In an effort to help the most DBSA Chapter participants possible attend a 2006 DBSA Conference and Chapter Leadership Forum, below are some ideas to help you find financial assistance.  DBSA encourages you to seek out assistance to attend the programs.  Good luck!

Potential Funding Sources:

• Your employer, for work related training opportunities

• Local pharmaceutical company representatives

• Committees of which you are a part, including:

• State Mental Health Planning Councils

• Consumer advisory boards of provider organizations

• Local mental health authorities

• State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) boards

• State Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) advisory boards

• City or county mental health authorities

• National or State Organizations other than DBSA

• State Departments of Mental Health

• Community Support Program office

• Office of Consumer Affairs

• Provider agencies, including community mental health providers and managed care organizations

• Your DBSA chapter or other patient/consumer groups of which you are a part

• Civic, service, or religious organizations

• Private businesses (banks, major local corporations, stores, etc.)

Some Tips for Asking Potential Funding Sources:

• Determine your specific financial needs, and ask for that specific amount of financial assistance (consider travel, lodging, conference registration, food, etc.)

• Write a letter or place a phone call to anyone you may know in the organization. If you don't know anyone, ask over the phone who should receive such a request, and tailor your letter or follow-up phone call specifically to that person.

• Start immediately. The Conference and Chapter Leadership Forum dates will be here before you know it!

• Be persistent. You may have to ask several sources before you find funding. Don't give up.