Mounted search and rescue

[Lois Guyon <laguyon2@yahoo.com>]

I would caution against funding using what I call the "bake sale mentality."  
Using the "bake sale" method, you get the members to purchase ingredients for 
the food, put their labor into making the food, and then purchase the food of 
other members.  The sale generates little outside money and lots of work for 
the members.  Many fund raisers use this model --- not efficient or effective!

The alternatives I have seen used successfully are:

1. Grants -- look for local sources. Federal and state grants are appropriate 
for large, high ticket projects, but may require special skill to apply for 
the grant, matching funds, and a heavy reporting system for funds 
accountability and outcomes. Local foundations, corporate giving offices, and 
equine "check-off" programs, give grants in smaller amounts with less 
administrative requirements. However, be ready to report your expenditures 
and what the money was used for.  The trick is to be really clear about what 
you want to accomplish and what you will do to make this happen.  Do not ask 
for money because you are good people doing good works.  Be specific.

2.  Private donations -- individuals familiar with your work may benefit 
tax-wise by giving you a substantial donation.  One not-for-profit, I am 
affiliated with, receives between $1,500 and $2,500 each December when a 
wealthy local person's accountant tells him he needs to give for tax reasons. 
 This approach necessitates we communicate our funding needs (in a tactful, 
non-demanding way) to the donor.  This is not hard for us MSAR people, as we 
love talking about what we do.

3.  "Sell" an "easy" product -- Get a local business to "sell" your t-shirts, 
caps, window stickers, coffee cups, etc.  "Selling" is prohibited for some 
types of not-for-profits, so just to be sure, indicate the items are given in 
exchange for a "DONATION." Also, you can provide advertising for businesses.  
If you have a trailer, uniforms, saddle pads, etc., offer to advertise on 
them.  Businesses can become "sponsors" of your group. This requires some 
up-front "selling", but then an annual letter asking the business to keep 
their sponsorship active is an efficient way to keep money coming in.  Again, 
remember to "sell" and report this income as a donation or risk your tax 
exempt status.

4.  Tax money --  Do not be afraid to ask the government agency you are 
affiliated with (there should be one) to fund your group.  We can be so eager 
to serve that we would pay the government to let us work. We need to 
recognize the significant contribution we make, articulate this to the 
government officials, and not feel guilty that we are expecting financial 
support. This approach works best once we have demonstrated our abilities.  
However, it is usual for start-up funds to be needed.  Site the value of 
neighboring groups and suggest that your group will be equally valuable.  
Locally I have seen that if one Sheriff or fire department has an MSAR group, 
the neighboring jurisdictions do not want to be left out and are inclined to 
start their own.  Take advantage of helping your jurisdiction keep up with 
the neighbors.

There are people who love to raise money.  While I am not one of them, and 
would rather ride as my contribution to our group, there are others who make 
funding their contribution.  

The last point I would like to make is that we can accomplish much with 
little cash.  Our group has almost no money, yet we are a useful part of the 
county sheriff's bag of tricks.  Having money without the support of a first 
responder organization, and committed and trained volunteers, will not assure 
a successful organization.  The support and the volunteers must come first.

Lois Guyon
Member
LaSalle County, IL. Sheriff's MSAR Posse