Fund Finders

"In these economic times, how can I afford to focus on fund development? "

The more correct question to ask is:

"In these economic times, how can I afford NOT to focus on fund development? "

Nonprofits - large and small - are under the impression that in today's economy - especially in Michigan - that grant funds are no longer available. While it is true that many foundations have either reduced the overall total amount of money they award or the total number of grants they provide, there are still large amounts of grant dollars available to a wide variety of nonprofits.

If we look at Michigan as an example, it is a state that has been ravaged by the economy. Adding to that, suffering from huge manufacturing losses, the crash of the auto companies, an antiquated tax structure, and some of the highest national levels of home foreclosure and unemployment; few would argue that many states have been as negatively impacted by the economy as has Michigan.

However, there remains a philanthropic community that is very much alive in the state. A review of the headlines on Crain's Detroit Business' website as recently as October, 2011 supports this with the following:

Kresge Foundation awards $750K to Voices of Detroit Initiative for health programming

Detroit Institute of Arts gets $440K in grants from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Terra Foundation

Jewish Women's Foundation awards 19 grants totaling $183K

Erb Family Foundation makes $1.23M in grants

Art Van to give $1M to 50 MI-based nonprofits

Anonymous donor makes a $1M gift

Well-known Metro Detroit child & family services nonprofit successfully completes $1.2M campaign

Great Lakes Science Center gets $8.2M in federal funds for research vessels

Community Legal Resources awards $60K to 16 local nonprofits

Nonprofits need to bear in mind that even in the most difficult economic times, the "5% Rule Governing Foundations" remains in effect. This rule speaks to the IRS requirement that in order to maintain their tax-exempt status, foundations are required to give away an amount equal to or greater than 5% of their total assets annually.

Does your organization have a comprehensive development plan in place implemented by an experienced professional?

Or, is fund development "added on" to the other duties of already overworked staff?

Fund Finders is licensed with the State of Michigan as a Professional Fund Raising entity (MIFR# 27105).
Should you have any concerns regarding the quality of service, ethical treatment,
or any other aspect of your relationship with Fund Finders, please contact the
Michigan Attorney General's Office at (517) 373-1152 or via
their website at www.michigan.gov/ag.