How does Footbridge work?
- New funding partners identify the subpopulation whom they would like to support. Appropriate referral partners are then identified by either the funder or with Footbridge assistance.
- Footbridge’s onboarding process ensures all parties have a shared understanding of what local resources should be utilized first, if appropriate, and what is and is not permissible for Footbridge to pay, including amounts, frequency and if our risk scoring matrix should be used to reject those cases where it is unlikely assistance will provide stability beyond a month or two.
- Footbridge designates staff and supervisors to support new market, and local referral partners trained on process.
- Referrals begin! Footbridge confirms fit with funder’s criteria and triages cases based on timeframe needed to avoid crisis escalation. Referral partner notified if case accepted or if additional information is required within 24 business hours or sooner as necessary.
- Client receives text with mobile-friendly form to submit details about need.
- Footbridge uses additional information provided by client and vendor to confirm fit with funder’s criteria and assigned staff member submits payment request for Footbridge supervisor review and approval.
- Payments remitted to vendor as quickly as necessary. Foundation dollars and/or individual donations may be used to augment funder’s allotment.
- Outcome letter with payment details and tailored referral recommendations sent to client and referral partner. Footbridge accounting team tracks and reviews payments made.
- Evaluation surveys that can be tailored to funder specifications sent at case completion and at one-, three- and six-month intervals.