Overview of Funding for Family Literacy Programs

Currently there is no ongoing government funding for local family literacy programs. Libraries include some family literacy services as part of their core programming, as do some Ontario Early Years Centres. Most of us search out the best potential sources to fund programs we would like to offer. Our survey results show the funding sources that agencies in Eastern Ontario have used recently:

 

Funding Sources

Number of Responses

Agency-created community fundraising events

              7

Gaming (e.g. bingos, break-open tickets, casino revenue)

              4

Charging for some of your services

              2

 In-kind donations from other community groups (e.g. space)

              6

 Financial donations from other community groups

              5

 United Way

              6

 Government grants

              9

 Private foundations

              2

 Other

              1

Consideration for Potential Sources

Source

Advantages

Disadvantages

Fundraising Events

·        Heightens your community profile

·        Provides an opportunity to build knowledge of your cause and start building relationships

·        Contributes to community building

·        Increases community involvement

·        It takes staff time and energy away from programming.

·       Little may be raised once the cost for staff time is included.

·       It requires extensive volunteer involvement. 

Bingos, casinos,

break-open tickets

·        Generally a reliable, ongoing source of  funding

·        May have restriction on how funds are used

·        Difficulty getting volunteers

·        Ethical concern for some organizations

Service Clubs

·        Presentations to these clubs may increase your agency’s profile.

·        Most grants are small.

·        Only a letter or small application is usually required. 

·        Service club membership is declining.

·        In many cases there is limited money to give out for requests.

United Way (UW)

·        Some UW chapters have memberships. 

·        This can be a stable, ongoing source of funding.

·        It provides evidence of local support for other fundraising.

·        Success By Six is a new funding stream in some areas.

·        Membership process can take time.

·        Application process can be rigorous.

·        This funding may limit some other fundraising opportunities.

Government

·        There is no funding stream for family literacy delivery at this time.

·        There is always the possibility of a new initiative.

·        Some municipal governments provide grants to their community agencies.

·           No project funding at this time.

·           Most levels of government have limited resources for new initiatives outside their current delivery systems.

Corporate Donations/Grants

 

·        Usually available through the year

·        Funds are often designated for social services, children and education.

·        Many have clear guidelines, and streamline application details online.

·           Use is often restricted.

·           Number of requests from groups may limit success.

·           Higher amounts appear to be given to larger organization (e.g. universities, hospitals)

·           If they give to the United Way, they may not give grants to UW members.

Trillium Foundation

·        Literacy is a priority area for funding currently.

·        It involves local community representatives in the decision.

·        Possibility of multi-year funding

·        Community partnerships are encouraged.

·           Application process is involved and the forms are not user-friendly.  

·           Community partnerships are encouraged.

Private Foundations

·        Many request letters of intent first and ask for full applications later.

·        An increasing number of application guidelines are on-line

·           Process requires an investment of time to identify good candidates for project funding.

·           It is difficult to locate information on some foundations without access to special resources.*

·           Community profile of agency may be important.

·           Organizational track record is important.

 

* Check with your local library to see what resources are available for foundation searchers.


 
bulletImagine Canada has a special Canadian Directory to Foundations and Corporation.
 
bulletAt Imagine Canada, a special Directory Starter Kit is available free of charge for non-profit organizations with revenue under $100,000.

Experienced fundraisers remind us that most of the money given to charity comes from individuals (87%), and suggest that many groups put too much emphasis on foundations and corporate sponsorships. In their experience, one of the best ways to support organizational growth is to get to know donors better and build long-term relationships. Showing that you care about your donors through regular contact encourages renewed and increased support. Asking for money is a difficult issue for many of us. Boards have a critical leadership role in fundraising. Professional fundraisers emphasize that volunteers should do the asking.

The development of a fundraising campaign strategy recommended by Fund Development Professionals may appear daunting. However, it is worthwhile to understand the process a professional fundraiser uses to set and reach a fundraising goal. Here are a few good websites that have free information and may answer your questions regarding fundraising. Some also have publications you can purchase.

Grassroots Fundraising Journal

Fundraising Forum Library

Fundraising Ideas That Work for Grassroots Groups