Many use a patchwork of federal, state and local funds, combined with foundation grants and private donations, and sometimes that mix of funding sources makes it difficult to maintain a clear mission. In addition, multiple funding streams can impose significant administrative requirements on community partnerships, which must carefully document how funds are expended and services provided in reports to their many funders. Despite these challenges, broad-based community collaboratives may be in a good position to use their multitude of services and involvement of community members in innovative ways to create operating capital. Collaboratives also can identify sources for and use in-kind donations, such as facilities, supplies and staff time. In addition, states are making resources available to facilitate collaborations.
Several states offer competitive grants to local collaborations.
Others provide waivers that allow co-mingling or other flexible uses of state and federal funds. Also, some states provide non-competitive planning or administrative funding to collaboratives. Some states have legislated local collaborations, requiring local agencies to work with other community entities to create better programs and encourage more efficient use of resources. Publications and Electronic Resources 101 Brilliant Ideas for Local Partnerships , Ohio Works First Linkages Committee, June 1998. Includes information on Ohio's use of regulatory authority to aid collaboratives, organizational strategies and program-specific examples.