1. How can I seek funding for my registration fee?
We can suggest several ways other community groups and people have successfully garnered funding for registration fees.

1. Seek sponsoring organizations.
   In southwest Virginia, community leaders were very excited about the professional growth opportunities that the Brushy Fork Annual Institute will bring to people; but they were concerned that no one would be able to come unless they were from agencies that had staff development money. However, within a few minutes from when the discussion began, a county leader agreed to sponsor someone from the county. Then the group decided to speak to the local church Lions and Kiwanis Clubs to see if they might sponsor someone to come to the Institute. Also, an agency director said he would pay for someone to come from the community. In just minutes, they had generated multiple sources for supporting participation!
   
   
2. Partner with individuals who support your cause.
   In West Virginia, a man planning to start a 501(c)3 saw the Institute as a perfect opportunity for learning the ropes, but he did not have the money to pay the full fee and lodging costs. He stated that three people were strongly pushing him to begin his nonprofit, and he was eager to do so. He decided to ask his three supporters to contribute $100 each, leaving him to pay only $100 and lodging.
   
   
3. If you are a member of an organization’s board, ask the organization to provide you with training to improve your input as a board member.
   In West Virginia, a woman looked at the brochure and wanted to attend the Annual Institute, but again money was an issue. Subsequently she was elected to the Economic Development Board, and at a meeting of the Board a decision was made to sponsor two people to come to the Institute. This lady was elected as one of those who would be sponsored.
   
   
4. Challenge organizations and agencies in your community to support leadership opportunities for local citizens.
   In Kentucky, a team of citizens was present at the local Chamber of Commerce meeting. This team had started its own local leadership development program as a community project, but they wanted to give community members the opportunity to attend Brushy Fork’s Annual Institute. The Chamber board was challenged to sponsor someone every year from the Leadership Training team to attend the Brushy Fork Annual Institute. They voted on it, accepted the idea, and are committed to at least one sponsorship.
   
   
5. Ask for funding from special grant initiatives for nonprofit organizations.
   Some foundations and other funding agencies offer special grants to support organizational and staff development opportunities for their grantees. One example is the Appalachian Community Fund, which offers Technical Assistance Grants. The technical assistance grants are designed to help train organizations’ boards and staff in building the skills needed to complete their missions. Get more information at Appalachian Community Fund.

Another example is the Grassroots Exchange Fund, sponsored by the Common Counsel Foundation. The Grassroots Exchange Fund awards grants of $300-$800 to small, community-based groups that want to improve linkages with similar organizations, build collaborative campaigns, and benefit from technical-assistance opportunities. Grants can be used to pay for training, travel, or conference expenses. The application deadline is open. Get more information at Common Counsel Foundation.

If you have a regular funder, talk to your program officer about the possibility of receiving funding for staff and board development.

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2. Does Brushy Fork offer scholarships?
A grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has allowed Brushy Fork to offer scholarships for the 2008 Annual Institute to organizations and agencies in West Virginia.If you are planning on bringing a community consisting of 3 or more members then contact Jane Higgins for scholarship information.I

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3. Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, click on register on line or 2008 registration to pay by credit card.

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4. What is a track in the Brushy Fork Annual Institute?
A track consists of twelve hours of sessions that provide intensive training on a specific topic. We limit the number of participants in each track so that people can receive close attention from the track leader.

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5. Can I participate in more than one track?
The Annual Institute is designed to provide participants with twelve hours of intensive training on a topic of their choice. The tracks run concurrently, making it impossible to participate in more than one. The Annual Institute is offered each year, and we encourage participants to return to future Institutes where they can register for a different track each year.

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6. Can I move from track-to-track during the Annual Institute?
No. Each participant picks one track and follows that track for the entire Institute. Sessions in each track typically build on one another, so that participants should follow the sessions consecutively in order to get the full benefit.

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7. Why must I indicate a first and second track choice?
Track numbers are limited and some tracks may be full when you register. In this case, you will receive your second track choice. We will notify you if your first choice is not available. Register early for the best chance of receiving your first track choice!

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8. If I decide I’d like to participate in a different track than the one for which I registered, can I request a change?
If you register for a track and then decide you would like to switch to a different track, please notify us at least three business days before the Annual Institute begins. Track numbers are limited so we have to be sure there is room in the track you are changing to and we need to be sure to have enough copies of track handouts and other materials for you.

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9. Can I receive a refund for my registration fee if I do not attend the Annual Institute?
We encourage substitution of participants rather than cancellation. If you must cancel:

• Cancellations received on or before August 24 are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
• Registrants who cancel from August 25-September 7 will receive a $200 refund and a $200 credit toward registration for the 2009 Annual Institute.
• Cancellations after September 7 are not refundable, but $200 will be credited toward registration for the 2009 Annual Institute.

Credits are not transferable.

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