A Lobbying Strategy for a Community-Based Human Services Organization

A Lobbying Strategy for a Community-Based Human Services Organization

A community-based human services organization is liked a uniquely approaching which the objective is meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. It is a non-profit organization. Therefore, it heavily relies on secure and stable funding which comes from federal and provincial governments, donations, membership and user fees, etc. And 57% organization revenues come mainly from provincial government. However, current studies show the government cuts the funding for these services agencies. The majority of agencies serious concerns have emerged about the long-term stability and capacity of the sector due to current funding practices. Issues such as the lack of funding for core organizational costs, and inconsistent and cumbersome reporting requirements must be addressed by funders to ensure the sustainability of critical part of the human service sector.

Since the early 1990s, senior levels of government have reduced and devolved many responsibilities to the community sector. However, the question is whether the community sector has the capacity, stability or the appropriate funding to assume this responsibility.

In 21st century, too many agencies result in the funding environment is competitive, unpredictable and frustrating. All agencies seek the funding through the same channels. The government has the difficulty on allocating the funding to each agency, since there are different types, sizes and structure of agency, various geographic environment and diverse programs. Sometimes, the government is unable to provide adequate funding for agency infrastructure. The government also has the serious concerns on how the agencies operate the funding, do the agencies have the accountability on fulfilling the program. Although projecting funding is one way government can target resources to address the citizensЎ¦ needs, the government still wonders do the agencies have the capability.

Recently, the government changes the form of funding, form shifts from core funding or long-term that support primarily service to short-term project funding. Indeed, the funding from the provincial government has been cut down. Therefore, the necessary issue