1. Managing Your Support Group Funds Presented by Gloria Kraegel Brain Energy Support Team

2. Presentation Overview Overview of Mini-Grants Support Group Overview 2013 Mini-Grant Process BISGN Expectations Direct Funding Update Tips & Tricks Questions

3. Overview of Mini-Grants DSHS distributed $2,000 per group that applied 2011 DSHS contracted with TACID & BEST in an effort to increase accountability and ensure appropriate use of funds 2011 – $60,000 for 30 groups; max 2k per 2012 - $97,000 for 45 groups; needs basis Currently maintain regular contact with facilitators of 61 brain injury support groups across WA State

4. Support Group Overview Support Groups have more than doubled since 2010 Specialty groups are forming based on interest or need More groups are engaging in community activities and legislative advocacy Facilitators are reaching out to collaborate with other support groups in their areas

5. Brain Injury Support Group Network Who is the BISGN? –BISGN is a collaboration of agencies for the purpose of providing support & training to brain injury support group facilitators in Washington State. –BISGN provides professional training & peer support as determined by contracts with DSHS as granted by the WA TBI Advisory Council.

6. Brain Energy Support Team Who is the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) –BEST is a nonprofit organization providing support, advocacy, public awareness, education, and socialization opportunities to individuals with a brain injury and their families. –BEST distinguishes itself from other brain injury organizations in that the leadership, services, and programs are built by and for individuals with brain injury and their families. –BEST administers WA State TBI mini-grants

7. 2013 Mini-Grant Process Applications will be accepted from qualified support group facilitators Budgets shall reflect the needs of the group Upon approval the facilitator will sign an agreement letter and determine, with the administrator, distribution method.

8. 2013 Mini-Grant Process Applications & Budgets will be accepted until 15 May 2013 (http://www.bisgn.org) Approved applicants will receive notification and letter of agreement the end of June 2013 Half of the mini-grant amount will be distributed when funds are received from DSHS. BEST will distribute the remaining half of the mini- grant the end of January 2014 upon completion of a satisfactory spending review

9. 2013 Mini-Grant Distribution Prepaid VISA Cards US Bank Limited Access Account To find out which method is best for you contact Gloria at 877-719-2378 ext 105

10. BISGN Expectations Support group facilitators will pass a WA State background check The facilitator is the applicant and will be held responsible and accountable for the mini-grant Facilitators will abide by the BISGN Policy Guidelines Facilitators will report monthly on group activities Facilitators will participate in BISGN training.

11. Direct Funding Update BEST administers distribution of state mini- grants from the TBI fund to support groups. Complete application and create a needs- based budget Mini-Grant funds are distributed via pre-paid VISA cards or a limited access bank account. Sign a letter of agreement with BEST outlining expectations and responsibilities

12. Tips & Tricks Plan your budget based on what your group likes to do and what they need (space, coffee) Keep a copy of your budget Keep purchase receipts in an envelope with the VISA card For bank account keep all receipts in envelopes marked by month Be ready to submit receipts for review when requested by BEST

13. Tips & Tricks Record group activities when they happen. Use the Facilitator Workbook to keep the important stuff together. Participate in the monthly online facilitator support group & webinars Stay away from using cash whenever possible Subscribe to BEST Updates at: http://brainenergysupportteam.org/subscribe

14. Question & Answer For Additional Information: http://bisgn.org Or call 877-719-2378 x 105 Slide Presentation Available At: http://brainenergysupportteam.org