Managing Your Support Group Funds Presented by Gloria Kraegel Brain Energy Support Team

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