Guide “How To” A
January 2011 Colorado Guide 3: PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS A “How To” Guide A guide for communities, advocates, and non-profits Prepared by Spark Policy Institute on behalf of the Blending & Braiding Your TANF Initiative Colorado Systems of Care Collaborative In cooperation with the Colorado Systems of Care Collaborative & funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following document was developed as part of the Blending & Braiding Your TANF Initiative (BBYT) in Colorado. BBYT is a collaborative effort of the: Spark Policy Institute (Spark), Interagency Prevention Systems Initiative at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Systems of Care Collaborative (SOC Collaborative), Family Resource Center Association (FRCA), Colorado Foundation for Public Health and Environment, and Three family leaders: Linda Leeper (Jefferson County Parent Partner Coordinator), Mae Washam (parent advocate and member of the Colorado System of Care Collaborative) and Libby Stoddard (Collaborative Management Program Family Voice and Choice Committee member and family representative). BBYT is funded by the Colorado Statewide Strategic Use Fund of the Colorado Department of Human Services. This project would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the following individuals in reviewing, editing, and providing content to this guidebook. Their expertise and support has been invaluable in making this guide a user-friendly and accurate resource. Mae Washam, parent advocate, member of the Colorado System of Care Collaborative Libby Stoddard, Collaborative Management Program Family Voice and Choice Committee member and family representative. Kathy Snell, Aurora Mental Health Center, Deputy Direct of Family Services The FRCA presented additional input from statewide focus groups with consumers Other family and youth focus groups provided input as well. This project would not have been possible without a parent representative finding her voice to speak up during a Colorado System of Care Collaborative meeting. The SOC Collaborative looks to address the complicated system of services for children, youth, and families with multiple and complex educational, safety, and overall health needs. The SOC Collaborative is made up of concerned stakeholders representing state agencies, community programs, parents, youth, and advocates. Suggested citation: Portman-Marsh, Natalie, Linda Leeper and Jewlya Lynn. (2010). Colorado Guide to Partnering with Funders. Denver, CO: Blending and Braiding Your TANF, Spark Policy Institute. For more information about BBYT, please contact Spark Policy Institute at info@sparkpolicy.com or 303-455-1740. Copyright @ 2011 Spark Policy Institute Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 1 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS CONTENTS Contents ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction to this Guide .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Taking the Lead .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Identifying Gaps and Needs (Credibility) ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Building Partnerships (Constituency) ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Mobilizing Partners in Advocacy (Capacity) ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Strategies for Change (Commitment) ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Documenting Your Case with Data .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Making the “Ask” ...............................................................................................................................................................................................10 Understanding Public Funding Streams .................................................................................................................................. 11 Specific funding streams available in almost all Colorado communities ..................................................................................11 Services and Programs Appropriate for Public Funding..................................................................................................................12 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 References .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Additional Resources ..................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Appendix A: Colorado System of Care ...................................................................................................................................... 19 Vision, Goals, and Principles ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 2 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS INTRODUCTION TO THIS GUIDE The Colorado Guide to Partnering with Funders is intended to provide family advocates and their community partners with information on how to approach local public funders to discuss both changes and potential opportunities in how dollars are used to meet the needs of their community. The Guide is one of three guides designed to provide local government agencies, non-profits, and advocates with information on partnering with funders to effectively address the needs of their community. Purpose: The purpose of this Guide is to offer family advocacy and community organizations a tool on how to partner with funders to achieve shared outcomes. The funding sources referenced in this guide will be primarily focused on funding streams that support low-income Colorado families and build capacity in their communities. This Guide will not only help you understand how funding can be accessed in your local community, but will also serve as a tool that empowers non-profit or advocacy groups to prepare and approach any funder with a well thought out plan to meet mutual goals for children, youth, families, and communities. Audiences and key purposes for this guide: This Guide will help family, advocacy, and non-profit community organizations by: Providing information on how local public dollars can be used to help families; Providing information on recognizing specific services appropriate for public and other funding; Providing information on how to approach funders to advocate for partnership and support. How to use this Guide: This Guide will walk the reader through the importance of using data to support requests for funding, how to approach and partner with other community leaders and organizations, and how to approach potential funding partners. It also includes information on the types of safety-net services you might want to explore for your community and potential funding streams that are available in most or all Colorado communities. This guide is not intended for: In depth information about state or federal funding streams. Legal and regulatory advice on the services or funding streams listed. This guide is one of three from the Blending & Braiding Your TANF Initiative. The other two are: Colorado’s Guide to Blending & Braiding: A comprehensive “how to” with examples and tools for initiating and expanding blending & braiding multiple funding streams. Colorado’s Guide to TANF for Local Communities: An in-depth assessment of the services appropriate for TANF funding in Colorado at the local level. For more information about this Guide, the Blending & Braiding Your TANF Initiative, or to access the other two guides, please visit: http://sparkpolicy.com/fiscalguides.htm. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 3 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS TAKING THE LEAD In order to advocate for new or increased funding to meet community needs, you will first need to learn about areas of concern for your community (i.e., insufficient childcare etc.) and recruit the right partners to work with you in approaching the funder. Leadership will be needed to convene community advocates, to access specific data and ensure a credible proposal. Sheila Pires, the author of “Systems of Care: A Primer” identifies the four C’s of core leadership and provides examples of how to undertake action with each one (Pires, 2001): Credibility – Bringing together the facts. Constituency (representativeness) – Bringing together the right partners. Capacity Commitment The following sections will help you ask questions and take action under each of the four C’s, preparing you to approach funders. IDENTIFYING GAPS AND NEEDS (CREDIBILITY) The first step is to find out what the gaps are in your community. Are there services that children, families, or other consumers need, but don’t exist? Are there other services that are meeting important needs in the community, but have long waiting lists or have to turn people away? Remember, you are: Collecting credible information to understand the local problem; and Gathering data to show evidence of a specific need in your community. Question to ask: What services do families and consumers report that they need? Question to ask: What services do local providers believe are missing in the county? How to answer: Talk to families or consumers at local support groups. Convene a focus group of families or consumers of your services. Distribute a paper survey to families or consumers at various community gatherings (potlucks, PTA/PTO meetings, community events) and provide a confidential place for families to return the survey. How to answer: Talk to staff in other non-profits and government agencies to find out what services their clients need, but can’t find. Meet with human service committees to ask what services their clients need most. Find out which providers or services have waiting lists. Other community members are likely hearing the same concerns you are hearing from the children, youth, and families that you are serving. These partners and the available public data are tools that will help demonstrate the gap you are looking to meet. Public Data and Community Tools: Data will provide the factual proof to funders and local leaders that there is a community concern around your targeted issue. It will help provide the foundation of support for your efforts to Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 4 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS partner with a funder, and may help a funder see why the services you are asking them to fund are important to them. Data helps you to be a credible partner advocating for a documented need. There are many community tools available to you. Your county, city, neighborhood, and state have data for you to access for multiple issues or populations. National advocacy organizations with local chapters have specific issue related information related to their advocacy interests. Please see the Additional Resources Section for more ideas. Question to ask: What % of families is below the poverty level? What other information can I learn about people in my county? How to answer: Question to ask: What are some of the needs and risks kids have in my county? How to answer: The State Demographers Office is the primary agency for demographic information, with data used by state agencies to forecast demand for facilities and services. You can request information about age, income, gender, race, ethnicity, etc. http://dola.colorado.gov/demog/ The Colorado Economic and Demographic Information System (CEDIS) has employment data, financial, tax base, and tax rate data, income and earnings data, and more. http://dola.colorado.gov/cedis.html 2010 Kids Count Data Book for Colorado by Annie E. Casey CO Children’s Campaign (Kids Count): http://www.coloradokids.org/facts/kids_count/kids_count.html School data: http://www.schoolview.org/ CDPHE Children Health Survey: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/yrbs/childhealth.html Colorado Health Information Dataset: Question to ask: Who needs these services? http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/cohid/ Colorado Child Welfare data: www.cdhs.state.co.us/childwelfare/formsandreports.htm How to answer: Include demographic questions on surveys to families and consumers, such as income, age, gender, ethnicity, and whether they have children. Ask providers about the demographics of the people they serve. Ask them which groups of people have the hardest time finding services they need. After talking to your community about the services they need and collecting information about your county from outside sources, you can start to identify the need that you want a funder to help fill. For example, the need may be to address teen pregnancy in your community. After discussing the issue with families, youth, and providers, you might learn about needed services for both preventing pregnancies and supporting youth once they are parents. You may learn from data about your community that the pregnancy rate is two times higher than your neighboring counties and that high school drop-out and pregnancy rates are both increasing! The chart you create in response to your learning might look something like this: Needs in our county: Teen pregnancy rate is twice as high as neighboring counties. 75% of pregnant teens drop out of high-school. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 5 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Services to address these needs: Demographics of people in need of the services: Prevention services, including healthy relationship classes, mentoring programs, and after-school activities. Intervention services, such as child care at the high schools and parenting classes for pregnant and parenting teens. Teenage boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18. Most are attending Harrison Middle and High School. 80% of our youth live in families with incomes below $75,000 a year. BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS (CONSTITUENCY) Your efforts to advocate for improving systems of support for children, youth and families will be stronger if you engage partners and funders. Some funders can be approached as both a partner and a funder. Your community may have a mix of local government agencies and non-profits each with funding to meet specific community needs. While public funds are fixed (and often limited), there may be flexibility in how funds are allocated based on community needs. Representatives from public entities, local foundations, and other funders may already be represented on different boards and community committees. Building from and expanding these partnerships based on community concerns may be a first strategic step in advocating for funding. Building a core leadership group of local champions will further promote the need for change in the target area or population. The leadership group should reflect the cultural representation of the population affected and include neighborhood leaders and local natural advocates tied to community resources. The core leadership group can take responsibility for pulling together the activities, data, and messaging to create a funding proposal. To build a leadership group, you will need to: Use existing networks and coalitions to promote a unified voice; Attempt to partner with existing coalitions instead of creating something new; Identify natural partners and leaders, within cultural, advocacy, and spiritual community; and Use momentum among community partners for expanding partnerships. Question to ask: Who shares your concern? How to answer: Approach community partners who serve the population you identified as having a need. Find out if they share your concern. Return to the people you talked to when you were collecting information on the need. Ask if they want to be involved. Plan a meeting or other gathering for people to share their concerns together and come up with a plan. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 6 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Question to ask: How to answer: Is there an entity or coalition already working on this? Ask the people you have identified whether they are already working on this issue with another group. Ask if they are working with another group on similar issues or needs related to the same population. Sometimes coalitions work on multiple issues – is there a coalition in your community that might want to take on the need you identified? Using the teen pregnancy example in the previous section, the following partners might be identified as a result of asking the above questions: Schools, Workforce centers, Probation offices, Youth programs at the workforce center, Pregnancy prevention classes, Substance abuse, Mentoring programs, Mental health programs, and Congregations, Community partners. All of the above partners share a similar interest in improving outcomes for youth. Community partners: Most communities include the following types of partners. Consider which ones might make sense for you to approach. Consumer advisory group; Workforce centers; Youth leadership group; Family leadership group/advocacy organization; Local Human Services Department including social services and child welfare; School Districts, including key staff in schools such as principals and social workers; Student groups; Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs); Community providers of: mental health, public health, substance abuse, health, child care, job training, and other services; Probation offices, diversion programs, and other juvenile and criminal justice programs; Recreation centers; Libraries; and Law enforcement and Sheriff’s offices; Local non-profit and provider community. To find information about local youth groups, visit the Colorado Youth Development Team website where all youth advisory councils in Colorado are listed: http://coloradoyouthdevelopment.ning.com/groups. To find local chapters of advocacy organizations, some of the following websites will be helpful: Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health ~ Colorado Chapter, http://www.coloradofederation.org/; Mental Health America of Colorado, http://www.mhacolorado.org/; Colorado PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), http://www.copta.org/; PEAK, http://www.peakparent.org/; EMPOWER Colorado, http://www.empowercolorado.com/; Family Voices, http://www.familyvoicesco.org/; Family Resource Center Association, http://www.cofamilycenters.org/; Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 7 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS National Alliance for Mental Illness Colorado Chapter (NAMI), http://www.namicolorado.org/; CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), http://www.coloradocasa.org/; and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, http://www.coloradocrimevictims.org/certification.html. MOBILIZING PARTNERS IN ADVOCACY (CAPACITY) How do you move a good idea into action? Identifying partners is critical, but equally important is developing the capacity to mobilize partners. You need to assess your own time and skills and those of your partners. Who can spend time convening meetings, collecting information, and preparing written documents? Take the time to identify partners who can commit real effort to helping advocate for services and funding. Then, create a core group and share responsibilities toward a common outcome. Question to ask: To what extent are you able to partner with families, neighbors and consumers? How to answer: Question to ask: To what extent do you have the support of local leaders? How to answer: Assess your ability to work with families where they are. Seek out consumer run support groups you can engage. Find out if there are workforce support groups or local consumer / non-profit advisory boards. Find out whether your partners can make themselves available for presentations and opportunities to educate local leaders and the broader community. Decide whether to have a formal Memorandum of Understanding or agency agreement in place supporting the vision. Ask whether your community leaders are open to changing how funding is currently used. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE (COMMITMENT) You are now ready for the group to make a commitment to develop a plan for how you will cause change to happen! Make sure you take the time to: Figure out the solution you are advocating for. Understand if it is possible in the current political context. Find out who has funding to help with the solution. Question to ask: What solution are you advocating for? How to answer: Agree as a group on outcomes you want to see for the population in need. Don’t just think about services – think about the benefit those services can provide. Agree on the services you believe are needed for the outcome. Make sure to clarify the difference between a service currently available and one you are advocating for creating. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 8 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Question to ask: What is the political climate and where are the access points? How to answer: Question to ask: Who sets county funding priorities? How to answer: Meet with local leaders and officials to learn more about your local funding opportunities. Ask whether now is the right time to ask for changes in how funding is used. Find out the process for initiating change. Engage financial leaders in discussion regarding coordination of systems / services to reduce duplication. Find out the costs of responding to the need. Schedule meetings to identify cost savings with decision makers. DOCUMENTING YOUR CASE WITH DATA With your team of partners assembled, a clear need identified, capacity to mobilize your partners, and knowledge of how to influence decision-makers, all that is left is to prepare and deliver your message. Work with your group to develop clear messaging materials that cover: A brief overview of the issue or concern with both data and personal stories; A recommended solution to the issue; Your group’s role/ part of the solution; and How the concern and solution fits within the funders purpose or vision. Marketing Materials: There are many ways to create marketing materials to inform the change-makers and the broader community about the concern and proposed plan. Use your data, statistics and any local stories to educate the community and show support and proponents for the issue. Make sure the message is clear and concise. Some ways to present your information include: White paper: A white paper argues a specific solution to a problem. It is used to help key decision-makers and influencers justify implementing solutions. It identifies both the problem defined by local data and the proposed solution. Issue Brief: Issue briefs are shorter than white papers and can briefly summarize the problem. They generally offer a background and distill an issue so the reader can easily understand the heart of the issue. It may have tables, graphs, a list of references and a place to go for more information. Policy Brief: A policy brief is about a public problem, which is affected by government. It may focus more on the funding and policy issues and less on the community needs and personal stories. All three types of information can be turned into PowerPoint presentations. Create written materials of the need and proposed solution. Most decisions on changing how funding is allocated do not happen during a meeting with advocates. Rather, the decision-maker(s) will take the Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 9 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS information you provide them and consider the options at a later time. Leaving written documentation with contact information is very important. It is important to gain support and advocate through multiple channels. Choose targeted marketing with data showing the need and costs; Host gatherings or initiate individual meetings with key leaders showing benefits; and Engage community residents / consumers and offer presentations at community meetings of the proposal. MAKING THE “ASK” Once you arrange a meeting with a decision-maker or funder make sure you come prepared. Create a verbal script of what you need to tell them and ask from them. This might include offering partners “talking points” to briefly describe the proposal in a 3 minute speech: What is the need? What is the outcome you’re suggesting? What could be the cost savings? How could the funder benefit from addressing this need? (What’s in it for them?) Who is supporting or endorsing the plan? Having done your homework and built support for the idea through community data, consumers’ input and public will, you are prepared to approach a funder with the proposed idea for partnership. It is important to identify who has decision-making authority. You may initially speak with the manager or staff person working for a local board member, but to achieve the change you are seeking, you need to meet with the decision-makers. You may have to talk to many people before you can reach the decision-maker! It may be useful to find out who the decision-makers listen to – is there a key person who advises the director? The best way to reach the decision-maker is to arrange for a face-to-face meeting – who can help you arrange that meeting? Effective advocacy means having the right information to assist the decision-maker – do your homework and be ready once that meeting is scheduled! Once the meeting is scheduled, you will want to make sure your communication is clear and concise: Consider sending written documentation for review beforehand; Prepare a written and verbal presentation to support your request – offer data whenever possible; Prepare to talk about the benefits for the target population, the community and the funder; Gather 2-3 representatives from your core team to meet with the funder to discuss your proposal. Possible members may include individuals who can offer a history of the issue and what brought your group together; individuals who can speak to the need through data and community stories; and individuals who can speak to the funding need, including the potential for cost savings. Make sure you know your ask – don’t just tell the funder what the need is, tell them how your group thinks they can help solve it. Prepare your written information to leave behind – make sure it includes contact information. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 10 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Leave time for questions and discussion; and Stay on message and know your message – make sure all your partners know it too! UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC FUNDING STREAMS There are many different agencies in your local community that are “funders.” Through federal, state, and local dollars, they are able to pay for importance services that help low-income families and others in need. Some funders also have private dollars that they give out as local grants. There are multiple funders to serve your agency’s issue area, and we recommend you identify which funders’ visions and goals align best with your proposal, target population, and/or service need. These funders typically include: County government, such as County Departments of Public Health and Human Services. Judicial Districts, which include your local courts, probation offices, and other programs such as diversion or restorative justice programs. School districts, including charter schools and your neighborhood public schools. Private foundations, sometimes tied to corporations and sometimes stand alone. Public and private dollars can fund many different types of services, but each funding stream will have limitations on who can receive services, which services are allowable, the timeframe for services, and who can deliver services. For this reason, you may need multiple funders to participate in funding a program, to ensure it is available to a wide range of people in need. SPECIFIC FUNDING STREAMS AVAILABLE IN ALMOST ALL COLORADO COMMUNITIES The following six funding streams are both available throughout the state and have flexibility to meet a variety of needs in your community. They are a good starting point for thinking about which funders to approach. Even if these funders are not a fit, they may be able to refer you to other funders in your community. Name Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Core Services, Child Welfare Funding Stream Purpose TANF funding is focused on: Families who have been unable to find work and need financial support; and Families currently working, but with incomes too low to meet their needs for self-sufficiency. Funding can be used for a wide variety of supportive services to address education, employment, parenting, and other needs. Who to Contact County Departments of Human Services, ask for the TANF Office. CORE Services funding is focused on: County Departments of Families with children at imminent risk of out-of-home Human Services, ask for the Child Welfare Office. placement; Intervention and prevention services to keep children in the least restrictive setting; and To promote family reunification and/or permanence. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 11 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Referral to Treatment (EPSDT) SB94 EPSDT funding is Children’s Medicaid, and is focused on: Medicaid eligible children age birth – 20 years; Pregnant women; Comprehensive preventative and health care screening and diagnostic services; and Medically necessary services needed outside of the state Medicaid plan, but still within allowable Medicaid services. SB94 funding is focused on: Community Services Block Grant The causes and consequences of poverty in communities where poverty is a particularly acute problem; and Emergency services to respond to natural disasters or other short-term, crisis situations. CDBG funding is focused on: (CDBG) Collaborative Management Program CMP / 1451 A list of all SB94 Youth at imminent risk of detention, in detention or coordinators is online at: commitment; http://www.cdhs.state.c Assessments and alternative programs to juvenile justice o.us/dyc/PDFs/SB94_co placement; and ordinatorsphonelist.pdf. Community based detention services. CSBG funding is focused on: (CSBG) Community Development Block Grant County Departments of Human Services, ask for the EPSDT or Children’s Medicaid Coordinator. Benefits to low income persons by investing in community development and capacity building. CMP/1451 funding is focused on: Services for children and families that would benefit from integrated multi-agency services. The local Interagency Oversight Group (IOG) determines funding and protocols. County Departments of Human Services, ask for the Community Development Office. County Departments of Human Services, ask for the Community Development Office. County Departments of Human Services, ask for the Child Welfare Office, and ask if there is a local Collaborative Management Program “IOG” SERVICES AND PROGRAMS APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FUNDING Many different services can be paid for through public funding. The list below is not exhaustive – rather, it should serve as a starting point to brainstorm the types of services that might help address the needs identified in your community. It’s helpful to have a common “language” when approaching funders. The names of the services below will be familiar to your funders and may help you describe the types of programs you hope they can partner with you to fund and implement. Services Type After School Programs & Camps Brief Description After school programs that serve as child care and/or provide services such as life skills or employment training. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 12 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Services Type Brief Description Case Management Case management to coordinate services and supports and ensure completion of individual goals. Child Care Child care services for families participating in employment or training activities. Child Safety & Wellbeing Child welfare services that increase the safety and well-being of children, particularly those at risk of abuse or neglect. Community Development Community development services and programs designed to increase the overall employment opportunities in a community. Computer Purchases & Classes Purchase of computers and monthly internet services to aid with job seeking and training, as well as computer skills classes. Crisis Intervention Services Crisis intervention for housing, mental health, child safety and wellbeing, and other time-sensitive issues. Debt Repayment and Prevention Debt repayment classes, individual counseling services, and prevention programs. Dental Services Routine and critical dental services to maintain health and wellbeing. Disability Services Ongoing services to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Domestic Violence Domestic violence prevention services, including assistance with the safety and wellbeing of the family. Early Childhood Programs Early childhood programs that provide skills to the parents and address the health and wellbeing of the child. Emergency Shelter Emergency shelter, including shelters and alternatives such as motel payments. Education Services Educational programs that build skills and address gaps in education, such as GED classes. Faith-Based & Cultural Services A wide variety of secular services provided by organizations that come from specific faith or cultural backgrounds. Family & Youth Leadership Training Training opportunities to develop family and youth leaders in the community. Family Planning Family planning services to help families make healthy reproductive choices. Food Banks & Food Assistance Funding to food banks or food assistance programs largely serving needy families. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 13 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Services Type Brief Description Foster Care Provision of services within a foster care setting, but not foster care payments to the foster families. Health Education/Promotion Health education and promotion services to encourage long-term health and wellbeing. Home Repair & Other Construction Home repair and construction in limited circumstances when critical for sustaining family self-sufficiency. Home-Based Services A wide variety of home-based services intended to help families sustain selfsufficiency, such as early childhood programs and life skills. Home Purchase Home purchasing services and supports, including down payment loans, with specific criteria for paying back the loan. Housing & Homelessness Low-income housing programs and services to prevent and address homelessness. Individual Development Accounts Savings accounts matched by the recipient to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term money management. Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Services to divert or support youth in the juvenile justice system. Legal Services Legal services associated with maintaining home ownership, addressing debt and credit issues, and otherwise helping a family remain self-sufficient. Life Skills Classes and individual services that build basic life skills, such as budgeting and banking, cooking, nutrition, etc. Mediation Mediation services between unmarried parents to ensure continued involvement of both parents in the child’s life. Mental Health & Substance Abuse Mental health treatment, marital counseling, and other therapy services. Substance abuse prevention and treatment services, including in-patient programs. Mentoring Youth mentoring and parent/family mentoring services. Non-Custodial Parents Services to support employment of non-custodial parents to increase child support payments and parental involvement in the child’s life. Outreach & Enrollment in Medicaid Services to increase enrollment in other public programs, such as Medicaid. Parenting Classes Parenting classes to build new skills. Prenatal Services Prenatal services to ensure the health and wellbeing of the infant. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 14 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Services Type Brief Description Promoting Marriage Services, supports, and initiatives designed to promote marriage and two parent families. Recreational Services/Activities Recreational activities, particularly as relates to positive youth development and child care. Refugee & Legal Immigrant Services Services to refugees and legal immigrants based on specific eligibility criteria to promote self-sufficiency. Respite Care Child care to provide families with respite when caring for a child with complex needs. Responsible Fatherhood Initiatives Initiatives to increase the involvement and employment of fathers, including noncustodial fathers. Supplementing Family Income/Assets Programs to help families supplement income and assets and build greater financial stability. Teen Parenting Services Parenting services for teens, including child care services onsite at schools. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Prevention services for out-of-wedlock and teen pregnancy. Transportation Transportation programs to help communities develop infrastructure or individuals meet their transportation needs for employment and education purposes. Youth Development Positive youth development services to aid youth in becoming active, healthy members and leaders in their communities. Vision Services Vision services, including eyeglasses and eye exams Vocational & Employment Placement Employment services including vocational training and placement services to increase employment and self-sufficiency. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 15 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS CONCLUSION This guide provides local family advocates and their community partners with information on how to approach local public funders to discuss opportunities and changes in how dollars are used to meet the needs of their community. Many funders create spending plans locally and tailor their plans to the needs of a given community, adapting the spending as needs change over time. Funders’ responsiveness to changing needs provides the community with an opportunity to influence the way local dollars are spent. We hope this guidebook can help lay the groundwork in securing funding to meet critical community needs. Your advocacy for children, youth and families is admirable. The series of Guides created by the Blending and Braiding Your TANF Initiative (BBYT) will help you, local non-profits, and advocacy organizations be better prepared to approach local funders with a plan to meet common concerns. In using the fiscal blending and braiding tools, the mutual benefits of working toward joint outcomes for families can be realized. The guides developed in this series, include: Colorado’s Guide to Blending & Braiding: A comprehensive “how to” with examples and tools for initiating and expanding blending & braiding activities in your community. Colorado’s Guide to TANF for Local Communities: An in-depth assessment of the services appropriate for TANF funding in Colorado at the local level. Colorado’s Guide to Partnering with Funders: A “how-to” guide for community advocates and local nonprofits on initiating partnerships with local funders. All of Colorado’s county Departments of Human Services workforce directors will have this guide and the related tools available to them. This strategic approach— in blending and braiding funding streams, getting the most out of available resources and approaching funders as partners in tackling a community issues – is new terrain and we hope the information provided in this guidebook and the two other guidebooks in the Blending and Braiding series can help pave the way to better meeting the needs of families and children in your community. Take time to learn some strategies identified in the blending and braiding manual. Remember that change takes time and new techniques may need to be presented multiple times before they are seen as realistic. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 16 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS REFERENCES Pires, S. (2001). The 4Cs of core leadership. Washington, D.C.: Human Services Collaborative. Pires, S. (2004). Building Systems of Care: Critical Structures and Processes. Washington, D.C.: The Children’s Trust, Human Services Collaborative. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Colorado Systems of Care Collaborative: The Colorado Systems of Care Collaborative (SOC) Collaborative was formed in the Spring of 2003 to define a common vision, value system, and goals to address the complicated system of services for children, youth, and families with multiple and complex educational, safety, and overall health needs. The SOC Collaborative is made up of concerned stakeholders representing state agencies, community programs, parents, youth, and advocates. Through research and the study of outcome data, stakeholders are now convinced that an integrated system of care, utilizing a systems approach builds stronger families and communities. The Collaborative is committed to working with families, communities, agencies, and policymakers to help move towards a more integrated and coordinated system of care for Colorado’s children and families. The Colorado System of Care Collaborative is the Advisory Committee to the Blending and Braiding Your TANF Initiative. For more information and to access resources and links, please visit: http://www.cosystemofcare.org/ The Foundation Center: Proposal Writing –Short On-Line Course available in multiple languages The subject of this short course is proposal writing. A proposal is seen as part of a “process of planning and of research on, outreach to, and cultivation of potential foundation and corporate donors. The proposal is grounded in the conviction that a partnership should develop between the nonprofit and the donor or foundation… Nonprofits have the ideas and the capacity to solve problems, but no dollars with which to implement them. The foundations and corporations have the financial resources but not the other resources needed to create programs. Bring the two together effectively, and the result is a dynamic collaboration.” http://www.foundationcenter.org/getstarted/individuals/ Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Data Sets Visit the Department to find regional health data, child and family outcomes, and other information from all of Colorado’s counties, including graphs and measures for a variety of health related issues. You can customize and print reports and graphs. http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/mchdata/mchdata.html Colorado Health Institute CHI mission is to serve as a clearinghouse for national, state and local data and related resources. CHI was created in 2002 through Caring for Colorado, The Colorado Trust and Rose Community Foundation. The website offers multiple resources, a newsletter, extensive links and Colorado Demographic data including Workforce, Health Coverage, Safety Net and Medicaid, CICP and CHP Expenditures by county. http://www.coloradohealthinstitute.org/ Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 17 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Repository for Systems Transformation (ReST) The Repository For systems Transformation, ReST, is an on-line tool to structure cross system planning, implementing and evaluating policies, programs and services. It contains resources for a community or state agency to undertake cross-system transformation efforts on behalf of children, youth, and their families and communities. An additional resource of interest to family organizations and community non-profits include a workbook of tips and tools for preparing for family and youth involvement on a policymaking or governance board, policy councils or committees. http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/ipsp/ReST/siteMap.html Hands and Voices – The Parent Funding Toolkit For Families of Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in Colorado, but also relevant to other community leaders. It was developed by Family Voices, (familyvoices.org), Colorado Families for Hands & Voices, (handsandvoices.org), and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (coloradoagbell.org). http://www.handsandvoices.org/chapters/colo/fundingkit/pg01.htm Spark Policy Institute Spark partners with local, state and national partners to improve public policy, process and outcomes through principled work which includes the consumer and provider perspective and is informed by data and research. For more information about products, services and clients, please visit: http://www.sparkpolicy.com/about.htm Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 18 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS APPENDIX A: COLORADO SYSTEM OF CARE VISION, GOALS, AND PRINCIPLES Please refer to http://www.cosystemofcare.org/ for more detail. Vision We envision a Colorado in which all children, youth, and families are able to access comprehensive, integrated and cost effective supports and services across sectors and within communities. This access: Will reduce unnecessary and costly overall health problems, school failure, violence, incarceration, child abuse, substance abuse, and out of home placements for children and youth; Is essential for healthy living, learning, succeeding in school, working, and participating fully in the community; and Will promote a healthier community through healthier children, youth, and families and better meet the social mandates of the agencies involved. Goals All goals are intended to be further defined by and will adhere to the Principles of the System of Care. These goals and principles are interrelated and together define the System of Care. Program Quality and Standards: Children, youth and families will receive high quality services and supports through programs that have and meet defined standards of quality and promote positive outcomes for children, youth, families, and communities. Program Structure and Availability: There will be enough easily accessible and appropriately timed services and supports to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. Family Engagement: Children, youth, and families will be fully engaged in and drive the service process for their family. Public Engagement: The public understands the importance of the social, emotional and behavioral health of children, youth, and families and promotes System of Care development. Professional and Workforce Development: There will be enough qualified individuals with continually improving skills to implement the System of Care. System of Care Structure and Oversight: The System of Care will be efficiently coordinated at the state and local levels with formally established governance and administrative structures that include youth and families. Accountability: The System of Care will be accountable for improved outcomes for children, youth, and families in a cost responsible manner. Funding and Finance/Sustainability of Resources: The System of Care will receive sustainable and flexible funding and resources from a broad array of groups – including the public, business, government, families and youth, philanthropic, and community organizations. Collaboration and Integration: Children, youth, and families are able to access comprehensive, integrated and seamless supports and services across sectors and within communities. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 19 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Principles Persistent Commitment to Families, Youth, & Children. Colorado and its communities make a commitment to the fundamental rights of every child, youth, and family to achieve and maintain permanence and stability of support in a safe environment. Safety (Child, Youth, Family, and Community). Services and supports are developed and implemented to best ensure the safety of the child, youth, family, and community. Child Centered. Services and supports are provided in the best interest of the child to ensure that the child's and family’s needs are being addressed. Family-Focused. The child is viewed as a part of the whole family. System, services and supports are based on the strengths and needs of the entire family. Children, youth, and their families shall participate in discussions related to their plans, have opportunities to voice their preferences and ultimately feel that they own and drive the plan. Individualized. Plans and supports for children, youth, and their families are tailored to the unique culture, beliefs and values, strengths, and needs of each child and family. Funding sources must be flexible to support individualization. Culturally Competence. The system of care is culturally competent, with systems, agencies, programs, and services that are responsive to the cultural, racial, spiritual (religious), gender and ethnic differences at the system and individual child and family level. Strengths-Based. Services and supports are based on identified strengths of the child, youth, family, and community. Early Access. Services and supports should have a prevention and early intervention focus to facilitate wellness for the family. Community Based. Services and supports are provided in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment and in the home community of the child, youth, and family. The system of care is community oriented with the location of services, management and decision-making responsibility resting at the community level. Natural Supports. Children and families are supported by family and community social networks and community resources (e.g., service organizations, faith based organizations and businesses). Services build on and strengthen these natural supports. Collaboration. Collaboration between agencies, schools, community resources, youth, and families is the basis for building and financing a local comprehensive and integrated system of care that supports easy access to needed services and supports for children and families. Outcome Based and Cost Responsible. Services and supports are outcome based with clear accountability and cost responsibility. The system values and funds outcome and quality management. This accountability includes prudent and effective use of public and private funds. As communities find ways to reduce the use of restrictive care the funding is retained in the community and reinvested in the prevention and early intervention that has made these improvements possible. Transition. Children with emotional disturbances should be ensured smooth transitions through all major changes in their lives. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 20 COLORADO GUIDE TO PARTNERING WITH FUNDERS Definitions Children’s needs include physical, emotional, educational, cultural, spiritual (the values and beliefs of the child and family), safety, and permanence and stability as defined by having a continuity of family and natural supports. Cost responsible means that families and local communities and the state are responsible for the expenditure of funds to best meet the needs of all children, youth, and families in their geographical area. A child’s family is the group of individuals who support the child – emotionally, physically, and financially. It can include individuals of various ages who are biologically related, related by marriage, or not related at all. A family unconditionally provides love, guidance, care, support, and otherwise nurtures all members, especially its children. Each family has a culture of its own – in addition to the external cultures it affiliates with. This influences how the family approaches the tasks of daily living (food, dress, work, school) and can direct how a family faces the challenges of raising a child with mental health needs. Families work in different ways and have different resources at their disposal. Complex needs are defined as needing or having involvement with multiple systems or agencies, and requiring supports or services in areas that limit a child’s independence and functioning and may impede a child’s ability to participate in daily activities at home, school or in the community. Complex needs include, but are not limited to, the need for substantial services and supports to address the areas of: developmental, physical and mental health, substance abuse, risk and/or criminal behaviors, homelessness, domestic violence, and abuse/neglect. Spark Policy Institute | w w w . s p a r k p o l i c y . c o m 21
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