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.

Other Funding for Registration Fees
Please contact Jane Higgins for information regarding scholarships if you are from an Appalachia area other than West Virginia.

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.