Funding Community Action
Funding community organizing is an investment in the foundation for long-term benefits. It will mobilize community resources and volunteers, create a common vision, and foster collaboration between groups and other partners. It will lead to better result
The really simple approach to organizing a community can be done for nothing, or for around $40,000 – depending on how you approach it. Start with a community spark and find allies in the community to form your network. From there, you can either work on a volunteer basis or seek funding.
| Item | Free | Paid |
| Coordinator | Volunteer position | Contract position |
| Meetings | Free space | Refreshments |
| Design | Volunteer design | Professional design |
| Publications | On-line | Print version |
| Outreach | Via network | Contract positions |
Here’s a sample budget, based on a grant of $40,000:
| Item | Cost | Description |
| Coordinator | $20,000 | Contract position |
| Meetings | 1,000 | Refreshments |
| Action Plan - Design | 2,000 | Professional design |
| Action Plan - Publication | 2,000 | Print version |
| Outreach - ambassadors | 5,000 | Small contracts |
| Outreach - events | 2,000 | E.g. a community fair |
| Outreach - material | 3,000 | Web page, print material |
| Overhead (approx. 15%) | 5,000 | (Approx. 15%) |
| TOTAL | 40,000 |
If you are a government or foundation looking to support community organizing as a foundation for community enhancement or action on specific issues, the best way to proceed is to establish a community planning fund with a simple application form.
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To estimate the size of a community planning fund, look at providing up to $40,000 a year for one quarter of the communities in your jurisdiction. You can reduce the cost by partnering with other levels of government or funding agencies.
Your fund should dovetail with other project funding for community action on specific issues.