Purpose
This committee is responsible for researching and applying for funding sources to enhance coalition efforts. Committee members should be involved in the Action Planning process. Members can also host fund-raising events that support coalition endeavors.
Why is it important?
Programs and activities do not come without costs. Although Operation UNITE has designated funds that may be used by coalitions and provides additional support for training and activities, individual communities need to take ownership to achieve long-term success. Many resources are available if someone would take the time to ask or do the research. That process can be time-consuming and even intimidating. A strong grant writing/fund-raising committee can greatly simplify this process through sharing of ideas and dividing responsibilities. An organized committee knowledgeable about the goals and objectives of their coalition is much more likely to write successful grant proposals.
Who should be involved?
Grant writing and fund-raising efforts should be a team effort. Anyone can participate in carrying out activities, but it is especially useful to have someone with volunteer or non-profit experience to serve in leadership roles. Those with organizational and interpersonal skills will be most effective.
What are the goals?
The primary goals of the Grant Writing/Fund-raising Committee are:
Engage the financial support of businesses for coalition projects.
Identify and describe any special resources (including human resources) that could be utilized.
Successfully apply for grants for on-going or long-term projects.
Provide assistance to other coalition committees.
Create a plan for financial sustainability of the coalition.
Activities to accomplish your goals
Grant Writing/Fund-raising Committee members should:
Identify the coalition’s strengths, weaknesses and identity.
Provide clearly identifiable outcomes for existing and future coalition projects.
Have generic descriptions of the coalition’s projects -- past, present and future -- available. Identify the audience served, the purpose and the results for each project.
Develop a detailed budget for each project so you can explain your needs and how money will be used.
Surf the Internet for available grant funding sources. While large grants are nice, they are also more difficult to obtain.
Organize a team that can solicit businesses for donations. You don’t want several people to ask the same business or take advantage of their generosity.
Identify key stakeholders who may have something to gain or lose by the efforts to address the problem or goal. Don’t overlook specialty businesses that may have an interest in a specific activities related to their business.
Conduct fund-raising activities. These may include: cake walks, fish fries, chili cook-offs, golf scrambles, raffles, a “poker run” motorcycle ride, yard sales, sports event tournaments, celebrity waiter days at local restaurants, car washes, auctions and fishing tournaments. Be creative.
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Official Site of Operation UNITE
2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6179 ● Toll Free 1-866-OP-UNITE ● Fax 606-677-6166
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
