Since we incorporated ARES of Southeast Louisiana, one of my larger concerns has been that of fund raising. After looking at all the ways a non profit organization can raise money, we decided that first we would apply for a grant from the federal government. After contacting the Congressman for our area, we discovered that there are monies available for disaster relief organizations for the purchase of telecommunications equipment. These grants were targeted at organizations such as the Red Cross, Volunteer Fire Departments and local governments. However, ARES, RACES and Skywarn groups also qualified.

The application was some 20 pages long and took some time to complete. After it was submitted came the hard part, waiting. A few weeks after submission, I was contacted by the agency ( The Telecommunications Act ) and asked more questions. This took another 3 hours, but they were very happy with the plan we submitted. That was 6 months ago, so you can see, applying for, and receiving grant monies is a drawn out and time consuming process. However, we have been notified that we made it pass the last cut, and would be notified when the grants would be awarded.

The grant we applied for was $74,000.00 to install and link 9 voice UHF repeaters with phone patches, 9 Dual band Digipeat nodes, and to place Amateur radios and Packet stations in 14 American Red Cross Chapters in Southeast Louisiana. It also includes funds for purchasing 2 portable repeaters, laptop computers and TNC's for field use.

Now, you are thinking that $74,000.00 is a great deal of money! Well, you are almost right. However, when you think about the amount of equipment we plan to purchase, along with the maintenance and replacement of damaged or destroyed equipment, it's not a lot. So, if we are lucky enough to be given the grant, we plan on applying to FEMA for a matching grant.

However, Federal grants are not the only means of fund raising an organization can do. All of us have been to Hamfest were the profits go to support the local repeaters. The Hamfest is one of the best ways for a club to raise money. However, it is by no means the only or best way. For example, have you ever thought of getting a corporate sponsor like a large bank, oil company or television station? Many of the largest companies have grants they give to non profit organizations. If your group is incorporated and registered as a 501(c)3 corporation with the IRS, there are many companies that will give you a yearly grant. Sometimes these grants are only a few hundred dollars, however, some of the larger companies will offer a few thousand dollars every year.

So, how to go about getting grants for your ARES, RACES or Skywarn group. First, there are a few things you will need to do before making the first telephone call.

1. Incorporate your organization
2. Register with the IRS as a 501(c)3 Non-profit corporation
3. Develop a plan for your group.
4. Design the repeater, digipeater and other communications you wish to purchase with the grant monies. It must be in a standard format, and as detailed as possible.
5. Look at the businesses you plan to approach. Are they community friendly?
6. Make first contact with a short phone call to get the name, title and address for the person in the company responsible for their grant program.
7. Send them a short letter stating who you are, and what your group does in the community during a disaster. Finally, express your interest in optaining a grant. The important point here is to keep it short. One page only.
8. Once you receive their grant application, complete and return it quickly.
9. Go after as many companies as possible.
10. Contact your congressman to see if they can assist you in getting a federal grant for disaster related communications.
11. contact FEMA and inquire into their grant and matching grant programs.

73 DE Karen - KC5FCU
Treasurer - ARES of Southeast Louisiana, Inc.