A number of community health organisations were facing ongoing funding uncertainty. Their peak body sought to establish an effective advocacy campaign to fight for their survival by securing future funding.
Situation
For more than 20 years, community health organisations had received core funding from the Victorian Government which was then amplified through a range of other sources to deliver services. With existing funding arrangements expiring, the organisations were advised the recurrent funding would be provided while a review was undertaken, leading to a period of significant uncertainty. A core issue was the extent to which their operating environment had changed over time and that services were presumed to be undertaken by a range of new organisations, which was not the case.
Action
FPL Advisory worked with the peak body to develop a clear advocacy campaign strategy for the community health organisations to execute as a group, as well as a direct communications plan for the peak body aligned with securing funding on the completion of the recurrent funding. We provided a range of guidance notes, communication resources and other information that supported the organisations to ramp up their ongoing advocacy efforts while maintaining their own unique voice. In addition, FPL provided ad-hoc advice and guidance to respond to events as the environment changes. At all times the peak body and the organisations maintained control and lead the campaign but were supported to grow beyond their previous advocacy efforts without crossing a line and risking their established government relationships.
Outcome
Following a range of activity and change in the external landscape, the organisations received additional interim funding that provided additional runway to develop and secure long term funding. They had successfully raised their profile with key decision makers and created doubt in any decision to abolish them. This provided a platform to reengage with government to shape a new operating model into the future.
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