What is meant by the term Maximizing Resources?

Maximizing resources is a universal term that refers to the blending, braiding or leveraging of dollars within a program to maximize the services offered. Successful programs use components of each of these strategies.

• Blending Funding - Blending Funding refers to the consolidation of funds from multiple sources into one funding stream and then reporting on the dollars as a whole and not as separate and distinct funds. Some funding streams will not allow this method of reporting.
• Braiding Funding - Braiding Funding refers to the consolidation of funds from multiple sources into one funding stream but keeping track of the distinct dollars and reporting on them separately.
• Leveraging Funding - Leveraging Funding is the process of using a few key dollars to generate larger amounts of capital and, in most instances, creating collaborative relationships that are beneficial to all parties involved and that advance the program’s goal. CBCAP uses a leveraged funding formula to determine 30% of the total funding available to the states.

For more information on blending, braiding and leveraging funding click here for a Funding FAQ.

What should my program consider when examining potential partnerships to maximize funding?

A program or agency should enter into collaborative relationships and partnerships in a purposeful way to ensure that the relationship meets everyone's needs. For CBCAP agencies the potential partners should analyze how each system currently supports prevention strategies and identify the various state or private resources available to fund those prevention activities. FRIENDS has developed some tools to help support agencies in this exploration. These tools are:

1. Checklist for Developing Fiscal Partnerships for CBCAP Lead Agencies
2. Self-Assessment of Financing Strategies Tool
3. Potential Funding Resources for CBCAP Programs
4. Sample Interagency Agreement

Where can I get more information on responding to grant proposals?

The area of grant writing is a complex one. There are many high quality resources available to help guide beginning (and seasoned) grant writers through the process of producing a quality proposal. The Finance Project is a web site you may find helpful as one example. FRIENDS has also acquired the rights to a helpful guide in grant writing. To view this document, click here.

Where can I find more information on Maximizing Resources?

FRIENDS has developed a Bibliography of resources for programs. This list of resources can be helpful to programs looking for more information on how to move forward in their own efforts to maximize resources. To view this reference list, click here. FRIENDS has also developed a Guidebook for CBCAP state lead agencies.

FRIENDS can also provide targeted training and technical assistance to CBCAP Lead Agencies in this area. For more information and to talk about potential trainings, contact your training and technical assistance coordinator.