Managing Your Support Group Funds

Presented by Gloria Kraegel

Brain Energy Support Team

Presentation Overview• Overview of Mini-Grants• Support Group Overview• 2013 Mini-Grant Process• BISGN Expectations• Direct Funding Update• Tips & Tricks• Questions

Overview of Mini-Grants• DSHS distributed $2,000 per group that applied• 2011 DSHS contracted with TACID & BEST in an

effort to increase accountability and ensure appropriate use of funds

• 2011 – $60,000 for 30 groups; max 2k per • 2012 - $97,000 for 45 groups; needs basis• Currently maintain regular contact with facilitators of

61 brain injury support groups across WA State

Support Group Overview

• Support Groups have more than doubled since 2010

• Specialty groups are forming based on interest or need

• More groups are engaging in community activities and legislative advocacy

• Facilitators are reaching out to collaborate with other support groups in their areas

Brain Injury Support Group Network

• Who is the BISGN?– BISGN is a collaboration of agencies for the

purpose of providing support & training to brain injury support group facilitators in Washington State.

– BISGN provides professional training & peer support as determined by contracts with DSHS as granted by the WA TBI Advisory Council.

Brain Energy Support Team

• Who is the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST)– BEST is a nonprofit organization providing support,

advocacy, public awareness, education, and socialization opportunities to individuals with a brain injury and their families.

– BEST distinguishes itself from other brain injury organizations in that the leadership, services, and programs are built by and for individuals with brain injury and their families.

– BEST administers WA State TBI mini-grants

2013 Mini-Grant Process

• Applications will be accepted from qualified support group facilitators

• Budgets shall reflect the needs of the group

• Upon approval the facilitator will sign an agreement letter and determine, with the administrator, distribution method.

2013 Mini-Grant Process• Applications & Budgets will be accepted until 15 May

2013 (http://www.bisgn.org)• Approved applicants will receive notification and letter

of agreement the end of June 2013• Half of the mini-grant amount will be distributed when

funds are received from DSHS.• BEST will distribute the remaining half of the mini-

grant the end of January 2014 upon completion of a satisfactory spending review

2013 Mini-Grant Distribution

• Prepaid VISA Cards

• US Bank Limited Access Account

• To find out which method is best for you contact Gloria at 877-719-2378 ext 105

BISGN Expectations

• Support group facilitators will pass a WA State background check

• The facilitator is the applicant and will be held responsible and accountable for the mini-grant

• Facilitators will abide by the BISGN Policy Guidelines• Facilitators will report monthly on group activities• Facilitators will participate in BISGN training.

Direct Funding Update

• BEST administers distribution of state mini-grants from the TBI fund to support groups.

• Complete application and create a needs-based budget

• Mini-Grant funds are distributed via pre-paid VISA cards or a limited access bank account.

• Sign a letter of agreement with BEST outlining expectations and responsibilities

Tips & Tricks• Plan your budget based on what your group

likes to do and what they need (space, coffee) • Keep a copy of your budget • Keep purchase receipts in an envelope with

the VISA card • For bank account keep all receipts in

envelopes marked by month• Be ready to submit receipts for review when

requested by BEST

Tips & Tricks• Record group activities when they happen.• Use the Facilitator Workbook to keep the

important stuff together. • Participate in the monthly online facilitator

support group & webinars• Stay away from using cash whenever possible• Subscribe to BEST Updates at:

http://brainenergysupportteam.org/subscribe

Question & Answer

For Additional Information:

http://bisgn.org

Or call 877-719-2378 x 105

Slide Presentation Available At:

http://brainenergysupportteam.org