Targeted funding misses core areas

From the December 15th edition of the Times Colonist:

It would be a great loss if valuable agencies such as the B.C. Schizophrenia Society had to slash services -- or even close -- as an unintended consequence of a provincial government funding policy and the economic downturn.

One of the Liberal government's policy shifts after the 2001 election was a move from block funding to non-profits across the province to targeted program funding.

Where the government had reviewed an organization's overall operations and decided on an appropriate level of public funding, it adopted a new approach.

Non-profits could apply for money to cover the direct costs of specific programs. For anything else, they were on their own.

There are merits to the approach. The government has more control on how the money is used and can assess value for money spent more directly. It can set priorities, rather than leaving it up to the local non-profit to assess community needs. And ministries know where their contribution is being spent.

But the shift also created problems. Non-profits' core expenses -- rent, basic administration staff, fundraising, newsletters and programs not covered by the province -- were no longer funded. The expenses were necessary to maintain the organization, but the funding formulas didn't acknowledge that reality.

And the agencies lost the flexibility that allowed them to react to emerging needs by shuffling funding. If there was a spike in the need for services for seniors suffering from schizophrenia, for example, in the past the society could have shifted money from another program. That was no longer allowed by government.

Most rose to the challenge by seeking donations or holding fundraisers to cover core expenses. That was difficult, because donors -- like government -- respond more enthusiastically to appeals for money to support specific programs.

To read the entire article, click here.

Also see:

Sinking into debt, health care non-profits fight for survival

Image courtesy of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (click on the image to enlarge it).

Mind Foundation announces a spring competition for research grants

From the BC Schizophrenia Society:

Mind Foundation announces that it will distribute up to $60,000 in grants to research projects relevant to schizophrenia/psychosis.

Individual grants are expected to be in the range of $5,000 to $20,000.

Applications, which can be downloaded from this website, should be sent by e-mail to mfbc@telus.net.

The deadline for receiving applications is April 30, 2008. We aim to provide the results within six weeks thereafter.

And now for something completely different ...

... from the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.

Naked Jumpers take the Plunge

Bungy fans let it all hang out to raise money for mental health organization

An article published in the January 4 the edition of the Nanaimo Daily News:

By Paul Walton

Jumpers at a popular annual nude bungy jump will be removing a stigma as they remove their clothes.

The event, set for Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 at WildPlay at the Bungy Zone south of Nanaimo, will raise awareness and money for the B.C. Schizophrenia Society. WildPlay president and general manager Tom Benson said this is the second year the event will benefit the Schizophrenia Society.

Benson said his own experience in seeing schizophrenia in a family member drew his organization to link up with the society.

"They made a big difference . . . and we think mental illness is under-supported," said Benson. "We said, 'let's make a difference where it really counts.'"

Nadine Saunders, a spokeswoman with the Schizophrenia Society, said last year's event pulled in $4,000, and they hope to double that this year. And though the cost to naked bungy jumpers is $25 (and the regular $99 for clothed leapers), oglers will be charged $10 to get in the park on that weekend.

The drop is 50 metres to the bottom of the Nanaimo River gorge with a harness around the ankles. Asked if she would participate, Saunders was resolute.

"No way!" she said, but noted she will be on the platform for both days to assist with donations.

All proceeds go to the Schizophrenia Society, and Benson hopes to see people from all over the Island in a generous mood on both days.

"We'd love to see support from the community, people offering sponsorships and making donations," he said.

Saunders said she was a little concerned when the naked angle was raised to the Schizophrenia Society board last year.

"A lot of our members are older, and I thought it would be more controversial but all our board members had no problem with it," she said.

While fundraising is important, both Saunders and Benson said the event is also important to raise awareness about schizophrenia. Benson said that most people are touched by mental illness among family or friends, if not personally.

Click here for the event poster (PDF).

Event location not exactly as illustrated.