HomeMy WebLinkAboutARPA Funding Addendum 2024-25-26Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods
Funding Strategy for 2024-25-26
Funding Plan:We have identified four additional sources of ongoing revenue to allow us to
continue our program.Should we receive the requested ARPA funds,we will spread them over
a three-year period,and supplement them with the amounts listed below.Each has good
potential for growth.
1.Foundation Giving:We have identified six local or regional foundations as potential
supporters.We have received significant support from two of them for the years
2023-24.We will continue to cultivate relationships with all six for future funding,and
identify other potential foundation donors as well.Typically,these organizations provide
the largest source of funding for small nonprofits like ours.In addition,they often do not
fund a “younger”organization on their initial attempt,so we will have to continue
applying for funds from those foundations that have not supported us in the past.Our
primary supporter just gave us a $65,000 unrestricted grant for 2024,an increase of
$15,000 over the previous year.We are confident they will continue their investment for
future years,but only if we maintain the scope and integrity of our program.Our second
largest foundation donor has also supported us for multiple years,and there is potential
for an increasing level of support as we demonstrate success at engaging Oshkosh
residents in healthy neighborhoods.Our three-year goal for Foundation Giving:
●2024:$90,000
●2025:$100,000
●2026:$115,000
2.Sponsorships:We have historically received sponsorship support from a variety of local
businesses and organizations.Several came forward to assist with the purchase of our
“Block Party Trailer,”which is available free of charge for neighborhoods planning large
scale activities and events.In 2023,we hosted our first “Neighborhood Heroes”event,
which recognized the efforts of neighborhood leaders and their supporters.We received
over $6,000 in sponsorship support from local businesses and foundations.This
exceeded our expectations and were able to be the first group to utilize the beautiful new
Lakeshore Park Pavilion.While these kinds of events require significant investments of
time and resources,especially for small organizations like ours,they do,when
successful,offer great potential to provide both financial support and greater awareness
of the work we do.We are committed to continuing this event and anticipate significant
growth in future years.Our three-year goal for Sponsorships:
●2024:$12,000
●2025:$16,000
●2026:$20,000
3.Individual Giving:In the fall of 2022 we conducted our first ever fundraising mailing to
individual households.It was a broad based effort targeted to residents of recognized
neighborhood associations.Like event planning,mailings require a significant amount of
investment to conduct them successfully.Our initial effort was not as successful as we
would have liked,but it helped us set the stage for future mailings.In 2024 we will refine
our strategy and better target potential donors,which will build momentum for future
years.Once we significantly increase the size and quality of our mailing list we will be in
a better position to build ongoing relationships with supporters and potential supporters
through the sharing of our needs and our accomplishments.Our three-year goal for
Individual Giving:
●2024:$15,000
●2025:$20,000
●2026:$25,000
4.Good Neighbor Grant Support:In 2020 we began the Good Neighbor Grant program,
which provides up to $750 to individual property owners towards projects that improve
the curb appeal of their properties.From new front doors or porch repairs to window
replacements or tree removal and replacement,we have supported a wide range of
projects for the betterment of Oshkosh neighborhoods.In the first year we awarded 22
grants and supported over $100,000 of improvements.In 2023 we received over 90
applications and were able to support 55 grants,for a total of $154,000 in improvements.
The totals for the four year history of the Good Neighbor Grant program include 142
grants paid for a total of $506,611 in individual property enhancements.The program
has been wildly successful.
Due to its obvious success and strong reputation,we are seeking sponsorship support
specifically for the Good Neighbor Grant program.We will approach individuals and
businesses to request financial assistance.Many local businesses benefit directly from
the program via the grantees purchasing materials from their stores,so we believe there
is an incentive for them to give.Our three-year goal for Good Neighbor Grants:
●2024:$10,000
●2025:$15,000
●2026:$20,000
If we achieve our fundraising goals we will raise $180,000 annually.Combined with our current
available resources,this will allow us to continue building stronger,healthier social connections
between Oshkosh residents through the creation and support of recognized neighborhood
associations.