TELE-WORKSHOP FACT SHEET 
February 6, 2002 

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING: LOOKING BEYOND TRADITIONAL SOURCES 

TELE-WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER 

Don Charpio, ED.D 
Grants,Tourism and Partnership 
Specialist, Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Land Management 
“Alternative Funding: Looking 
Beyond Traditional Sources” 

Don Charpio has spent the last eight years advising the Bureau of 
Land Management field offices in Phoenix,Arizona. He specializes in 
writing grant applications, working with constituency 
groups and participating in workshops 
and conferences. 

Charpio created an encore presentation of 
his popular session,“Alternative Funding: 
Looking Beyond Traditional Sources,” from 
the 2001 National Scenic Byways Conference 
in Portland, Oregon. 

He began by asking three questions, which he 
answered at the end of the session: 

1. What’s the compelling story about your project? “If you can tug at 
   my heart strings, then that’s a good project,” Charpio said. 

2. Who gives the most money in the U.S.? To whom do they give it or 
   for which causes? 

3. What resources are available? What opportunities do you know of? 

CAPACITY BUILDING 

Charpio focused on “capacity building” as one method to expand 
alternative funding. One way to build capacity is through free labor, or 
volunteers. “A well-oiled system to recruit, retain and reward 
volunteers” is important he said, especially to grass-roots groups like
byways. He noted that a recent article about organizations in Vistas
(the monthly newsletter from America’s Byways Resource Center) 
counted 19 nationally designated byways organized as nonprofits. 

He explained that government and Federal organizations, as well as 
nonprofit groups, may qualify for grants, donations and gifts – three 
other avenues for seeking funds beyond the National Scenic Byways 
Program source. 

“Financial viability through enterprise,” according to Charpio, is 
another funding possibility; however, entrepreneurial opportunities 
may not apply to government organizations.“You can earn money,” 
he said. Sometimes it’s as simple as charging for a map, selling T-shirts 
or just asking for donations. 

SEE THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE 

Charpio returned to his initial questions and heard “compelling stories” 
from Larry Moen (North Shore Scenic Byway - Minnesota), Joe Jorgen 
(Historic National Road - Indiana) and Charles Isabelle (Crowley Ridge 
Byway - Missouri).As Charpio analyzed their stories, he emphasized 
that byways should look at the request for money from the prospect’s 
perspective.“What’s the benefit to people?” Charpio asked.“Is it health? 
Education? Strong family ties?” According to Charpio, the story 
should answer the question,“What do I get for the money I give you?” 

In addition, he said that donors want to know 
about the organization.“How good are you at building a network of 
support? Does the effort have a sustainable life of its own? How well 
does it serve the community?” He suggested that contributing to 
quality of life, adding to kids’ appreciation of freedom or unity are 
possible ways to explain how a byway serves its community. 

He also noted that the organization format affects donor response. 
“Nonprofits have an intrinsic appeal -– not individuals, not government 
entities.” After registering as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, a 
group should be prepared to show its viability. “How strong is your 
board [of directors]? Your community network? Your books? Your 
track record?” Charpio asked.“Normally, nonprofits have about a 
three-year cycle.They lose the president, lose board members and 
lose volunteers.” He suggested that byways be prepared for the cycle 
to help show organizational stability to potential funding sources. 

Charpio also recommended identifying “one strong person to be the 
coordinator for funding and for building partnerships...and you may 
have to pay this person.” But he also explained that seed money is 
available from some sources to form nonprofit organizations. 

Accountability is important.“Scandals will mean problems,” he cautioned. 

WHO GIVES? TO WHOM? 

So who gives money in the U.S.? Charpio commented that,in general,the 
U.S.is the most philanthropic country in the world. Baby boomers are 
the biggest group demographically, of course, but more importantly, 
they’re the wealthiest group ever. “Think of endowments as well,” he said. 

Individuals and foundations give over $100 billion annually. 
Corporate gifts total about $10 billion. 

Individual contributions make up the bulk of the giving, primarily 
motivated by one-on-one conversations.“It’s the toughest way to 
make money – to sit across from a person,” Charpio noted. 

Although individual contributions are the primary source,foundations 
still offer funding potential. Foundations are the primary source of 
grants, too. Charpio said there are some 37,000 foundations in the 
U.S.“About one-quarter of them give as much as $100,000 per 
year,” he said. 

To find out more about foundations, Charpio recommended a trip 
to the public library or a university library.The Foundation Center 
Collection provides information about each foundation, its board of 
directors,preferred causes and how much it gives.He said the Web 
site www.fdncenter.org offers information about fund raising, too. 
Where does the money go? According to Charpio, the most 
common recipients are religious organizations. Education (usually 
formal education) follows.Then human services, health, arts, public 
benefit and environmental groups round out the picture.“Public 
benefit probably applies to byways,” Charpio said. 

EARN MONEY 

Charpio reminded listeners that organizations can earn funds. If fund 
raising involves merchandise, there are retail operation issues to 
consider. Permits, franchise fees, concession operation permits and 
other details should be clarified in advance. Cabbage-Patch Dolls 
rank among the top fund-raising merchandise developments, Charpio 
noted, with a state park benefiting from the marketing and trademark 
foresight. 

But there are also fund-raising opportunities through special 
events and corporate sponsorships. He mentioned that IEG Inc. 
presents an annual conference in Chicago (March 10-13, 2002) that 
brings sponsors and events together.“IEG is a leader in 
corporate sponsorship analysis-–what an event’s worth,” he 
explained.The IEG Web site, www.sponsorship.com, provides 
insights to this form of fund raising. 

Charpio concluded by noting that fund raising may take technical 
ability or extensive service to sell to others.“Normally, the public is 
willing to pay,” he encouraged.

BOX: Sources for donations in the U.S.: 

• Individuals - 81.2% 

• Foundations - 7.3% 

• Bequests - 6.8% 

• Corporations - 5.1% 

PHOTO: Every byway should have a donation 
box. It’s a simple, easy way to raise 
funds.This box is located in the visitors 
center along the Billy the Kid National 
Scenic Byway in New Mexico.A few 
quarters and dollars can add up to 
several hundred dollars a year. 


BOX: TEN REASONS TO UNDERSTAND ALTERNATIVE FUNDING 

 1. Byways provide public benefits, but lack funding. 

 2. America’s most distinctive feature is philanthropy. 

 3. “Greening of America” is big business. 
   (Contributions to environmental causes is over $3 billion) 

 4. Passing of unprecedented wealth to boomers - $8 trillion. 

 5. Public-interest organizations are well positioned because 
    they focus on quality of life and resource protection. 

 6. Tax law changes are making trusts, bequests, 
    endowments and gift annuities everyday language. 

 7. Partnerships are essential, and are here to stay! 

 8. Prominent foundations are climbing into the 
    driver’s seat on public issues. 

 9. Public demand for accountability and 
    ownership in finance and decision making. 

10. Need to demonstrate worthiness of public trust. 


From the Q & A Session

Q: How do you find individuals to head up your fund-raising efforts?

A: Watch your newspaper. Who are the movers and shakers? Also check 
regional magazines. Try the Chronicle of Philanthropy at your library to 
see lists of projects and their supporters. “Matching interest of the people 
along your byway with your byway goals is important,” Charpio said.


CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY #1 

Joyce Barott, member, byway organization 
NORTH SHORE SCENIC DRIVE 
All-American Road (MN) 
Project: Gitchi-Gami Trail 

Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive, a 140-mile All-American 
Road hugging the Lake Superior coastline, partnered with the 
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association to develop a non-motorized paved 
trail along the byway. 

The trail runs from Two Harbors to Grand Marais in Minnesota, 
covering 88 miles. By the end of 2002, byway member Joyce Barott 
expects about 12 miles to open,with project completion set for 2011. 

“We work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
(MN-DNR) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT),” 
Barott explained.“Starting in 1996, we knew MnDOT had plans to 
reconstruct Highway 61.We were able to incorporate our plans 
into theirs.” 

Sources of trail funding include TEA-21 with an 80-20 match,and 
some of the matching money came from state grants and bonding. 
By creating multi-use trailheads and rest areas near the water, 
additional partners such as the Lake Superior Coastal Program of 
the MN-DNR,the Lake Superior Water Trail and the National 
Recreation Trails Program also contributed to the trail development. 

“We looked beyond the scenic byway,” said Barott.“I think it’s 
important to creatively consider what the byway means to visitors 
and residents. Every aspect has a champion source.” 

Project Funding Sources 

• Federal Highway Administration (Enhancements) 

• Federal HighwayAdministration (Recreational Trails) 

• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration 
  (Lake Superior Coastal Program) 

• Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources 

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
  (Lake Superior Water Trail)

PHOTO: Riding and jogging on the Gitchi-Gami Trail 
near Gooseberry State Park in Minnesota. 

CASE STUDY #2 

Chip Bentley, AICP, byway leader 
CHEROKEE FOOTHILLS SCENIC HIGHWAY 
National Scenic Byway (SC) 
Project:Visitor Center  

The 125-mile Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway roams through the 
Blue Ridge Mountains between North Carolina and South Carolina. 
Although it links six state parks, the byway lacked a focal facility.“We 
had no centralized point of interest,” said byway leader Chip Bentley. 
“A Palmetto Leader Group member in Pickens County initially came 
up with the idea in 1990 for a visitor center project.” 

Table Rock State Park, the midpoint along the byway, seemed like a 
logical location, and byway organizers believed they could leverage 
ISTEA funds.“But we needed more support,” said Bentley. 

Bentley explained that the Palmetto Leader Group, a training program 
that promotes leadership skills among outstanding community 
members, adopted the project and brought in partners such as a 
tourism group, park service and state DOTs. 

“This all began when the byway was a state byway, not a federally 
designated byway,” said Bentley. He said the corridor management 
plan helped with the group’s efforts. 

Eventually, the byway secured a $224,000 ISTEA grant.“We used 
mostly government funds, but from every level,” he said. Local 
companies provided in-kind services valued at about $54,000. By 
coordinating efforts and expanding the fund-raising perspective to 
include many government entities, the group achieved its goal.“Today 
you can see the byway from the Visitor Center,” he added. 

Project Funding Sources 

• South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism 

• South Carolina Department of Transportation 

• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 

• Pickens County 

• Palmetto Leadership Group / Clemson University Extension 

• Federal Highway Administration (Enhancements) 

• US Natural Resources & Conservation Services 

PHOTO: The Table Rock Visitors Center on the Cherokee
Foothills Scenic Highway.


For more information on alternative funding sources, 
please visit www.byways.org, click on Resource Center, 
then click on Sharing Ideas. 


America’s Byways Resource Center 

provides information, connections and 
expertise that help build better byways. 
State coordinators, local groups, volunteers 
and organizations with ties to nationally 
designated scenic byways look to us for 
hands-on assistance in planning, preserving, 
promoting and managing scenic byways. 


2002 Tele-Workshops 

Alternative Funding: 
Looking Beyond Traditional Sources 
Don Charpio, Bureau of Land Management 


Economics, Partnerships and 
Your Byway Community 
Ernesto Sirolli,The Sirolli Institute 


Traveling Gracefully: 
Interpreting Scenic Byways 
Ron Zimmerman and Michael Gross, 
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point 


Sharing Your Heritage: 
If You Promote It,They Will Come 
Amy Jordan Webb, National Trust 
Heritage Tourism Program 


Making the Grassroots Grow: 
Building and Sustaining Byway Organizations 


Web Site Technology 
Stephen Clyde, Utah State University, 
National Scenic Byways Online 


America’s Byways Resource Center 
227 West First Street, Suite 610 
Duluth, MN 55802 
Tel: 218-625-3469 
Fax: 218-625-3333 
1-800-4BYWAYS 
(1-800-429-9297) Ext. 5 
www.byways.org 


copyright 2002 America’s Byways Resource Center