Promoting Independence in Agriculture Colorado Creating Money for AT By Jason Beck Revised

Promoting Independence in Agriculture Current Funding Streams Community Donations –Payroll deductions –Private donations from individuals –Producer group donations –Private foundations Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation –Funding for clients whom we complete evaluations for AT Loan Program –In progress State AT Dollars –In progress

Promoting Independence in Agriculture AT Loan Program –Background CAP has found that the current AT Loan program in Colorado does not meet the needs of our clients. Over the past few years CAP has met with local banks to informally set up an option for clients to access a low interest loan to buy AT. CAP has had limited success with these informal agreements. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture AT Loan Program –Current Status CAP was approached by an anonymous donor offering to provide a financial gift to start a low interest loan program. CAP was responsible for partnering with an organization to set up the loan framework. CAP asked the assistance of our Advisory Committee. Committee member had a relationship with a non-profit organization who had experience making micro-loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture AT Loan Program –Current Status CAP met with the organization and they offered to put a proposal together describing the services they were willing to offer and at what cost. CAP is currently reviewing this proposal in order to determine if this is a good partnership that will provide the low interest loans needed by our clients. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture AT Loan Program –Resources and Lessons Learned CAP was simply in the right place at the right time. –There seems to be a certain element of luck involved. It has taken some time from me, but most of the work has been completed by our member of the advisory committee. Most significant lesson learned is to identify key individuals to be a part of AgrAbility in your state and use their connections. I didn’t know she could help CAP with this project until I asked. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture State AT Dollars –Background About one year ago Easter Seals was approached by a volunteer who wanted to help raise the awareness of AgrAbility in the Colorado State Legislature. This past spring this volunteer helped pass a resolution declaring April 30 th, 2007 “Easter Seals Colorado AgrAbility Day.” This volunteer also helped set up a meeting between CAP at Easter Seals and Rep. Marilyn Musgrave so that we could educate her about the good work AgrAbility does. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture State AT Dollars –Current Status This summer Easter Seals Colorado was awarded a SEED grant from National Easter Seals to fund a lobbyist to try to secure state AT dollars to support CAP clients. With these funds from National Easter Seals, Easter Seals Colorado hired our volunteer to act as our lobbyist. This lobbyist, and her partners, are currently laying the groundwork needed to have bill carried in Colorado’s legislature requesting state funds to purchase AT. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture State AT Dollars –Current Status At this point our lobbyist feel strongly that our best chance for funding is if the funds are tied directly towards the purchase of AT. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture State AT Dollars –Resources and Lessons Learned Again CAP was simply in the right place at the right time. My time has been spent up front with the lobbyist explaining to them what the AgrAbility program is and what we feel are the most urgent needs of our clients. Most significant lesson learned is to identify key individuals to be a part of AgrAbility in your state and use their connections. Without their help we would not be able to do this at all. Current Funding Streams

Promoting Independence in Agriculture Thank You! Do you have any questions?