FUND FINDERS
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"Proposal writing is like playing the stock market; there is seldom a guarantee that your efforts will be rewarded, but the more you know about the process and the more you use this knowledge, the greater the probability for success."

 “What do I have to do to get a grant these days?!”

The key is to approach your fund development with a patient & realistic expectation of how to reach your goal in today’s economy.  Let’s examine some of the current concerns.

Most every foundation in the nation has experienced a decrease in their investment income over the last 3 years.  With no real proof of a booming economy in sight and  predictions of continued reductions in year to come, it’s anticipated that most foundations will “hold steady” through the coming fiscal year. 

However, in order to maintain their individual tax status, foundations MUST give away percentage of their worth annually.  Your approach to foundations must be based on sound research, exemplary proposal development, and establishing relationships with foundation staff.

You won’t get anything, if you’re doing nothing. 

Some activity on strengthening your nonprofit and/or fund development should be taking place everyday in your organization.  Nonprofits who only address these areas when they learn of losing a major funding stream, suffer great losses and the risk of closure.  It is vital to the sustainability of your organization to place the same priority on fund development as you do on any other organizational infrastructure component.

Strong research to make clear connections with foundations’ areas of priority is the 1st step.  Making direct personal contact, if possible, is absolutely desired.  Seek the assistance of a professional writer for your proposal who has a clear picture of the plan and is able to express that need creatively & concisely, so as to make your grant request stand out above the rest.  Other success boosters?     

Persistance.  We’ve been telling clients for years that we believe in a "3-strikes rule" as it applies to proposal submission.  Denial doesn’t mean your request was ill-prepared or not a good match.  It could simply be that the foundation has over-committed their funds for this grant cycle.  Request a phone or personal meeting to review your application.  You’ll be surprised how willing foundation staff may be to provide some constructive advice and encourage submission at the next grant cycle. Establish relationships and maintain communication with your prospects and they will hopefully bloom into committed donors. 

Fundraising must be viewed as "friendraising" and requires a good deal of advance work in terms of meeting with individuals, groups and businesses from whom you will eventually solicit funds.  It is not simply a process of asking someone for money and getting it.  Relationships must be cultivated and once these relationships develop into donors, they must be thanked, acknowledged, and updated as to the use of their contributions.

Appropriate media awareness of a fundraising event is crucial to its success.  Announcements in local newspapers, on radio/television and posters/fliers throughout the area are essential in drawing as many people as possible to your event.  These same activities are important following the event.  It is important to thank the community for its participation in your event and inform them as to the amount of money raised and how it will be used.

While fundraising events are time-consuming, remember that approximately 80% of all charitable giving is done by individuals!

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WORKING WITH A CONSULTANT

Thoroughly check into any individual/company with whom you choose to work. Any reputable consultant should be more than willing to provide you with past examples of the specific types of work you're interested in for your organization. References should be contacted and interviewed as to their degree of satisfaction with services performed.

While we're consistently asked as to the contrary, the majority of consultants work on a per hour or per project basis as regards payment. Without a doubt, the most FAQ I get is "Do you get paid as a percentage of the grant?"

"No", is the answer. To fully understand why Fund Finders holds this opinion, it's important to understand that we hold the underlying principles of philanthropy to be:

1. Charitable giving is a voluntary action for the public benefit
2. The seeking or acceptance of charitable gifts should not provide personal inurement

Simply put, when charitable funds are to be provided, they should remain focused on the benefit they provide the public, not the benefit of someone's paycheck.

Payment should be rendered based on specific services performed and the quality of work produced. All reputable consultants should thoroughly discuss all fees and contractual clauses in detail before entering into a contractual agreement with your nonprofit. Talk openly with them to see how finances will be handled throughout your contract.

BUT WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND A CONSULTANT IN MY AREA?

With today's technology, thousands of choices are available to you. Again, be careful and do your research thoroughly. We often don't see many of our clients face-to-face. We have successfully conducted all types of fund development tasks via email, phone, fax, NetMeeting, teleconferencing and overnight delivery.  However, Fund Finders will be happy to accommodate requests for on-site travel.  Related expenses will be separately negotiated.