A #nonprofit secured a $150,000 grant to create Makers Spaces in two public schools in their region, but six months into the grant there was a serious problem. One of the schools had a leadership transition, and could not start the project. How does the nonprofit deal with the #funder so that the #grant is not in jeopardy?
If your organization is pushing its #innovation edge, then this is a likely scenario. Communicating with funders in an open and transparent way is key. Two mindsets are critical to the way you handle this communication...
a Design Thinking mindset and Funder-Partner mindset.
#DesignThinking is about creating a learning culture that works deeply with its intended beneficiaries-- conducting cycles of brainstorming, prototyping, implementing in real-world contexts, evaluating, and refining.
The #FunderPartner mindset enables a nonprofit to bring their funder into the project design work, share your learnings including the challenges and draw on the funder’s expertise to work on adapting your solution.
#Funders appreciate your honest assessment of the risks and challenges. Being part of your design process helps create a new collaborative space to work through the hiccups.
Now You: How have you communicated a bump in the road to a funder or client?
Funder-Partners
Do you want to create a more dynamic relationship with your funders?
Consider involving your funders in your design process. Using active design strategies, you can create an innovaton environment that involves both internal and external stakeholders. We have focused on building funder relationships around a shared purpose. What if you involved your funders as partners, in the design, development, and dissemination of your work? Here are some thoughts:
· Engage Funder-Partners in your design team and agile processes;
· Provide opportunities for funders to bring their expertise into the design team;
· Get feedback from your funder-partners on prototypes and pilots, early and often;
· Involve members from across your organization in developing the funder-partner relationship.
These approaches create a long-term commitment to your institution with the added collaborative and design pieces.
What are the ways you have involved foundation and corporate funders in your work?