Finding New Resources: Ideas and Tools to Help Nonprofits Find New Resources

Are you looking for new resources to support programs that mobilize low-income community members and improve outcomes for children and families? As volunteer initiatives evolve in communities, funders are taking note and designing creative and meaningful ways to help nonprofit organizations create tightly knit communities to support residents who have the commitment and capacity to better their lives.

Now you can find funding that will allow you to further mobilize volunteers to meet local needs.

• Visit your local community foundation to learn about funding opportunities
• Research state and local directories for grantmaking.
• Learn more about grants from the federal government at Grants.gov, a comprehensive site that provides access to over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. You can search by agency, category, or browse the available grant opportunities. The Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Health and Human Services may offer funding opportunities particularly suited for neighboring initiatives that engage and serve low-income communities. Many agencies may have funding for faith-based initiatives as well. Look to community partners to build collaborative proposals that address local needs.
• You may wish to subscribe to the Foundation Center's Foundation Directory Online, which profiles more than 75,000 grantmakers, and combines directory-type information with recent grant information in a convenient, in fully searchable CD-ROM format. The Grantmaker file can be searched by categories such as field of interest, geographic focus, and types of support. The Foundation Center's Database is free for use at all five Foundation Center libraries and at more than 200 Foundation Center Cooperating Collections.
• Visit your local library for funding guides and other publications.
• Contact local companies in your region to determine their grantmaking interests. However, do not limit your ask to just money. Businesses have a stake in their community. From employee volunteers to gift certificates and in-kind goods, businesses have much to contribute to neighboring beyond simple dollars. Visit the influence section for some ideas.
• Sign up for CommunityINVOLVE, an on-line group for volunteer managers, grassroots leaders, and community organizers engaged in strengthening families and neighborhoods managed by the Points of Light Foundation. Learn about best practices, leadership development and training, grants/funding opportunities, and tools and products that are pertinent to family development and neighborhood transformation.

Not finding enough financial support? Change the picture of philanthropy.

You might find a number of funders in your area who are interested in supporting your efforts to promote and strengthen neighboring. However, you may find very few or that the competition is too great. Now might be the right time for you speaking out for neighboring and be an advocate for your work.

• Let local funders know what is working. Measure outcomes and communicate your learning. Target your local funders and let them know what programs are working in your community.
• Urge funders to be advocates among their peers . If you know a funder that supports neighboring initiatives, encourage them to share their achievements with other funders.
• Ask about advisory roles. Ask a funder about how they incorporate community members into their decisions. Suggest they involve community groups and residents on review boards.

Learn more about how to promote neighboring with samples, tips, and tools you can use to inspire key players outside and within your organization.