Section II: Understanding
Nonprofits
Section III: Building Effective
Relationships
Section I: Understanding Local Governments
Taken from: "Twenty Questions Nonprofits
Often Ask About Working with Local Government"
by Lydian Altman-Sauer, Margaret Henderson, Gordon
P. Whitaker (Order this
publication)
Why should it matter to me what
local government does?
Do their actions really affect my organization?
As the federal government continues
to downsize, many local governments may be able
to offer only required or basic services to local
residents. High expectations for services may continue,
but providing previous levels of service with fewer
dollars may not be possible. The gap between public
expansion and local government capacity is exactly
where your nonprofit organization can position itself
to create mutually beneficial, interdependent partnerships
with local governments. Such partnerships can develop
and endure, however, only if staff in your nonprofit
and in the local government understand and appreciate
the differences and similarities between your organizations.
How can my nonprofit work with local
government?
Nonprofits possess significant assets
that local governments value and desire. These include
committed and experienced volunteers, expertise
in specific areas, first-hand knowledge of client
groups, and access to financial resources through
donors. Along with working together to meet governmental
goals, local government and nonprofit discussions
can lead to public action.
The structure of local government remains different
from that of nonprofits. While nonprofits can be
flexible in decision making, local government officials
must comply with regulations and mandates when making
decisions. These differences serve as complementary
strengths that both sectors can build on in their
relationships.
There are many ways that your nonprofit can work
with local government. Your nonprofit can work to
establish a financial relationship with local government
leaders; however, a local government cannot give
money to your nonprofit solely for the purpose of
supporting it. You can either apply for a grant
from the local government or contract with the local
government to provide public programs. Directing
government funding to your nonprofit is only justified
if the service you will be providing a service that
the government is authorized to provide itself.
Additionally, your staff can advocate to local government
on behalf of the clients your organization serves.
And finally, your nonprofit can form partnerships
with local government departments.
How can my organization begin dialogue
with local government?
By letting officials know that you
want to develop a relationship with local government.
When possible, attend public meetings to demonstrate
your interest. You should also invite public officials
to your meetings or to join your board or advisory
committees.
How are decisions about local government
budgets made?
All government funding must be accounted
for in a local government budget ordinance and is
subject to a locally-determined schedule of preparation
and approval.
Many local governments begin preparing their fiscal
year (July to June) budgets in February, after most
governing boards have already discussed priority
areas for funding. Departments begin working on
their funding requests early in the calendar year.
Therefore, nonprofits should begin conversations
with local government departments the previous fall
in order to give the departments time to consider
your input or requests. The city or county manager
usually presents the proposed budget to elected
officials in late May or June.
How can my nonprofit become involved
in the budgetary process?
Public hearings and work sessions
allow governing boards to receive information or
feedback about the budget from the public. If your
organization has made a funding request, it may
be able to make its case before a committee at this
time. A concise, well-rehearsed presentation before
the governing board will improve your nonprofit's
chances of being funded by the board.
