Fundraising

Fundraising quickly becomes important to any interfaith response to a technology-caused disaster. Church World Service can make modest startup funds available, usually in amounts of $5000 or less. Other sources of funds you can consider are the local and national offices of the denominations involved in the interfaith.

Regional chapters and national offices of environmental groups and foundations can also be helpful. Check with your local library, in your phonebook, and at the Web sites listed on this Web site. Watch for groups that specialize in public health, environmental issues or aid to the poor and other marginalized groups.

The value of volunteer time cannot be overestimated. Ask lawyers to work "pro bono" (for the public good). Check out "The Citizen's Legal Guide to Hazardous Wastes," Chapter 10 of Hazardous Waste in America (see this Web site for more information). Find local college professors who can use your concern as a class project. Ask churches for rent-free space. Ask businesses for in-kind support, such as donating used office equipment and furniture.



IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU BEGIN FUNDRAISING:

	Know what the money is to be used for. Donors do not give because you "need the money" and they do not give to programs that exist only on paper. They give to people in need and they give to those who can help people in need.
	Ask for specific support. Ask for fax machines or volunteers to canvass the neighborhood, not "anything you can do to help."
	Be sure the money you collected goes where it was intended. Nothing turns off donors faster than finding out money they thought would provide counseling to displaced families actually went to buying a fax machine.