Some Quick Funding Tips in Tough Times
Continue to build relationships with your funders
- Ensure interim and post grant reports are on time and contain useful information that can be shared with the public and foundation boardmembers/staff
- Send relevant progress reports, news or statistics as they happen
- Call to discuss potential organizational changes or new program initiatives to get feedback
Maintain consistency in your message/services
- Use evaluations and statistics as evidence you are truly making a difference
- Have a brief, frequently stated, mission statement with clear goals
Ask for help in applying to nationally based foundations
- Ask for a letter of support
- Inquire if local foundation would be willing to discuss or even review proposals
- If you are a past grantee, see if you funder might contact the national funder on your behalf – after all, they already invested in you and your programs!
Coordinate your grant seeking with others
- Have a designated coordinating/receiving agency
- Stick to your strengths and find others to fill gaps
- Establish MOU’s or even contracts to ensure clarity in responsibilities
- Hold an update meeting and tour that includes cooperating nonprofits and their funders as well. You will prove you are truly a collaborative solutions finder. Funders love that!
Ask for a loan
- Loan Guarantees
- Direct Loans
- Cash Flow Loans
- Loan/grant combinations
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