Take Advantage of the Trusted Choice® State Grant Program

By: williamjones
February 1, 2013

By: Bobby Bramlett

Cheers from balmy Ardmore, Okla., where we just celebrated our first white Christmas in years, and our high temperature as I write this in late December is predicted to be 30 degrees.

This month, I would like to highlight our Trusted Choice^® state grant program for 2013. There are some exciting changes to the program just announced by the Trusted Choice board of directors, chaired by past Big “I” chairman, David Daniel. David and the board feel these changes will present an opportunity for all our states to more easily participate in this program.

Trusted Choice now has more money than ever in the state grant budget to help states promote the brand, and the board has made it easier than ever for a state to participate. A total of $2.25 million has been allocated for the program in 2013.

The 2013 guidelines now consist of two components:

State-based Make-A-Wish grants, which will provide $7,500 (the equivalent of one wish) funding from Trusted Choice to each state for each participating Make-A-Wish chapters in their state. In order to qualify for this funding, each participating Make-A-Wish chapter, along with the Big “I,” will need to hold a Make-A-Wish event which promotes the Trusted Choice brand to the public. States will not have to match or contribute to this funding, and the national association will coordinate with the national Make-A-Wish program to assist the local chapter. This format eliminates the two most common concerns of states that do not currently promote Trusted Choice: lack of money and manpower. This funding will go to a wonderful cause and it will promote the Trusted Choice brand through the many different sponsorship programs throughout the country. This program is a win-win for our states, associations, Make-A-Wish, Trusted Choice and the Big “I”!

Revised state matching grants program formula: The Trusted Choice board increased the maximum grand funding for states from $75,000 to $85,000, while also making it front-end loaded to encourage more state participation and encourage first-time participants. Two examples on how this funding will work are:

First, if a state association budgets $25,000 for Trusted Choice consumer advertising in 2013, and the expenditures are approved for a state association grant, Trusted Choice would match the first $10,000 on a 2-to-1 basis (of Trusted Choice funds to state association funds), awarding $20,000 in grant money. The next $15,000 would be matched on a 1-to-1 basis, with $15,000 in grant money. The total Trusted Choice grant funding provided under this example would be $35,000, resulting in a total shared campaign investment of $60,000.
Second, if a state association budgets $50,000 for Trusted Choice consumer advertising in 2013, and the expenditures are approved for a state association grant, Trusted Choice would match the first $10,000 on a 2-to-1 basis (of Trusted Choice funds to association funds), awarding $20,000 in grant money. The next $15,000 would be matched on a 1-to-1 basis, with $15,000 in grant money. The final $25,000 of state association funds would be matched on a $0.50 to $1 basis, with $12,500 in grant money. The total Trusted Choice grant funding provided under this example would be $47,500, resulting in a total shared campaign investment of $97,500.

These grants must be approved and all Trusted Choice grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is all exciting news for our states, Make-A-Wish and Trusted Choice! I believe there is truly no better time to become involved in Trusted Choice branding. CAP, the Consumer Agent Portal, is really moving forward, and the Trusted Choice grant program has leadership, ideas and manpower to make it easier than ever for states to benefit—and to help you brand your agency. As always, my wife Nanette and I are so proud to serve and represent you, our members, as we travel on your behalf for the Big “I.”

—Bobby Bramlett, Big “I” chairman