Community funding

Creativity and innovation are important strategies in contributing to CHBC funding. Members of the CHBC team cannot be expected to undertake all the following strategies to raise funds; however, they may be able to stimulate some of the activities and take part in others. Such strategies include promoting CHBC ownership, promoting partnerships, promoting community mobilization, generating community income and establishing revolving community funds.

Promoting CHBC ownership

It is important that community members view CHBC as being part of the overall care and well-being of the community. Members of the CHBC team can help to promote this community ownership by consistently involving community members and organizations in the planning and by raising community awareness of CHBC.

Promoting partnerships

In many instances, CHBC programmes come about through partnership and joint sponsorship of the programme: government and NGOs develop partnerships to fund CHBC. In addition, community-based organizations and the private sector can join forces to help in supporting CHBC. Members of the CHBC team are likely to be actively involved in establishing and maintaining these partnerships. These team members may require technical support (see previously) to assist in writing proposals and negotiating contracts.

Promoting community mobilization

Community and spiritual leaders and other respected leaders within the community can be asked to play a role in mobilizing community resources. Such activities can help to build community capacity to sustain CHBC.

Generating community income

Many communities are very poor, and contributing to CHBC funding is difficult to imagine. However, there are examples of how communities have managed to help in funding CHBC. Such strategies might include income-generating activities such as community gardens and farms, craft markets, community fairs, recreational, sport and artistic activities, contributions from local businesses, faith-based organizations and others able to provide funds (however modest) for CHBC.

Establishing revolving community funds

Systems of revolving community funds have been established in some resource-limited settings. Money is provided to buy the drugs, supplies and equipment necessary for CHBC. Ill people and family members then pay a small fee (if possible) for these services. These fees go into a revolving fund to help in sustaining the programme. Case study 13 provides information on the benefits and challenges of encouraging income-generating activities by providing microcredit in the Philippines.