Funding Models Summary Targeting sources of funding is one of the most challenging elements of the ecological public restroom project. Although existing automated public toilets in San Francisco are funded by JCDecaux’s advertising revenue, the city will not allow any further use of a direct advertising-funded model. There are several funding alternatives that were investigated as part of the public restroom design process, although the alternatives are not mutually exclusive. It is likely that a combination of funding sources will ultimately be the key to raising enough funding to make the project an ongoing success. Raising money for the design and construction of the restroom is important, but ensuring sufficient funds for ongoing operations and maintenance is essential to the projects’ success. Without operations and maintenance funding commitments, the project will not be constructed. The following sources of funding are under consideration, to be described in detail below: Foundations, Government, Private Companies, Community Benefit Districts, Crowdfunding, and Payper-use.
Foundations Several foundations have been identified whose goals overlap with the goals of the ecological public restroom project, particularly those with a focus on public health, homelessness, and/or community livability. The foundation list at right are recommended to pursue; none have yet committed funding. In many cases, foundations require application by a 501(c)3 status, meaning the NoM-TL CBD will be the designated funding applicant. Benefits: • No required payback • No use of taxpayer money • Grant writing sharpens project vision/purpose Challenges: • Grant writing is time consuming • Grant awards are highly competitive • Funds typically awarded months after grant application (time lag)
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Foundations -Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr. Fund -Hewlett Foundation Environment Program: Bay Area Communities. -Rockefeller Foundation -Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation -Cummings Foundation -Steifel Family Foundation -Ford Foundation -Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation -Gates Foundation Reinvent the Toilet Initiative -James Irvine Foundation -Skoll Foundation
Government -HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) -EDA (Economic Development Administration) -US Dept of Commerce -2012 i6 Challenge -CA Dept of Housing and Community Development -SF Community Challenge -SF County Transport Auth.
Private Companies -Clif Bar -Wells Fargo -PG&E -Visa -Charles Schwab -Home Depot -Bank of the West -Oracle -Peet’s