many foundations are now recognizing how important it is to help the ongoing operation of the organizations they support. Obviously, an organization can not provide program without staff to carry it out. Foundations are now starting to help organizations with capacity building grants. These grants are designed to help build the infrastructure of an organization. Foundations may give multi-year grants for a director of development, an executive director, computer support and training. These grants are really making a difference in organizations ability to provide service. I am working with a foundation that has provided capacity building grants for several years now. They then looked at the success of these grants and were delighted to see how successful they had been. They did find that part of the capacity building grants need to incorporate training for staff and board and a long range, strategic planning component in order to be successful. Talk to foundations in your area about these capacity building grants and ask for a multi-year grant to hire your education coordinator. You have to make the case for the long term benefit for your program. But I am sure that you can. Great program

Sharon: Hi Beth, Glad to know this Chat is available. Foundations I realize do get a lot of request. Is it best to only inquire about foundations only in North Carolina, is where I am from as well the project we have already funded by HUD for a Physically Challenged Housing Complex here in Jacksonville, NC--for The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America South Eastern Region. This is a very exciting time for us, for the land was donated free for our project and Nov. 96 I was told the HUD GRANT was approved. We are a 501(c)3 National Health Care Organization dedicated to helping those not only with MS, but all Physically Challenged persons and Veterans to live a quality of life and a handicapped accessable place that is safe. We are the first to ever get one in the south. as you can imagine I am thrilled to know I worked so hard to get this here as well all whom help, I do have 12 disabilities and I changed over to MSAA years back do to the very fact we need to help all people with physical Disabilities and believe me this was a long two year process. We had a consultant hired to do the paper work last year, we have all met with HUD and all is going very well. All persons associated in this support group have MS, and more, as well family members and friends that care. No one is paid we feel we have more to give back to people because we all may share a disability that is the same. It's people helping people and I feel that is most important. However we do a few fund raisers that is not getting easier! Our most successful one is our Annual MSAA MSpring into Action 5 Mile Challenge! The one thing as a person with disabilities is by bring all people together for a cause helps. as far as foundations I have done Hud Grants. Just would like some feed back on what you think. Truly, Sharon

Beth: Sharon, congratulations on your HUD grant. That is terrific. If sounds as though you have the opportunity to offer a unique program that could be duplicated in other areas. Your request to foundations might emphasize the idea that many lessons can be learned from this program about providing housing for those with disabilities. I recommend that you start seeking funding in North Carolina. There may be a number of national funding sources but charity does begin at home. You mentioned special events. Special events are excellent sources for public awareness but for the most part, they require a tremendous amount of work of volunteers and staff and often do not result in much money. I recommend that you put together a top notch board of advisors to help you think about where you can raise money. Talk to corporate leaders in Jacksonville. Perhaps you may be able to get some volunteer help from the military since they have such a large presence and part of your mission is support for veterans. You need a long range development plan so that you can approach sources for funding. It is the responsibility of the board to help you develop a long range funding plan and then they must help you secure that funding. Nothing takes the place of a great board of directors to help chart the course. Sounds as though you are well on your way to a successful future for people with disabilities in Jacksonville.

Deborah Williams: Hello Beth, Deborah Williams of Microstate Ltd.'s Pacific Island Office in Kwajalein RMI. I have a question relative to international philanthropy. Can you suggest any effective tactics and strategies which encourage US based private foundations to support international endeavors? We are working with educational pursuits in Micronesia - an isolated and widely scattered smattering of islands in the Central Pacific - and has been largely ignored by the International Philanthropic community. We are using the Internet to maximize the reach of our appeals - but just triggering that initial interest seems to be the most critical aspect of all. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this inquiry.

Beth: Deborah wish I could deliver this message in person. What a beautiful part of the world your live and work in. There are a number of foundations that provide international support. There are several directories available on international funding that you can secure from the Foundation Center in New York. Contact the Ford Foundation and ask them of advice and technical support about where you might look. Even if they don't have program funds available, they have such a professional staff, they can direct you to someone to speak with. I would also identify any corporations that have a presence in your region. These large multi-nationals are very concerned about the availability of a strong work force for their operations. Education is key to their success. You may contact the international religious funding organizations as well. Perhaps you could find colleges or universities that would be interested in helping you and let them do the fund raising here in the states from their major donors to help make it possible. It could be a terrific study aboard program for students and you would get great technical assistance in the process. I would also contact the international environmental groups and ask for their thoughts. They may not have funding but they know donors who are interested in preserving the islands in the Pacific and might be able to help put you in contact with someone who can help. Make sure you have a good plan and budget for what it is going to cost. Finally, are there wealthy individuals that you can approach who may have homes on the islands. This would be a wonderful match for them and they could not only be donors but also help introduce you to their friends and acquaintances both in your region and abroad. Good luck.

Meda: Hi My name is Meda Killgore. I am currently a Sociology Instructor for the local university. I also serve as a board member of a battered women's shelter. I have participated in many successful grants for the shelter, which was, of course, 501-3c. I am confused about whether or not the university is considered 501-3c? This may be a very naive question. I am new to teaching and am working on a research project about fear of violence in school and the impact that this fear has on students. I am seeking a small grant for realease time from one of my classes. I have located potential sources of grant funds but am unsure of the university's status as a 501-3c orgainization. Thank you for considering this question. I realize the scope of your program goes far beyond this question. I might add that I wish I had read the information you have been giving out before I sent in my first grant! Thanks for your time.

Beth: Meda, a university is a tax-exempt organization and is in fact eligible for funding from foundations, corporations and individuals. I would recommend that you contact your university's development office. They can help you in seeking funds and may have a policy about approaching donors. Good luck with your project.

Dave Elbourne: Hi My name is Dave Elbourne. I'm in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I've been working for four years for a non profit Community center, I recently decided to leave and start a new non-profit After-School Program since there was so much demand. I've read somewhere recently that more US foundations are giving to projects in Canada - would you go along with this ? Also are there any foundations that specialize in start-ups ? Thank You for your consideration.

Beth: Dave, there are US foundations that provide funds for projects in Canada. Your research will uncover several. I suggest, as I mentioned to Deborah before, that you should look at any of the US companies doing business in Montreal. These large multinationals have giving programs and foundations and they would be some of your best bets. There are many foundations that provide for start ups but because these programs are sometimes risky, you will have the best luck approaching someone who knows you and your board. You local school boards are good places to start since they understand the need for quality after school programs. Businesses may be good sources for sources since their employees need after school programs. Contact the Lilly Foundation in Indianapolis. The Eli Lilly Company, has a very enlightened CEO who understands the need for family friendly companies. He is really breaking ground in helping families manage work and families. I would also recommend that you contact Working Women magazine. They do a annual report on the companies that are most family friendly. And you may get some ideas about potential funders, especially if some of these companies have facilities in your area. You might even start by partnering with one of the large companies or the churches. Here in North Carolina, several of the major companies sponsor day care for their employees children. Great program. As a working mother of three I can appreciate the need.

Esther Sharon: Glad to join you, from Beer-Sheva, Israel. Like Deborah Williams I, too, am interested in international philanthropy especially the different gift methods and moods, tax benefits (I am finding that many countries do NOT offer). meanwhile: One good piece of info for Deborah Williams:you can email to phil-request@dsk.de with the subject "subscribe". This is a list for International Philanthropy information just beginning.

Beth: Esther, unfortunately all countries do not offer tax advantages for philanthropic giving. That is their loss since the benefits are so tremendous. Thanks for the advice about the International Philanthropy information. The international foundations located in the states receive those tax deductions here so they can afford to send gifts internationally. There are many funding sources here in the states for programs in Israel. Check out the Foundation Center for listings of grants to Israel. There are a very large number of Foundations in New York. Even in North Carolina, more foundation money goes to programs in Israel than any other international country.

Katie: Greetings from Croatia, my name is Kate. I work for an international humanitarian aid organization. I too, am interested in providing some discipline to my international search for donor/donor partners -- specifically, I am interested in securing funding a Trans Regional Trauma initiative throughout the former Yugoslavia. Any suggestions? Thanks to Esteher Sharon from Israel, will try the e-mail suggested. Looking forward to a reply, all the best.

Beth: Kate, there are many foundations that provide funds for international relief. You might start with a search there. Also consult the American Red Cross and the Yugoslavian embassy here in the states and ask that they help identify resources. I believe that if you can put together a strong case for support and a plan for carrying out your goal you will find tremendous interest from foundations or churches. We are all concerned for the future of your country and I know that their are many compassionate people here that would like to help if given the opportunity.

Delena: Hi Beth! I am Catholic, and have been considering a religious vocation for about eight years. I recently discovered that in most religious orders a dowry is necessary. In that way, if a person chooses not to stay, the order will have something to give back to the candidate when she leaves so that she may be able to support herself until she can get on her feet. I have looked for help in the Church. Unfortunately, my cause is one that has mainly gone unaddressed. Do you know of any organizations or individuals that would make a gift or grant to an individual for such a cause. Thanks a bunch. In the Love of Christ, Delena Jones, delena@hotmail.com

Beth: Delena, I am sorry but I do not have an idea. If the Church has not been able to address this issue I am not sure what other funding opportunities are available to you. Perhaps you might write foundations that give to Catholic causes. Usually, foundations will not make grants to individuals for a number of tax reasons as well as the complicated accounting requirements. Individuals will be your best bet. Wish I had some other thoughts. Best of luck.

Robert Maybury: Dear Beth, IOCD is a small nonprofit group of scientists, all voluntary, including myself, the Executive Director. Our aim is to build up the scientific capacity of scientists in develooping countries. We desperately need to establish a core budget and administrative plan. What should be my initial approach to foundations in seeking such funds?

Beth: Robert, Make sure that you have a very good plan for the operation of the organization. You might contact some of the large pharmaceutical giants, like Glaxo and Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Hewlett Packard, Kellogg, Pew, Exxon, or some of the corporations which the greatest interest in developing scientist in other countries. Ask for technical assistance or recommendations.

Beth Bohling: Hi Beth, I have picked up some great info. from your reccommendations to proper grant writing and proposal etiquette. I work for the Yadkin/Pee Dee Lakes Project, based in Badin, NC. We a re a non-profit org. with a mission to promote sustainable development for a seven-county, rural region. We are now at a point in our development where we need to focus on sustained funding for the org. itself. I have submitted several proposals requesting $ to pay for a professional consultant that has been named in all the applications. After an executive committee meeting, we decided that we still needed this consultant, but perhaps at less of a capacity. How do you suggest that we appropriately update this information to prospective funders, and do you think that this change will create a level of concern from these resources that will jeopardize are relationship with them?

Beth: Beth, you are very wise to think about this. Yes you should write the foundations and update your proposal. Tell them what you board had decided and ask them to adjust your proposal appropriately. One of the biggest mistakes grantees make is that their programs change and they accept grant money and then are force to do things that they would not necessarily want to do. You might try calling them and asking for a meeting or a phone call to discuss the changes. Hope that you are successful.

Anneke Visser: Are there any tips how an African NGO in Botswana could appraoch the American foundations.We are the only human rights centre in botswana. Are main focus is on human rights education, legal advice and monitoring of human rights violations. We are supported by mainly European donors and it would be great to attract support for our work in the USA Thank you

Beth: There are many funders that are working on projects in Africa. Focus your search on foundations that are providing international grants in the areas that you mentioned. The Foundation Center probably has a publication specifically on what you are looking for and if not they can tell you where to find it. Don't overlook those corporations with facilities and operations in Botswana. Most of the multinationals have significant giving programs.

Karel Walls: Hi Beth, My name is Karel Walls, and I am director of Development for Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, a small grassroots organization which provides free legal services and educational programs for low income artists and arts organizations in Massachusetts. Since we are only known in the communities we represent, i.e., legal and arts, it is difficult for us to get a hearing at foundations in the area. Sending cold proposals is ineffective for us, and our board is not tied into the funding community, generally speaking. While our proposals are solid, we lack the personal relationships we need to get the requests heard. Any suggestions?

Beth: Karel, start to build your board and contacts. Don't underestimate the boards of the arts groups that you work with and the volunteer lawyers themselves. They can help open doors for you. Perhaps you may have several of the attorneys host cultivation meetings at their homes or office. They can invite their colleagues to hear about the work you are doing. Find out the names of the people sitting on the boards of the foundations and get to work finding out how you can make connections. Perhaps someone at your state arts council can suggest a way to make contact or speak with someone in a community foundation. I am always amazed to find how down to earth and accessible most foundation boards can be, if you have done your homework and identified those that have an interest in your topic areas, either legal aid or the arts. Perhaps someone at the Mifflin Fund in Boston could help with suggestions. They have a history of funding for legal aid. Unfortunately, both are getting more difficult to fund these days. Have you considered a direct mail appeal to sensitive attorneys in your area. Have someone well know and respected sign the letter on your behalf. Again, follow up with a coffee and dessert or cocktail party featuring several of the artist you represent. Perhaps a restaurant or coffee house would provide the event for you. Best of luck.

John Herrera: Hola Beth, I am looking for information on Latino/na community foundations in the US, can you give me any leads? also some good sources about community foundations with info about how to start one, the pros and cons of community foundations vs the other types of foundations. gracias.

Beth: Hola John, I am not aware of any Latino Community Foundations in the US however there are over 230 community foundations in the country. There is an association for community foundations and you can find out more information from the Foundation Center by calling 1-800-424-9836. Community Foundations are different from private foundations and corporate sponsored foundations in that that are 501(c)(3) grantsmaking organizations but their funds come from a variety of sources and many donors and are held in a endowment that is managed by a board of directors. Income is derived from the interest on the endowment and that is what they use to make grants. The board of directors of these community foundations are made up of individuals from throughout the the community and are not usually the primary donors but who are aware of the complex issues facing their communities. The grants are usually limited to charitable organizations located within their community - often city, county or state. Community foundations are usually public charities which means that donors are eligible for maximum tax deductible contributions for the private. Many say that community foundations are the wave of the future and they have proved very successful throughout the country. I would recommend that you find a book which describes more about them. If you have the donors and the potential leadership to get one started, I think you would be very happy with the results.

Anne Powell: Hello Beth. Thank you for the wealth of information you have provided so far. I am the director of the California Family Impact Seminar ( CAFIS), a unique nonpartisan organization that provides state policymakers with family related policy research and education forums and briefing reports. In our three years of operation, CAFIS has been able to provide 11 reports and 13 forums that have been well-received and effective (as determined by an independent evaluator). I rely primarily on foundation support. You state that foundations are "interested in helping serve clients, the people that will benefit as a result of their gift." Our challenge is that, because we are not a direct service organization, we have difficulty finding foundations to fund our work. Typically, it is the large, national foundations that have funded public policy work. However, these are usually done on a solicited basis as part of a foundation initiative. Although California is blessed with having several large foundations, they do not have the same interest or history in public policy work. There are ever-increasing pressures and responsibilities falling to state government (i.e., welfare reform). As such, we believe there is a critical need for state policymakers to have sound, research based information available to them as they consider and decide on important and often complex issues and problems. What advice do you have for a project such as ours?

Beth: Anne I am sure that your group is doing great work. Are there any former members of the legislature that may have used your work and sit on the boards of a foundation or are involved in a large corporation. You need to approach funders who are familiar with you work and realize the benefit of it. Corporations are a potential source in that they might like to have their name associated with a family oriented program and also can get their names before those members of the governing body of the state of California. Here in North Carolina we have several foundations that fund public policy initiatives because they realize the importance. Have you solicited the family foundations thorughout the state that have an interest in children and families. You might also identify several individuals of wealth who might be able to provide significant funding. The work you are doing is important and you just need to find who is willing to pay to have it continue. Any support from your board. Can they help identify prospects? Good luck. Wish I had some better leads.

Jesse Rosenthal: Hi, Beth, I'm from Burke, Virginia -- I'm interested in legal issues regarding nonprofit fundraising. What sort of reports need to be filed with the IRS or other government agencies after we get a grant from a foundation? How do we get access to information from the 990 tax returns? What other Internet-based resources can you recommend that provide this sort of information? Thank you

Beth: Nonprofits are required to file annual 990 tax returns which provide information on your annual income and expenditures. Your accountant can help you complete the form. Many funding sources require that you have an audited financial statement. These are usually not inexpensive but the provide valuable information for not only funders buy your board as well. The 990 tax forms of foundations are public information and are available from the IRS or your state attorney general's office. You can also ask the foundation to send you a copy or you can go to their offices to see a copy. A number of the Foundation Center Collections have copies on microfilm. They contain a wealth of information. I am still learning about services on the Internet and everytime I do a search I am amazed. Call the Foundation Center and ask them that same question. They should be able to help yo identify the best resources available.

Maia: As part of my assignment in Financial Management in the Non proft Sector I have to analyze four 990 forms of various non profits, and based on their 990 information I have to recommend one of them to a foundation (choose the most fiscally responsible one). I realize that there is no secret formula regarding what percentage should be spent on programming, management salaries etc., but overall, what kind of percentages do foundations like to see in their grantees' budgets. Also, in terms of investment activities - how much (% of total revenue) should be transferred into such activities ie. does it take away from current programming etc.) One more question - what is a good percentage proportion between fundraising expenses and direct public support? And, do foundations really look very closely at financial statements as my assignment would lead me to believe? maia..Foundations usually hope to see administrative expenses below l5%. That is not really a magic number but it indicates that the organizations budgets are not excessive and the nonprofit is not operating simply to pay the salaries of the employees. Each organization is different. Sometimes an organization is so large and heavily utilizes volunteers, like a United Way and it may have only 5% in administrative expenses. Whereas on the other hand a very good organization that provides a lot of one on one time with counseling, such as a center for children with severe disabilities may have a much higher overhead. You simply have to be able to make the case for support and explain your expenses carefully in the narrative. Foundations do in fact look closely at financial statements because they are the narrative of your program in numbers. THey really tell the story clearly. Often the nonprofit can paint some pretty words but an audited statement is hard to argue with.

Lila Phillips: I am looking for good information on evaluating the success of possible foundation-funded programs. What books and articles I have read so far seem to be more light in the evaluation area than in any other. I would \ like to know where to go to get good, concrete examples of how to and how not to evaluate a program. I agree with Beth that this is very important. We are a new education foundation. Thanks

Beth: I like a book called Evaluations for Foundations, COncepts, Cases Guidelines and Resources, published by Jossey-Bass. But the best evaluation method I can suggest is one that you and the foundation develop together. When you get a grant, sit down with the funder or talk with them on the phone and discuss what exactly they would like to see from you. There is little need to spend a great deal of time preparing an evaluation if they are not going to read it but it will be very valuable for your own learning experience. A number of schools of social work have developed good models as well. Your strategic planning process should help you identify specific, measurable goals and objectives that you want to meet. How can you know if you met those goals? What lessons have you learned in the process of carrying out the program. We all learn as much from our mistakes as our successes so evaluations do not always have to be positive - even though most of our evaluations are pretty sugar coated because of the fear that we won't be funded in the future. My advice to you is to be extremely honest in your evaluation. They foundation's success is no better than your success and they really want to learn from each grant.

David C: Hi Beth, I am David from Brooklyn, NY I am working with an inventor of a device that will be used to treat cardiac patients. We have located three physicans, in one university that would like to do clinical research on the device. Is research like this being funded? We are not a non-profit organization.

Beth: Foundations almost always only fund nonprofit organizations but if you could convince the university or a nonprofit hospital to to the clinical research, you would be eligible for funding. Foundations provide unbelieveable amount of research dollars and through these generous contributions, there have been many great medical breakthroughs. If you go through a university, work with their development office. These individuals are real pros and can help you find money as fast as anyone. Good luck

Jacki Englehardt: Hi Beth. I am on an advisory board for an agency which coordinates emergency assistance and provides information and referral services. Currently, we are a project of Catholic Community Services and receive most of our funding from our local United Way. We are looking to spin off into a free standing agency---judging from all that you've said so far, would it be most appropriate to wait until we are a bit more solid to apply to Foundations? I, too, would be interested in any foundations with funds for start-up. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

Beth Many foundations provide start up money for great projects. In fact most foundations prefer that type of funding. They may provide one to three years of support and then move on to other things. Will you still recieve money for the United Way? As you know, there are some restrictions that you need to watch carefully. I am sorry but I don't know where you are f from so it is hard to suggest potential funders. Look for those who have given to similar programs in the past and call them to ask for their advice about potential donors. For a program like yours, look locally for funds. They will have the most interest in providing support.

Fr. Bruce Beth....I'm having trouble finding grants or companies that will help fund the construction of a Church in Maryland. We have a need for $750,000. Can you suggest anything, such as companies that will do all the fundraising work, and take their fee from funds raised? I of course want to stay far from disreputable companies that take most of what they raise. Thanks for your time! God Bless you

Beth: Most of the funds for church construction will come from individuals who will benefit from the church itself - your membership. There are many wonderful fundraising firms that can help you structure a capital campaign. THere is a model that works well with strong volunteer leadership and then committees that identify and call upon the prospective donors. However, it is consider unethical among fund raising companies to receive a fee on a percentage. THere have been to many horror stories. It will cost to hire someone, but that comes out of the funds raised, so that you add that fee to the overall capital campaign goal. Talk to a number of fund raising companies in your area. I would start by getting recommendations from other churches that have had successful campaigns. As much as any thing you need to be very comfortable with the person providing campaing council as does your leadership. It will take a little timet to find the right match. Also be aware that it will probably take 3 to 5 years to raise the money for the church. God bless you as well and may He show you the right person to lead your campaign.

Paula: Dear Beth Hi, I am Paula Knudsen, Founder and Dirctor of a 501c3 called Project Purpose International. We have been in exhistence for 4 years and have yet to get substantial funding. My question is How do you establish a"solid budget?" The org.has not been funded and has continued to maintain itself without any paid employees.. We can not continue without funding. We benefit many people world wide...Bye Paula pfp@xensei.com

Beth: Dear Paula: I commend you for your commitment. However, if you have not gotten funding in four years, you probably have tried all avenues. You might consider merging with another organization that has been successful in fund raising. The key to raising money is to identify people, foundations, or corporations who are intereste in what you are doing and are willing to support you. If you cannot convince someone to pay you then you must resign yourself to being a volunteer. Perhaps you could speak with a professional fundraiser in your community who could offer specific advice based upon what you do. Best of luck.

Teresa Stohs: Hi Beth! I'm Teresa with the Kansas City Public Library. We are trying to fund a five-year long-range automation plan to upgrade our technology. We are moving to a client-server environment--replacing dumb terminals with PCs. Any suggestions on Foundations whose primary interest is technology? Thanks much!

Beth: Dear Teresa: A lot of foundations are now trying to determine how they can provide the technical needs of organizations. It is so expensive as you well know. If you can get hardware and software donated you are in great shape. I would look at any hardware companies located in Kansas CIty, to see what they might suggest. It is a tough area. There is a new foundation, The Lightworks Foundation that acts as a clearinghouse, similar to a community foundation, for giving by high tech corporations and entrepreneurs. You might contact them at their web site (www.lightworks.org) for information on potential contributors.

Eileen: I'd like your advice about what grant amount to request from very arge foundations when they give no average grant or restrictions. In one instance, I did in-depth research on the foundation, compared its giving to several other groups and projects with budgets close to mine, and inquired with the program officer, who was a bit elusive. Other program officer seem to be very willing to state realistic amounts. I hae a fear of asking for too little, yet also do not want to ask for an amount that is way out of reach for the funder. Any insight into how to approach this dilemma? It also seems that, the larger the foundation, the harder it is to pin down a figure. Thanks for your insight

Beth: Dear Eileen: I am interested that you feel that the larger foundations are harder to pin down. At least they publish reports and you can identify average gifts. I would advise staying within that average gift size for an organization similar to yours. Usually program officers are more helpful I would recommend that you ask for what you need and make a clear case for support. Don't ask any one funding source for all of your needs. You need to develop a strategic development plan that realistically looks at all of your potential donors.

Mark Chapman: Hello, Beth. I am Mark Chapman, a development officer for our county's Fire Department. One of the projects we are working on involves a collaboration of agencies working with youth, their families, and socio/ economic problems they face. Some of these agencies are government non-profit, some are 501 (c) (3), and some are private practices or businesses. Do you know of a way to get organization and structure funding for these agencies to learn to share resources, information and personnel so community services and resources are maximized; families improve their independence and strengths; and youths develop stronger futures? We have thought of starting another 501 (c)(3), and will if necessary, but wanted to see if someone could think of a better alternative first. Thanks!

Beth: Dear Mark: Congratulations on your collaborative efforts. Funders really like to see this type of effort. Is there one 501(c)(3) that might be willing to take this on and serve as the coodinator. That way you wouldn't have to go through the hassle of starting another organization. Perhaps you could find some money to hire someone to act as the coordinator for the project. I often find the toughest part of a collaborative effort is having a central location where the someone is making decisions instead of having mutiple organizaions all trying to make a decision. I would start there and hope it works.

Cecilia: Beth--I really enjoyed your perspective on targeting foundations. I'm working for an independent YMCA which has not had a lot of foundation experience. We're launching a $4.5 million capital campaign, primarily focusing on individuals, but we'd like to raise some foundation revenue as well. Should we go to foundations first with a capital request or should we be looking at starting small so they can learn about us?

Beth: Cecilia: Hopefully you are developing an overall capital campaign plan. Foundations are one part of the overall funding package and are part of the mix of corporate and individual donors. You will launch your campaign with your best prospects and that is where you should start. You want to start cultivating all of your donors. Sometimes a foundation will come in with an early gift. I know of several foundations who provide capacity building/development grants and help fund the cost for campaign counsel. I hope that you have a good counsel who can advise you in when and how to make those foundation request. Remember, foundation decisions are made by boards directors who are people in your community. Identify individuals who sit on those boards and use your facility.

Kathe Thompson: I am interest in finding funding progto help re-train Hawaiians been miss-placed or lost their jobs due to thange in agriculture indusn Hawaii. I know th funding programs available. We are an ation who assists ople in building thie own homes, have developed a steel-home building system, which is perfect for low-cost housing and self-help pregrams. We are currently not non-profit status...yet, but want to help people get into their own homes. Do you have any suggestions as to cut-through some of the 'tape' and get to most applicable programs? Thank you for your help! What a wonderful service you are performing! Mahalo Nui Loa! Kathe Thompson--The Pacific Group

Beth: Dear Kathe: It is difficult to get funding if you don't have a nonprofit status because the donors are not able to make tax deductible contributions however, that is not to say that you can't raise money. Is there another nonprofit organization that might work with you. If would advise you contact the large agricultural interest there in Hawaii and see if they might have an interest in helping you. Churches are another option. Talk to someone at a local university who knows about fundraising and ask them for some free advice. Fund raisers are usually happy to tell you more than you want to know.

Alyson Young: Hello Beth! This is my first time doing this, hopefully I am posing a question. I have just completed a video documentary about the Spanish Mustangs in the Outer Banks, narrated by Charles Kuralt, which will air on the UNC-Center for Public Television. Since it is a documentary, we have already produced the show...now I am trying to secure funding.... I have sent many proposals out and have been rejected over and over. I have tired targeting environmentally and animal conscious foundations and corporations with limited success. My question is: Since this is a new year, should I resubmit the proposal to these same foundations again and see if the response is any better, or seek out new foundations? Several foundations are pending approval. 2nd questions: Should I send a copy of the video to select foundations and how do I identify these foundations?

Beth: Dear Alyson: Don't get discouraged. The rule of thumb is that you get ten rejections for every yes you get so your time yes is about to come up. Now that you have the video, I would definitely send it along. Having the great North CArolina hero, Charles Kuralt as your narrator really helps. Another rule of thumb I have always used is if I have really researched my prospects and think that a funder has good potential, I always go back and I have even gone back as often as three times. Sometimes there is just to many other proposals ahead of you for funding. Most foundations get three to five times the number of proposals they can fund. I would check with the folks at UNC-TV to clear your foundations with them. THey may have other request in to the same funder and unfortunately for you, their request would probably take priority. Sounds like a great program and I look forward to seeing it. Be sure and tape as many corporate funders as you can think of. They get greet exposure on public television so there is something in it for them. Foundation are not nearly as interested in getting their name out.

Sean: Thanks, Beth. That's it for this edition of Nonprofit Web Talk. If you want to keep posted about future shows, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, Philanthropy Journal Alert.

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