How to Lobby for Government Funds
Public funds greatly assist community projects and initiatives that might not exist without government assistance. Lobbying is one way of obtaining the funds you need for your particular initiative. To lobby successfully, you must approach the appropriate elected officials in the appropriate level of government. You also must demonstrate how and why your cause stands out as particularly worthy of taxpayer money.
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Things You'll Need
- Financial data about your project or initiative
- Community support
- Contact information for elected officials
Instructions
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Determine whom to lobby. First, determine what level of government to target. Once you decide if your initiative is a matter for the federal, state or local level, find the appropriate person, persons or committee to approach. The way to do this is determine who actually makes the decision when it comes to the dispersing of funds. Since you are lobbying for funds, you probably want to lobby representatives on an appropriations committee.
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Become familiar with the lawmaker's staff. Staff aides do most of the work, and while they do not have decision making power, they have a lot of pull. Get to know the staff of the lawmaker or representative whom you are lobbying, and get them on your side.
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Gather your ranks. Bring your initiative to the public, so other community members have a chance to contribute. Hold town halls to promote your cause. Print literature and distribute. Successful lobbying depends upon group demand. It is important for government officials that you are lobbying to hear a loud and persistent voice.
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Send out petitions and ask your supporters to personally write letters on behalf of your cause.
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Be frank and direct about your request, when meeting with lawmakers or their staff. Lawmakers do not have time for you to beat around the bush. Go in ready to make your plea, concisely
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Anticipate questions that lawmakers will ask. For instance, if you are lobbying the federal government for funds, then be prepared to answer why the federal government should fund a local initiative. Be prepared to answer whether or not private sector funders have been approached. If not, then you should have a good reason for only pursuing public funds.
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Gather research that proves that there has been a precedent for government funding of such programs. Especially if you are lobbying for government funds, you need to demonstrate that your cause is the kind that government has supported in the past.
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Prove the need for funding. Compile statistics about financial shortages. Be specific. For instance, if you are lobbying the federal government for money for a local garden or public works project, then you should bring in data about the revenue of local taxes to verify how short it falls of supporting such projects. Provide data of the number of people that would benefit from the project. Lawmakers are inclined to support projects for which they will be widely recognized
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Be patient, but aggressive. Lobbying takes time and persistence. Endure even when your requests are denied, but also know that it may take some time for lawmakers to respond positively.
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References
- Photo Credit colorado state capitol image by Evan Meyer from Fotolia.com
