Idaho Commission for Libraries

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The two biggest barriers to starting outreach program for Idaho libraries are time and money. We can't do much about the time challenge, but there is funding available to help Idaho libraries enhance services to families throughout the state. The following links should help you get started thinking about alternative funding sources.

On this page:

• Some Simple Tips
• How to research a foundation and/or corporate giving program
• Asking for Money!

Some Simple tips:

• Establish your objectives : Set tangible, concrete objectives before starting the application process. Be realistic and detailed. Prepare a five-year plan.
• Consider Cooperation : Lots of funders like nonprofits to collaborate. Any formal relationship among nonprofits should be appropriately documented
• Document your case . Prove your need exists with measurable date, such as statistics, testimony, case studies.
• Define expected results . Clearly outline measurement indicators. "The value of having clear performance standards cannot be underestimated"
• Present your Budget . This may be the first thing the funder will look at, so it must be realistic and credible. Use tables.

For more information, visit:
http://www.jcdowning.org/resources/generalguide.htm

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How to research a foundation and/or corporate giving program

Studies indicate that foundations and corporations reject many of the proposals they receive because the proposals do not fit the guidelines of the foundation or corporation. A preliminary step in researching is to be certain that foundation or corporation funding is appropriate. You must be clear about your goals, the needs to be met by your project, the amount of money necessary to achieve your objectives and the availability of funds from other sources. Foundation or corporate funding is not for everyone and a great deal of time, frustration, and disappointment will be saved if you honestly assess your position in advance.

Seek Local Support

If you represent a small organization, or a new organization, looking for funding for a project limited to the local community, you should first seek local funding through you own local constituency, community support and neighborhood business donations.

Keep in mind that a foundation and most corporations which consider funding an organization will want to see evidence of local support. Therefore, starting with community fund-raising efforts now, may help secure funding for a larger, more important project in the future. If you are seeking funds for yourself or another individual, local support may be the most available for you. Foundation funding for individuals is limited by legal technicalities, and most foundations do not provide direct assistance to individuals at all.

The Research Process

Once you determine to pursue foundation or corporate funding, you are ready to begin the research process. Doing you homework will assure that your proposal will be sent to foundations or corporations that make grants to your type of organization, in the geographic area in which you function and for your field of interest.

Using the following available resources, you will begin to establish a list of foundations and corporations that indicate interest in your subject area. Then, as your research continues, you will eliminate those whose limitations rule out your project. Finally, study in depth those foundations and corporations that remain on your list and select those whose interests and grant-giving record appear closest to your needs.

1. "The organization does not meet our priorities."
   Research before applying.
2. "The organization is not located in our geographic area of funding"
   Get the guidelines before applying.
3. "The proposal does not follow our prescribed format."
   Read the application information very carefully and follow it exactly.
4. "The proposal is poorly written and difficult to understand." Have friends and experienced people critique the grant.
5. "The proposed budget and grant request is not within our funding range."
   Look at average size of grants of the funder.
6. "We don't know these people. Are they credible?"
   Set up an interview before submitting the proposal and have board members and other funded organizations give you credibility.
7. "The proposal doesn't seem urgent and I'm not sure it will have an impact."
   Study the priorities and have a skilled writer do this section to make it "grab" the funder.
8. "The objectives and plan of action of the project greatly exceed the budget and time lines for implementation."
   Be realistic about the programs and budgets; only promise what can realistically be delivered for the amount requested.
9. "We've allocated all the money for this grant cycle."
   Don't take this personally. It is a fact of life. Try the next available grant cycle.
10. "There is insufficient evidence that the program will become self-sufficient and sustain itself after the grant's completed."
    Add a section to the proposal on plans for sufficiency and develop a long-term strategy.

Richard J. Male, President, Grants Guide Plus Quoted in Four County (NY) Library System News.

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Asking for Money!

Printed in The Library Imagination Paper Spring 1999

Go to a seminar by any professional fund-raiser and you will be made aware of a miscalculation made by many who ask another person to donate money to a cause: most people base their "please give" speech on need when it should be based on vision. And what is vision? In terms of attracting library or media center donations, it is expressing, in a compelling way, what it will mean to the donor, the facility, and the community if the money is given.

The person solicited is more likely to give if 1) the solicitor is a friend and of similar financial means 2) the solicitor has already donated to the cause at or near the amount being requested - and this can be shown in fund-raising materials.

And there are other things to bear in mind which will make your task of asking for library donations easier and even enjoyable:

• Create a vision for the person which includes "selling" the excitement and benefits of the future as made possible by those who donate. If it's money for a new building or new room, have an architect's rendering ready on hand-outs.
• Promote "the experience" awaiting the donor who helps make improvements possible. More money could mean better-appreciated programs, speakers, or films because of new, comfortable chairs in a renovated meeting room.
• Project the library's financial "wish" in very simple, understandable terms. Creative presentation can help a lot. A rural West Virginia church library gave away umbrellas to all donors who helped buy a new roof for the older, leaking facility.
• Prove to those you ask why you need the amount of money sought. Provide lists of prices for goods and services, bottom lines.
• Let them know how contributing will provide a good experience for them, their family, the community. Perks and privileges for donors at all levels is helpful - from listings to coffee mugs to private gourmet dinners with the director.
• It is proven that money is more readily given if it enables less fortunate children to enjoy a special experience. In fact, child-based causes (new children's books?) are the most successful.
• Don't get those you approach to "think elitist." Rather, get them to "think community."
• Sometimes it is better to address a specific need (obscure equipment) with a general rather than specific campaign.
• One of the most important things you can say: "This will improve our quality."
• Beyond the asking, it is helpful to be able to line up a corporation, individual, or foundation to provide a sizable matching challenge grant. This provides the extra inspiration needed by some, and will usually attract larger gifts.
• And it goes without saying that staff and volunteers need the organization and training to provide needed support.
• Being prepared and doing you homework is the key to successfully asking for money. If you are really good, they may even ask you if they can give!

According to Insights a CPA newsletter, yearly surveys showing sources, receivers, and percentages of donations have remained essentially unchanged since 1991. These facts should help libraries shrewdly target fund-raising.

Source of Donations: Individuals 80.3%; Bequests 6.8%; Foundations 7.5%; Corporations 5.6%

Receivers of Donations: Religion 46.1%; Education 12.5%; Health 9.2% ; Human Services 8.1%; Arts 7.2%; Public and Social Benefits 5.0%; Other (environmental, wildlife, etc) 11.9%

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