We work with a community action agency in southern New Mexico that received $1 million from an omnibus bill that their senator worked them into. They used the money to purchase a closed down supermarket, which they turned into a full-service resource center for thousands of low income Latinos. In Alaska, the U.S. senator brings in almost $500,000 a year “earmarked” for innovative programs for persons with disabilities in Alaska.

These “earmarks” are also referred to as “pork- barrels” or “community development dollars.” They are actually federal government dollars that by-pass the normal “Request for Proposals” competitive grant process and are awarded to nonprofits that successfully persuade a senator or other congressperson to support a certain program or project.

At a time when the federal government (outside of Homeland Security and a few other federal departments) has decreased its support of nonprofits, local governments and schools, the pork-barrels have increased six-fold. These dollars (totaling $25 billion this year) generally go to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Frequently, these dollars will go to innovative and cutting edge projects that don’t qualify through the general RFP competitive granting process.

So, you’re probably hoping we have some great advice on getting some of this pork. Well, you’re in luck! Read on to get the inside scoop on getting your nonprofit earmarked.
Geography makes a difference. If your congressperson is on an appropriations committee, your chance of getting earmarked money has just increased dramatically. The 17 states that receive the most earmarks are the states in which a senator sits on an appropriations committee.

Generally, earmarks will go to local programs that are focused on a special project, building or equipment. Don’t ask for general operating dollars or on-going expenses for existing programs.

Earmarks are politically driven. Visit with your senator or representative and discuss your program or project with them to see if they’ll introduce it for an earmark.

Ask for matching dollars. Earmarks are almost always awarded as matching grants. This is a good opportunity for you to approach your donors, local foundations, and corporations and ask them to match the grant award.

Organize your grassroots support. Make sure you bring your people to Washington D.C. to meet with senators and representatives, and ask influential friends and politicians to make phone calls. You may also want to consider organizing your supporters to “encourage” your legislator to write an earmark for your nonprofit.

Start at least 12-18 months before you need the money. There is a significant lead-time until earmarked money is received by the organization. The process goes something like this: 1) the bill is passed by both houses of congress, 2) it goes through a negotiation process, 3) it is then signed by the president 4) and finally, the dollars are appropriated. Allow enough lead time for the process to play itself out.

Demonstrate your nonprofits effectiveness and promote your impact to the legislatures and the general community. The more you demonstrate the changes you are making with your constituents, the greater likelihood there will be interest in your organization.

Push the cost/benefit of your program. If you demonstrate that because of your efforts, you can save the taxpayer or our society X dollars, you show a strong argument for public resources.

Relate it to economic development. Demonstrate how the dollars would have an economic development impact. How many people does your nonprofit employ? Do you generate dollars for the community? Do you bring dollars into your community?

Competition is fierce for all dollars, so forming strategic partnerships and going into an earmark with a partnership can improve your chances of success.