Frequently Asked Questions

Lists and guides to potential CN funding sources include:

• The Community Connector's "Funding" page
• Missouri Express Resource Guide: Funding Options
• "Community Networking Resources" at Seattle Community Network
• "Foundation Resources: Community Networks, Telecenters, and Televillages" at the Aspen Institute website

• Don't ask for "contributions" --   Instead, frame your requests in terms of "investment" in the community, and report outcomes as a "return on investment,"  says the Missouri Express Resource Guide.  In a similar vein, HUD Neighborhood Network's document "How to Plan for Sustainability"  says to let potential funders know "what's in it for them."

• Don't think only in terms of monetary funding.  Some of a CN's most important support can come from volunteers and in-kind contributions. CTCNet's Start-up Manual reminds us that a large donation of computers or a substantial commitment of volunteer hours can save the CN a great deal of money.  But be careful, the manual warns, not to accept outdated or low-quality equipment unless you are sure you can actually use it.

• Let the potential funder know the specific ways they can help you. The Missouri Express Guide says not to ask for general support; instead, say something like:  "We need 2 desk chairs for our public workstations at the senior center."

•  Try to get multiyear commitments of support, the HUD document says. Not only does this help ensure sustainability, it also makes fundraising  easier, because funders like organizations that look like they'll be around a while.  It also helps to get this multiyear commitment in writing, and from a rich source, suggests Laura Weinbaum of Philadelphia's CN, LibertyNet, in a 1998 Connections profile.  When I asked Weinbaum what economic advice she would give to other CNs, she said, "Get a long-term commitment, in writing, from a significant funder -- government, a university, a foundation, a large nonprofit.  This should happen before the CN even starts."

•  "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."  Seek support from at least three different kinds of sources, advises the HUD document.  Everyone knows that nonprofits, government, and foundations are potential sources, but the community's churches, schools, businesses, and media organizations should be considered as well.   This variety of partnerships will increase participation from a wider segment of the community, and will also create a diverse "reservoir of  expertise" that the CN can draw on later.

•  Allow many community members to help in small ways.  This raises local awareness of the CN, and increases the number of people who have "invested" in the project.   The CTC-Net Startup Manual suggests these possibilities:

• A supermarket can match a percentage of participating shoppers' purchases.
• A restaurant can donate a percentage of its revenue from a designated CN day.
• Donation boxes can be placed by cash registers in local stores, especially computer software stores.
•  A community fund-raising event, while it might require more effort than it is worth financially, is a fun way publicize the CN in the community.

• Consider the possibility of charging for some of your services.  In a 1998 speech, Andy Carvin of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting suggests that the fear of commercialization may be what keeps some CNs from surviving economically.  LibertyNet's Weinbaum advises: "Have a few services you do well, and that you can charge top dollar for."   This comment might scare those committed to free service, but while LibertyNet charges $100/hour for internet consulting to businesses, its nonprofit fees are modest.   Other possibilities include reasonable user rates, charging on a sliding scale, and charging internet fees to businesses.

Missouri Express Resource Guides  contain a detailed checklist of expenses ("deadbolt on door,"  "toilet  paper"), as well as instructions for accessing a real CN's financial statement (from National Capital Free-Net).

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