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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.
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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
Slide Presentation Available At: http://brainenergysupportteam.org Question & Answer For Additional Information: http://bisgn.org Or call 877-719-2378 x 105