Citizen organizations in these towns have funded community forest projects with foundation grants, individual donations and local business contributions. They have relied on community spirit and activism to raise funds. It is important to remember that for an urban and community forestry project to remain viable, fund raising must be based on multiple sources of revenue, so when one source dries up, others are available. Anyone can raise money for a good cause, and you are probably more experienced than you think. Most of us have raised money at some point in our lives, be it a bake sale, church supper or paper drive.
Fund raising requires dedication, imagination, information and a plan.
Know that your request for funding might be rejected, but learn from each encounter and move on to the next prospective donor. No one person possesses all the required skills, so fund raising should be a group activity. Learn as much as possible about the person, foundation or business you are approaching. Learn what they like to fund. Know their assets and whether or not they have formal procedures for fund request.