Funding a Center

Information by State  Print version

Neighborhood Networks centers rely primarily on local support. The Initiative encourages partnership development, business opportunities, and other income-generating activities. To help support and sustain a center, funding can be obtained in various ways, including:

	Private and corporate contributions, such as individual donors. Corporations and community foundations often will provide funding for operating and program/project support. Corporate contributions include contributions made by the charitable foundations of corporations. Community foundations receive organizations within their communities.
	Government grants. Federal, state, and local governments provide special-purpose grants to eligible organizations. For information go to the grants page of your state or local government Web site or search firstgov.gov.
	In-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are donations given in lieu of money. Most in-kind contributions must be solicited and often require a formal request. In-kind contributions may include computer hardware and software, space, volunteer supervisors and teachers, clerical assistance, and accounting services.
	Fundraising events. Fundraising is an excellent source of funding for a center. It also generates community support. Types of fundraising events might include annual events, auctions, co-sponsored events, or Neighborhood Networks Week events.
	User fees. Charging a reasonable user fee is another way to generate additional funding. User fees may include membership, class, and public access fees.
	Business development. There are a variety of income-generating activities that can be conducted at a Neighborhood Networks center. These include outsourcing, small business support, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. If the center plays a role in training individuals to become successful in business or if the center is used for certain business activities, it might be appropriate to develop a system for sharing profits in lieu of payment.