The first step toward obtaining resources is knowing what your program needs. All programs need two types of resources: (1) resources for basic operations (e.g., office space, materials and equipment, or salaries), and (2) resources for projects and activities (e.g., brochures, data collection forms, or prizes), publicity, and human resources (e.g., observers to stand at intersections and record information on drivers who run red lights). Anticipating a program's need for resources is an intrinsic part of the planning process.

A list of resources and needs should be created at the beginning of a Safe Communities project. There are three basic questions that should be asked about each resource: (1) Is this a resource that will always be needed, or is this a one-time need for a particular activity? (2) Where can we obtain this resource, and can we find it at a very low cost or even no cost? (3) How can we obtain this resource in a way that contributes to our goal of self-sufficiency?

Resources can be found in every community. Smaller regional, state, and local foundations are created for the express purpose of funding local activities and can be an important source of funding. Businesses are fond of paying for items upon which they can imprint their corporate logos. Fraternal or service organizations may also be willing to contribute. However, money is not the only resource available in a community. Schools, community agencies, and corporations have rooms that can be used for trainings. Statistics and psychology classes at community colleges or universities can provide students for use in data collection activities. Volunteers can be found through community service organizations, high schools and senior citizen groups. Local businesses can donate goods (such as prizes and refreshments) and services (such as sound systems or portable toilets) for public events, or pay for printing educational materials.

Obtaining resources requires marketing your program to those within your community who have resources to contribute. The involvement of a broad range of community partners on local injury prevention activities makes Safe Communities a perfect vehicle for approaching local organizations. Safe Communities programs offer a unique opportunity for communities to provide resources to a project that can statistically demonstrate it is making a difference in their community, for example, that it has reduced red-light running or pedestrian fatalities by 30 percent in one year.

The first step in approaching an organization that can provide funding or other resources to your program is making a personal connection. Find out if anyone in your coalition knows someone well-placed in the organization you want to approach. If not, explore whether others in the organizations they represent (or even their spouses) may have such a connection. Failing that, identify someone within your targeted organization who is likely to be interested in traffic safety and injury prevention and will become your "champion." In hospitals and managed care organizations, this could be the community benefits administrator. In businesses, this could be the public relations coordinator or the risk manager. Make sure that those to whom you go for resources are aware of the goals and objectives set by your program and make sure that they are informed when those goals and objectives are met. Such demonstrations of success can make the difference between a one-time donation and a continuing relationship. Forming an ongoing relationship with those who can provide a Safe Communities program is essential. Local "ownership" can be the difference between a program that fades away and one that continues. A Safe Communities program should think of every person or organization that donates resources as a possible partner and supporter.