Sources of Funding
 Local businesses are excellent places to begin your fundraising efforts. By providing financial support to your RIF program, the business gains positive publicity, which can help boost sales. Even if they can't contribute monetarily, they may be able to provide in-kind donations (donations of goods or services instead of money) for your book distributions, special events, or activities.
 Local offices of national businesses are another great place to seek funding. Often, local stores of national chains, like Target, Walmart and Sam's Club, reinvest in the community in which they operate. Some chains even have established budgets for each of their local stores specifically to fund community organizations, and it may be as simple as filling out an application to obtain the money. And just like local businesses, the positive publicity they gain can help boost their sales. Click here to view corporate donors that have already expressed an interest to RIF national about funding local programs.
 Individuals are a good place to find financial support. Most people think asking an individual for money means you have to write letters to every rich person you can think of; however, the most effective way to get funds from individuals is to ask the people you know and the people who already believe in the work you are doing. These men and women already have an interest in your RIF program, so they are more likely to donate.
 Special events can be a great way to involve the whole community in your fundraising efforts. Special events take a lot of time to plan but they can also reap great benefits, both in fundraising and gaining publicity.
 Private, community and corporate foundations offer support through money that has been set aside specifically for non-profit organizations. Grants can be for large amounts of money, but the slower turnaround and requirements for the proposals mean you have to start the process in advance. However, there are a lot of opportunities for support from private, community and corporate foundations, so it is worth the time and advance planning.
 Grant and Award Opportunities. Just knowing where to start is half the battle in finding a grant source. The following sites provide listings of opportunities for programs like yours.
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