Funding Story Toolkit

The Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA) believes the people who utilize and enjoy the programs and services provided by local arts organization and artists need to know what financial support makes your work happen. Further, our community members are not able to advocate for continued funding and support if they are not that specific funding sources are a part of the overall budget.

The main goal of this funding transparency initiative is to educate your community about what sources of funding make the programs and services your organization provides for the community possible.

Why this matters—for you, your organization and/or your stakeholders:

• Promotes transparency and accountability, building trust with donors, partners, and the public.
• Acknowledges the support of these essential funding sources.
• Highlights the work made possible with this support.
• Makes it easier to advocate for continued or increased support once your community knows how you are funded.

Why it matters for the community:

• Draws attention to programs that are publicly funded and shows how funds are utilized.
• Loss of funding can directly affect community services often led or supported by nonprofit organizations.
• Educating staff and board members about funding sources helps everyone understand their role in maintaining the sustainability of the organization’s mission.

This toolkit is outlines best practice recommendations for sharing your “funding story” with those who connected to your work. Use the information here to develop your own approach to telling those who support your work or utilize your programs just how you each financial source plays a role in making the work happen.