by Kim Rogers

Created on: March 30, 2009   Last Updated: April 02, 2009

It's difficult for start-up non-profits to get funding for projects and programs. Funding is a lot like credit; you can't get credit unless you already have credit! So what's a new organization to do?

Here are seven ways to help your agency or organization create a funding history.

1. Partner/Collaborate with an Existing Agency or Organization

Identify an existing agency or organization with an established track record for receiving funding on a regular basis. Ideally, the organization you choose to collaborate with should be very visible in the community, and provide projects and programs that have been acclaimed by participants, politicians, the press and their funders.

Establish and develop your partnership one project at a time. It's important that you not commit yourself to a long term relationship at the beginning of your collaboration for many reasons. Perhaps you find that you can't work well together, or you may find they don't keep records as thoroughly as you'd like. Perhaps they are not equitable with the way they decide to divide up the funding, or perhaps over time, your programs may evolve so that there are more differences than similarities between you.

Choose a partner that appears to share you vision and provides similar or complimenting services to a population that you would like to serve.

The purpose of a partner is to be able to use their experience, positive track record, and programmatic expertise as leverage to build your reputation in a positive way, and for you to receive funds in the future.

2. Solicit Funding From Local Foundations/Charitable Giving Organizations

Start by applying for small amounts of money from local entities. There are many foundations represented in your immediate area that fund projects locally. Try applying for smaller awards as opposed to asking for $100,000. 00 right off the bat. Some of your usual local entities include but are not limited to, The United Way, cable company; phone company, and mega-chains like Lowe's, B.J.'s, Starbuck's, and Walgreen's. These companies like to fund where they are located, and even though you may be new, they have a local person who will be willing to listen to your project ideas, and give you a few dollars to make it happen. Make sure you're asking for program/project money, not start-up funding. Most funders frown on applications asking for start-up funds!

3. Apply to become a sub-grantee of your local government's BLOCK Grant Funding

Larger municipalities, and all counties, and the

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