The short answer to the first part of your question is YES! There is a large amount of funding available in the system for prisoner reentry programs. In fact, prisoner reentry and other programs (both directly and indirectly) related to helping the families of prisoners is high priority for many government agencies. After years of ineffective government programming, funders are now convinced that faith based
organizations are far more effective solving this type of social problem then is the government.

However, the long answer is a bit more complex. To obtain funding for any program, you must do what’s called “build capacity”. Below I will outline a few basic principles and techniques to help your organization build capacity.

NO EXPERIENCE....NO CASH

No legitimate funder is going to invested money into your organization if you can’t demonstrate you have the ability to manage the money once received. So not only must your financial house be in order to receive funding, but you must also be able to demonstrate a strong track record of successfully delivering the service and doing the work (a.k.a. experience) you hope to receive funding for. If you are lacking in either area (experience or financial stability) I recommend you use the power of partnership to expedite the capacity building process.

 

BIG VISION.....small experience

If you are a relatively new organization, with little experience operating an outreach ministry/program, I recommend you partner with someone who has the experience you lack. Then together, you and your partner can apply for funding. You may be surprised to learn that many organizations, even large well funded ones, are often in need of highly motivated, well intentioned leaders to manage their programs. Organizations such as this need what you have to offer...time, talent, passion and willingness to learn. By partnering your ministry team with a more seasoned organization you will gain the experience that you need to one day branch out and apply for funding “on your own” without the help of your partner. In the simplest terms, by partnering your ministry with a larger more experienced organization you are basically “building your ministries resume”.

 

rich Experience...poor financial records

On the other hand if you have experience operating an outreach ministry/program but your financial house is not in order I recommend that you partner your ministry with a larger more financially stable organization. The ideal “host ministry” is a ministry who IS NOT yet doing what your ministry does, but has the desire to. Together, with your ministries strong track record of delivering services/ministry and your partner’s track record of financial stability, you can create a partnership that is attractive to funders. A partnership such as this works for funders because both financial stewardship and the ability to deliver are equally important to government and private funders, hence they must be confident that all money will be properly managed and ultimately deliver as promised.

 

MY Experience TELLS ME

I have taught organizations all across the country how to implement these and other simple techniques to obtain the funding they need to accomplish their ministry goals. Although many of my clients and students have successfully utilized these techniques, I find most organization won’t take time to establish quality relationships with other churches. Unfortunately, when, when it comes to outreach ministry, churches tend not to work together as if “ego” is the way. If you’re not convinced, I challenge you to recall that last time you saw  neighboring churches of diffract denomination join together to serve the community. If you are like most people, you can’t think of one single instance in which non-related church partnered for the benefit of the community that God has called us to serve.

 

In this day and age where many cities seem to have both a church and liquor store on every corner, it’s imperative that the faith community work together to save the lost, and demonstrate the love that that was shown to us on Calvary.

 

 

Prisoner Reentry Program Toolkit (click to download)

 

Prayerfully the information I’ve provided today will be a blessing to your ministry.

 

In His Service

Tracy J. Brown, CEO

Urban Awareness USA

(501c3 Nonprofit Organization)

 

 

Other Resources

 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org