Fundraising is an essential part of most greening projects. Remember to look first to your own community for funding. Contact local organizations such as Rotary and Lions Clubs as well as local businesses for contributions of in-kind goods, services and cash donations. Every funding organization has specific requirements and often has a deadline for applications. Call them directly for more information.

Starting Out

• Ask before you buy. Let neighbours and others know what you need–it's amazing what you can find!
• Look for local sources of funding. Service clubs like Rotary or Lions as well as local businesses may be prepared to make cash or valuable in-kind donations. Environmental groups, naturalist societies and garden clubs may also have resources and expertise to share. Use your creativity and your contacts to further the project!
• Do your homework and avoid wasting time! Get the funders' application form and check their criteria to see if your project meets their requirements. Also, find out application deadlines right away.
• Be aware of your attitude as you approach funders. Remember, you are not begging! You are inviting funders into a partnership that will enhance the lives of the local community and the environment.
• Get personal. Phone with questions or visit potential funders. Take community members and children to meetings and support the kids to articulate their excitement about the project to funders.

Developing the Proposal

• Include all stakeholders in the project from the outset! Neighbours, community members, administration, park staff, local businesses (for schools, contact parents, teachers, students, board members and maintenance staff) are among the groups who you should consult early. Clear communication can avoid bad feelings as you proceed.
• When describing your project, touch on broad themes that encompass your larger vision. For example, you might talk about ecological restoration, naturalization, or transmitting ecological knowledge to the younger generation. This shows your greater vision more than, "we want to plant some trees". Can the funders identify the environmental or other benefits of your project in your application?
• The cover letter is a good place to freely express your enthusiasm for the project.
• Consider including a letter of introduction and/or a letter of support, 'before' pictures, and copies of any media coverage. If you're working on an application with specific questions, fill it out completely. You have a better chance of success if you answer every question.
• Involve everyone in the application process. What does a naturalized area, food garden or school ground mean to local children? Use their quotes and artwork to strengthen the proposal.
• Your proposal should be clear and concise; numbers and bullets are often better than paragraphs.
• Use clear headings (typically provided by the funding agency) to break up the proposal and make it easy to read, e.g. Objectives, Participants, Work plan, Project phases, Budget.
• Demonstrate that you are organized and have a plan. Include photos and site diagrams in your plan.
• Be specific in your request; include quotes on materials whenever possible. Include a budget. Have a clear idea of what you need and how much it will cost. Tell each potential funder specifically how much you are requesting from them.
• Include your in-kind donations of goods and services in the budget. List items and funds that have already been donated to the project. This demonstrates resourcefulness and that other people also consider your project worthy of investment.
• Demonstrate that it is a community effort; include the number of volunteers, donations from parents, teachers, neighbours. List various ways in which the funding organization will receive recognition for their support and ways in which they can be more involved.

Follow-Up

• Convey thank-yous within 48 hours regardless of the meeting outcome. It is a good idea to assign this task to someone specific.
• Recognize the generosity of funders in a variety of ways. For example, include letters of thanks from children, photos, signage, media coverage when donations arrive or cheques are presented, display their logos in newsletters, provide the opportunity to participate in planting days and other public events.
• Assign someone to collect the necessary pieces for evaluation and the final report.

Finally...

• Be organized and professional, but don't doubt the value of a sincere grassroots proposal.
• Spend time developing a good proposal; use it again and again