By: Benjamin Miller

In a recent blog post for the Ontario Nonprofit Network, I set out no less than 73 tips nonprofits can use to collaboratively negotiate funding agreements that work better for everyone (funder and fundee alike). This blog post grew out of a full-day working session I delivered on how to negotiate funding agreements more effectively.  

One reaction I’ve received from various nonprofits to the workshop and blog post is, “That’s very interesting Benjamin, but these tips don’t apply to us because our agreement can’t be negotiated.” While I’m not an expert in every subsector, I find these claims very hard to believe. So when a highly experienced childcare operator put this challenge to me, pointing out quite rightly that CWELLC funding is driven by a pre-set formula that cannot be negotiated, I had to do a deeper dive. 

There are always aspects of funding agreements which are beyond individual negotiation that can only be changed through collective advocacy and negotiation. But even so, funding agreements almost always leave room for discretion to local decision-makers because the agreements have to cover widely different cases. If you can find the discretion in the agreement, you can find the space for negotiation. 

So I reviewed the provincial CWELLC policy looking for anywhere discretion is delegated to SSMs and DSSABs especially where SSMs have corresponding pools of funding they can draw on to back their discretion. I found lots. Here are some examples with the biggest work and cost implications for centres and agencies:

• Cost reviews and their outcomes
• Plan reviews for increasing access for children on subsidies or with disabilities
• Setting restrictions on closure days beyond provincial minimums
• Reporting requirements and consequences for failing to meet them
• In-year funding requests for changes to operating plans and emergency expenses
• Legacy and growth top-up fund payments
• Timing of recovery of in-year overpayments
• Infrastructure grants
• Assigning local priorities flex funding

Each of these decisions may be comparatively minor or infrequent. But improving outcomes in these decisions can mean savings dozens of hours of work, receiving additional funding, or avoiding costly restrictions. This is a great return for investing a few hours in being a bit more strategic and intentional in how we dialogue with funders. I think you’ll find negotiating is well worth both your time and the funder’s. 

If you’re interested in a negotiating workshop or still skeptical and want to learn more, reach out to me at [email protected]. My hope is to get a critical mass of interest to adapt these resources fully to childcare sector needs. Additionally, I love hearing people’s experiences (whether successful or otherwise) as it allows me to pass on the knowledge!

Interested in learning how to make the most of your CWELCC funding agreements?
B2C2 is exploring the option of organizing a sector-specific workshop on funding negotiations. If enough operators are interested, we’d be happy to coordinate and pool resources to make it happen.

Let us know if you’d like to take part! Please get in touch with us at [email protected].