Public Funding
Public funds can come from three jurisdictions:
You also may receive technical information or property through government funding.
Investigate all three to receive the widest range of funding options. Bear in mind that each jurisdiction will have its own process for applying for funds. Research the options within all three.
Questions to ask:
Nurturing relationships is important. Getting to know your local, State, or Federal representative or elected official—and maintaining the relationship—can be helpful, as these people can give you up-to-date information on opportunities.
Please recognize, though, that just talking to a legislator may not produce a check. In addition, beware of government rules that may prohibit those who work at a funding agency from discussing your grant application with you.
These tips will help you evaluate public funding opportunities:
Regular Federal administrative funding and matching State and local administrative funding covers much of the costs for the child support enforcement program, including costs related to collaboration. Some States may use incentive payments. Special Improvement Project and Sec.1115 grants are also good funding sources.
Funding may come through public foundations as well. These foundations focus on making grants. They are publicly supported nonprofit organizations that receive their financial support from a broad segment of the general public. Community foundations are public foundations that serve a local area, usually no larger than a State.
Both public and community foundations file Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service. You can search these files to find more information on these foundations. Many community foundations also produce annual reports.