I really had no time to scour the headlines and bring you links this week. In lieu of the regular content, I want to share with you something sent to me by Andy Freeze of NASNA (North American Street Newspaper Association). This is my goal for Salt Lake City, and I want it to be a goal for pro-active homeless people and our fair city:
On average 20 people or organizations inquire with NASNA about starting a street newspaper each month. And one of the most common questions involves where to get started or how do [sic] to start an organization. Below I will explain the 3 most common ways to start a street newspaper organization. Also know there are other ways to be successful, however the 3 below tend to be the most comman and easiest.to get started.
Volunteers (fiscal sponsorship)
In this model, the organization is started and run at first by a group of volunteers. It is tough to get start up funding to finance staff positions from the beginning. It is highlly encouraged to try and obtain a fiscal agent from the beginning so that you can be collecting tax-deductible donations and apply for grants. It is also encouraged to have a fiscal agent, because the process to receive a nonprofit certificate (501c3) can take up to 6-12 months after your application is submitted. Most times the cost of the printing of the actually [sic]newspaper can be covered by the sale of the paper to the vendor.
An example of a paper that was started by volunteers and had fiscal agent is Street Sense. They published their first issue in 2003 and hired their first staff in 2005.
Another example of a paper started and run by volunteers and just recently secured a fiscal sponsor is The Contributor . They have been able to raise enough funds to hire their first staff person who will start in March.
A new program
In this model, a current nonprofit decides a street newspaper fits their mission and can be sustainable in their city. This is often a quicker way to start a street newspaper because many of the organizational compnents are already in place. Also there is staff whose job is to oversee the project.
An example of this model is One Step Away, which launched their street newspaper in 2009 and is financed by Resources for Human Development in Philladelphia, PA.
Major backer
If you are lucky enough to have someone who is willing to finance the start up costs and pay staff from the beginning this is a great way to start. In this model, a major backer provides funds to hire staff rom the start and slowly the staff is able to raise funds to run the organization.
An example of this model is The Denver Voice in Denver, CO.
Summary
The most common way is the first and allows for the most freedom in choosing how your organization will be run. The second model provides stability from the start but can sometimes be overshadowed by the larger organization. The third model is not common, but can provide time to build up a brand and awarwness in the city while developing funding sources. All three can be successful with the right people and desire to provide work opportunities for the homeless.
Feel free to share this with anyone you think may be interested and helpful.
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