Chemical Health

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Chemical Health Promotion Funding

Among the possible sources for funding are:

Local, state and federal government agencies
Non-government agencies
Local, regional and national foundations
Corporations and businesses
Service, civic and fraternal organizations
Associations and societies
Faith Communities; Religious institutions and organizations
Individuals
Fundraising special events

It is important to know what you want when seeking funding as well as know what an organization or group can offer. Are you looking for fast, short-term funds for a project or long term funds to sustain an initiative? Some sources are organized to quickly make small amounts of funds available. Others have intricate procedures and specific times of the year when they review proposals. They generally give larger amounts for longer periods of time. Some sources tend to fund projects, others may be interested in funding coalitions. Still others do not give funds but give volunteer time and in-kind services (i.e., printing, mailing, office space).

Community Health Service (CHS) agencies have additional opportunities for funding. CHS agencies can use CHS Subsidy funds for their initiatives. Local taxes can also be designated for CHS agencies. Additionally worksite contracts can be made with employers to provide services. CHS agencies are also eligible to apply for grant programs from the Minnesota Department of Health and other state agencies.

Funding from local sources facilitates the development of community ownership, which is integral to successful community initiatives. It also makes it easier to integrate strategies into other community functions. For example: Having a local city government provide funding for a chemical health promotion effort opens up a variety of promotion strategies. Resources like city newsletters, city vehicles, information signs, and websites are additional ways to reach your target audience. Access to other city functions like park and recreation, communications and civic celebrations may also become available.

Funding From Alcohol, Tobacco and Gambling Sources

Funding from local sources can also have some drawbacks. Many prevention and health promotion programs have had to make decisions about accepting funding from alcohol or tobacco-related businesses and from charitable gambling sources. There is clearly no consensus whether it is right or wrong to accept funds from such sources. Some feel accepting these funds promotes or condones the use of these products. While others believe there is a sincere intent by the source to collaborate with the community to prevent abuse.

There are some questions to be considered if you are deciding whether or not to request or accept such funds:

Are there any strings attached?
Is the business, industry or organization looking to get positive publicity, or are they sincerely concerned?
Does accepting these funds give an endorsement of alcohol or tobacco use or gambling?
What is the general feeling in the community about the issue?
Does the business or organization require its name to appear on materials?
If so, will your initiative lose credibility?
Should community members involved with the alcohol, tobacco, or gambling industries be prohibited from participating in or being resources for your activities?
Will someone in this position have to choose sides and either be a representative of your initiative or of alcohol, tobacco, or gambling?

A Final Word About Funding

Although at times it appears that funds are diminishing, there are still many opportunities to fund chemical health promotion strategies. A successful funding effort will be creative, thorough, persistent, and look beyond traditional sources of funding. There are many organizations out there waiting for the right initiative to come along!

Tip sheets on possible funding sources:

Community Chemical Health Promotion Guide Main Page

Community Health Promotion Guide Main Page