Funding for the initial project in Montgomery County came from pilot funds offered through Montgomery County United Way’s Healthy Living Alliance and the MCUW Health and Wellness Council. Not all United Way’s offer this type of funding, but many do and all are interested in supporting ways to improve the status of the impoverished.
The Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Committee monitors the funds and spending for the cooking school in Montgomery County. The committee strongly encouraged us to extend and leverage the funds by requesting additional funding, sponsorship, and donations. Here is the letter we used to ask for support from local businesses.
Grants are available from a variety of sources.
If low-income areas are not the primary target of the classes, participation fees could be charged to cover costs. Start up fees (purchasing equipment and supplies) are a large part of the overall costs. Once the equipment and supplies are purchased, classes could be offered for less than the costs eating at a restaurant. The classes can easily be promoted as team building. Additionally, groups often pay caterers to bring in lunch, why not add to fun by having a group prepare their meal together.