Seeking Government Support and Funding

We’re pretty fortunate at FLiP because our day jobs as consultants at Changing Our World, Inc. have given us opportunities to meet colleagues with varying backgrounds and experiences. One of our newest colleagues, Courtney Powers, joined the company after spending two years as a Capitol Hill staffer. We were eager to pick her brain on what to expect when seeking government funding. Below is her take. Enjoy!

As a college student, I was introduced to global and domestic problems such as poverty, human rights violations, and environmental sustainability. Like many of my peers, I was impassioned by the idea that my generation could fix the world’s issues through globalization, mutual respect, and our collective philanthropic efforts. In college, I became involved with organizations such as S.T.A.N.D., Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, where I gained organizational experience and a brief introduction to philanthropy.

Until recently I was certain the solution to these problems was government. I was like a kid at the toy store overwhelmed with excitement by what I saw as the ideals of public service, civic duty, and democracy. My beliefs and passion motivated me and after college led me to America’s political hub, Washington, D.C.

In D.C., I was lucky enough to earn a junior position in a senior senator’s personal office. There I slowly (and sometimes painstakingly) learned the best ways to get noticed and, more importantly for many nonprofits, to receive funding.

However, after nearly two years, I decided to change my mechanism for helping others by moving to New York and accepting a position at Changing Our World, Inc., a philanthropic services consulting firm.  Today, I am armed with helpful knowledge of D.C.’s inner workings and complicated bureaucracies.

Working on Capitol Hill was a life-changing experience, and while it did not change my ideals, it did alter my perspective on solutions. I write this to share some of the lessons I learned as a Capitol Hill staffer, in hopes of helping development officers of nonprofits, big or small, learn the best ways to seek government support for their organization and/or cause.

Step 1: Secure a face-to-face meeting

Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., former Speaker of the House, famously stated: “All politics are local.” Mr. O’Neill’s comment is possibly the most appropriate assessment of the American political system and therefore undeniably relevant to your nonprofit. Whether you are engaging your Congressman or Senator, the best chance of getting your foot in the door is to appeal to your own local member.

In the majority of offices, the Scheduler is in charge of scheduling meetings and assigning them to (whoever they believe) is the most relevant staffer. Contact the Scheduler, generally by fax (due to the anthrax episode years ago, mail takes 4-6 weeks to get through the Capitol) or by email (many offices have listed a special scheduling email address on their website). In any case you will be required to submit a hard copy of your request. As a general rule, unlike the traditional approach to cultivating private foundations, avoid making calls to the scheduling office. As hard as it may be, be patient in getting a response. Follow up only if more than two business weeks have passed without a response.
There is one exception to the general rule: a personal relationship. Just as nonprofits often employ a personalized approach to securing funding from private foundations, a personal relationship with a member or staffer increases the possibility that the office supports your cause and advocates for your organization. You should attempt to become the human face of your cause to the member or staffer. In fundraising, it is often said that “people give to people.” This is certainly applicable in the political arena.

Step 2: The initial meeting

On the Hill, there is a universal rule when it comes to meetings: keep it brief. Meetings generally last no more than half an hour. Explain the mission and goals of your nonprofit and make your overall request in a timely manner. Make sure to leave time for questions.

Whether you are seeking government funding, support for a specific piece of legislation, or a public endorsement of your organization, be clear and concise in what you need. Be sensitive to their time and yours.

No matter what you are “asking,” make sure to follow up with the staffer (or member) with a thank you note that includes a brief synopsis of the meeting which restates the promises or agreements that were made, and close with a section on next steps. Think of the initial meeting as an opportunity to build a relationship with a staffer, the office, and the member. In the months, and sometimes years, that follow you can use this relationship to promote your organization, achieve your mission through legislation, and acquire funding.

You should be aware that most meetings will be conducted by staff. Because of their busy schedules it is unlikely that the member will be present at your meeting. From my experience, individuals and groups that are under the impression that they are meeting directly with the member do a disservice to themselves and their cause.  My advice is simple: treat the staffer with the same respect as you would the member. Also, expect the staffer you are meeting with to be young but do not doubt their influence over the member. If you treat them with respect and sell your cause well, they can be your biggest advocate, which can quickly result in the support of your member.

Step 3: Getting government funds

Searching for government grants is similar to seeking private foundation grants. The federal government is divided into departments and agencies run by the current administration, so focus your research according to your mission and which federal departments or agencies would apply. For example, if your nonprofit supports autism research, you should focus on funds given by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Each department and agency has websites that you can explore to see if they might have an appropriate funding opportunity for your cause.

Historically, government funding opportunities and grant RFPs were listed in the Federal Register. However, today most funding opportunities are listed at www.grants.gov. Keep in mind, if you are having any trouble you should contact your Senator or Representative’s office (in most cases their district offices). They are there to help you navigate the system and often have helpful advice.

Government Appropriations are another mechanism for attaining government funding (usually for large projects). If you wish to submit an Appropriations request you must work with your member’s office. Applications or requests for appropriations are usually due by the end of February, but it always helps to be prepared far in advance.

These are just a few lessons from my time on the Hill. Although the points above are more of a comprehensive outline on what to expect, rather than a “how to” list, I believe these tips will help any nonprofit if they decide to pursue government support or funding from the federal government.

Comments

[Bill Huddleston, CFC Expert]

While not a direct grant program, another option that non-profits should consider as they develop their fundraising portfolio, is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is the Federal government's workplace giving program, and through it Federal public servants have donated more than $1 billion of unrestricted funds over the past five years. The CFC is open to all 501c3 nonprofits, and there are both local, national and international non-profits in the program.

How much can you raise through the CFC? Zero to a lot -- the American Red Cross gets $6 million a year.

A better illustration is the range of revenues that 883 non-profits in the South Hampton Roads, Virginia area received:

More than 300 charities (302) received gifts of between $500-999; another 282 received between $1000-1999; and 299 charities received between $2000-4999 for total revenue to these three categories of more than $1.5 million dollars ($1,533,156). These 883 charities account for 48.4% of the charities in the South Hampton Roads CFC campaign. Two charities (one national, one local each received more than $140,000.

Regards,

Bill Huddleston
www.cfcfundraising.com

[Sharon Ingram]

Your artical on govenment grants is very informative. I am desperately trying to find a way to help aldult mentally ill patients with housing issues in bakersfiel, California. I you know organizations that can help me start my own group home, please forward my email address. Thank You