FUNDRAISING GUIDE

Operational fundraising is the responsibility of the steering committee but CIS
coordinators ensure the continuity of such programs as the Breakfast Club
by getting contributions from local business.

This guide was produced utilizing resources provided by the Environment Canada Atlantic Region/Health Canada Community Animation Program (CAP). Thanks to Rochelle Owen.

INTRODUCTION

Fundraising by CIS Newfoundland operates on different levels directly related to responsibilities. CIS Canada provides assistance to local programs and is working to develop an Atlantic CIS resource fund. The CIS Newfoundland steering committee is responsible for raising funds for the operation of local programs, including salaries. A fundamental principle of international Communities In Schools is that corporations and local business share responsibility for educating youth.
In addition, community coordinators will need to fundraise locally to promote such programs as the Breakfast Club. As such, "fundraising" does not have to be perceived only as raising money. It may be the need is a contribution of food or an in-kind donation of time and expertise.

CIS CANADA

During the first year of CIS Newfoundland programming, CIS Canada provided documentation of Communities In Schools programs; supplies including letterhead, business cards, thank you cards, posters, mugs and T-shirts; made a financial contribution to the hiring of the co ordinator and setting up the office; made on-site visits; sent CIS Newfoundland staff to conferences and training, and provided videos.
In the second year of the program CIS Canada (along with ACOA) helped fund the initial training and a conference for participants of the Fast Track to Entrepreneurship program.

OPERATIONAL FUNDING

CIS Newfoundland is sponsored by the Community Education Network. In the first year of operation (1996/97), CIS programs were funded by a provincial youth program supporting employment for university graduates; a school board donation, and a grant from CIS Canada.
In addition, many inkind contributions were received from parents; St. Stephen's High School, and College of the North Atlantic students.
In 1997/98 the program was expanded from one school in Stephenville to seven schools throughout the region - one each in Port aux Basques and Ramea, two in Burgeo and three in Stephenville. Funding was provided by Human Resources Development Canada and the Youth Service Canada Youth Corps program. The schools provided workplaces, equipment and supplies for the coordinators. Community businesses and parents donated supplies and volunteer time.
Additional funding was acquired for the Fast Track to Entrepreneurship program. Support for initial training and travel to a conference for participants was provided by ACOA and CIS Canada. Community resource people volunteered to give training workshops. The W.E. Cormack Development Centre provided space, equipment and supplies for the program.
The participatory evaluation, community animation and production of these learning guides was funded by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation.
In 1998/99 programs are underway in Stephenville, Burgeo, Ramea and Isle aux Morts. There are also programs in Port aux Basques, Burnt Islands, Port au Port, MacKays, St. Georges and Stephenville Crossing (see maps in appendices).
Funding for the community resource workers was raised through the Fisheries Restructuring and Adjustment program. Youth Service Corps co-ordinators are funded by Human Resources Development Canada.
Writing proposals for operational funding is the responsibility of the CIS steering committee working with the CIS district coordinator and the director of the Community Education Network.

LOCAL FUNDRAISING

It's the responsibility of community coordinators to raise public awareness about local CIS programming.
At times it may be necessary for coordinators to approach local business for contributions, such as food for a Breakfast program.
This is part of the coordinators's role of connecting the resources of the community to meet the needs of the students. The basic principle is similar to the African saying - it takes a whole village to raise a child.
Contributions from local business, institutions and individuals may not be necessarily financial but could be assistance with transportation or training.

COMMUNITY ANIMATION PROGRAM (CAP)

The Federal Department of Environment and Health Canada's Community Animation Programs assists community groups develop capacity to take action on issues involving health and environment.

They facilitate workshops on (among other issues) fundraising.

CAP has provided CIS Newfoundland with material to use in this guide. We are including tips on fundraising and advice from several funders in Atlantic Canada.
In addition, we are including a CAP workshop outline for self-assessment of funding needs while our bibliography includes a CAP list of resources on fundraising.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FUNDRAISING INFORMATION FROM CAP