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Dear “Public Sector” Colleague,
In
this issue we are focusing on funding from government. For tips
on getting support from government sources, click on the titles
at the right to learn more about…
Communicating with Government Leaders
Joining the Combined Federal Campaign
Tips for Programs within Government
Do
you have questions about government funding support and your program?
Contact
us through LEADline@CampaignConsultation.com.
Access previous issues of On-the-Go eTA by clicking on the title
at the right.
Communicating
with Government Leaders
You need to regularly communicate with government leaders to educate
them about your program …
-
provides services to ensure a better quality of life for all,
especially those who are voiceless in our society, you need to
educate and advocate
-
resides in a government agency whose budget is based upon annual
support from the governor and the legislature
-
resides in a social-profit organization and you are seeking funding,
policy, etc. support
Your leadership volunteers need to be the point people in helping
to make appointments, attend meetings and make the ask of elected
officials and department heads. Ideally, if your position is funded
through a public program, you should not be the one to make the
ask. Your staff role remains that of coordinator, supporter of facts
and statistics, custodian of the case for support, etc.
Click here to identify other communication
opportunities with government leaders.

Joining
the Combined Federal Campaign
The
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) exists as a vehicle for soliciting
U.S. Government employees in their workplaces. Similar to the United
Way campaigns in corporate workplaces, government employees usually
are solicited to make charitable donations through payroll deductions
in the fall of each year. Applying for CFC inclusion for your organization
begins much earlier in the year, so plan now to be part of next
year’s solicitation if you are not already.
Becoming a recognized nonprofit by the CFC could mean thousands
of dollars for your organization. To qualify you must have 501(c)3
status. For national and international organizations you must submit
your application before January 16 of the current year before you
are announced.
Regional or local nonprofits have until March or April to turn in
their application. Local organizations must show that they have
a substantial local presence in the geographic area covered by the
CFC campaign in their area.
The Office of Personnel Management website provides you with access
to downloadable CFC forms and instructions for applying. Click here
for more information. http://www.opm.gov/cfc/Charities/Index.asp

Tips
for Programs within Government
If you are running a program that is housed in a government agency,
you may lack the traditional avenues to raising funds from private
funders. It is to your advantage since elected officials respond
to what their constituents support., however, to gather support
from you local community for your program. If people know how your
program is effective and of value to the community, they, in turn,
can support your advocacy efforts. Here are some ways you can create
support for your program:
Build Constituencies
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Start an advisory board or “Links Team” for your project.
Look to colleagues / community contacts.
-
Network through neighborhood associations.
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Hold “Friend Making” events so you can learn what
people need and how your program responds.
Communicate Your Message
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Keep your supervisors and appropriate legislators constantly in
the information loop as you prepare your message.
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Inform them of your communication/fund raising plans.
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Ask for their input – they may have a helpful perspective.
- Make
sure you work in tandem with the public communications director
(e.g. a city/state public information officer).
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When interacting with the media, make sure they know your distinction
from other government agencies.
Take Action
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Find a fiscal agent with 501 ©(3) status – a community
foundation, a “Friends” organization or agency with
a similar mission. Start one if necessary.
- Collaborate
with a partner agency with clear cautions and guidelines.
- Develop
an event in which people want to participate while also supporting
a good cause.
- Other

Let
us know
Have
you found ways to successfully advocate with the government for
your program?
Contact
us at LEADline@CampaignConsultation.com
(LEADline
is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service
through its Resource & Fund Development Initiative.) We would
be happy to answer questions or to give you more support.
Thank you for your interest in On-The-Go eTA. We encourage you to
send
this and other issues of OTG eTA to friends and colleagues
who would benefit from the information. Also, if you’re on
information-overload, you may request email
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