Funding Sources and Tips

Funding may be critical to your health and human rights initiative.

What May Require Funding

• Speaker honorariums or other related expenses
• Outreach materials or publicity events
• Course materials and books
• Possible technology equipment or other facilities costs

How to Find the Funds

• No matter who you go to: do not be afraid to ask
• Assign a funding coordinator, who can take ownership for investigating what kind of funding options are out there. The research can be done through the internet or the student activities and student government offices at the university (see below ‘Sources of Funding’ section).
• Use your on and off campus connections to learn of funding resources and possible outlets for in-kind donations.
• Meet with deans and your faculty advisor to find out what funding options your university and local community has to offer.
• Plan a fundraising event. There are numerous events you could do, from a simple bake sale to organizing a full night of entertainment.  This can be a great way to make money, raise the awareness about the curricula initiatives, and strengthen your team by having fun with your fellow chapter members and peers.

PHR ‘Fundraising for Your Chapter Guide’

This is an excellent resource [4] for learning the best strategies to fundraise and find donations. It also includes a variety of solicitation sample letters.

In-kind Donations

• In-kind donations are valuable options for fulfilling your project’s needs. They can be in the form of actual goods/supplies or using someone’s time and services for free or at little cost. In-kind donations are commonly solicited to alleviate some of the costs for needed equipment or supplies. Local businesses and restaurants are good places to start your search.
• Asking for in-kind donations can often-times be a lot easier than asking for money.
• Sample letter of acknowledgment after receiving and in-kind donation.

Sources for Finding Funds:

Foundations

• The Arnold P. Gold Foundation [3]
• FoundationSearch [2] (Check your school and local libraries to get membership access.)
• Foundation Center [1] (Check your school and local libraries to get membership access.)
• Fundsnet Services [5]
• Proposal Write [6]
• The Grantsmanship Center [10]
• Idealist.org Funding Sources [9]

In-Kind Donations

• Excess Access [8]
• Techsoup [7]
• Wa$teMatch’s Nonprofit Wish List [11](This is New York-specific resource. Research online to find a version in your state.)