#Nonproits how do you get introduced to new foundations and begin cultivating these relationships?
Use the “Side Door” to start a relationship with a new foundation prospect.
Foundations are inundated with hundreds of proposals for every single proposal that they fund.
Developing relationships with foundations can be challenging.
Regional and national foundations can be purposely inaccessible and have strong gatekeeping.
Many family foundations fund preselected organizations or are by invitation only.
Use the Side Door--A strategic approach that will get you into a conversation faster.
If you would like to learn how to implement this strategy to gain better traction with new foundation relationships ..
1. Download your free Power-Up New Foundation Relationships
Guide https://lnkd.in/eRseW2E
2. Contact lpoller@agilefundraisingstrategy.com for additional resources and a 15-minute discovery call.
Venturing Into New Fundraising Sectors
#Nonprofit leaders: Are you worried about your current #funding picture? It may be counterintuitive, but venturing out into a new funding sector, maybe just the right move…
Diversification is the key to thriving during periods of uncertainty.
Here are three ways to begin to add new funding sectors
1. Move to an adjacent market. ie: use your strength in foundation funding, to expand to corporate foundations.
2. Pursue joint funding opportunities with partners who are strong in sectors that you are not.
I worked with a nonprofit education organization that did not have a track record in federal grants. By partnering with a significant R& D organization that had millions in federal funding, we were able to elevate our reputation.
3. Bring in external fundraising support with expertise in other sectors to help make connections and increase your capacity.
I worked with a nonprofit healthcare provider who had a small individual donor base, to build an annual appeal system, and begin a major gifts program.
Now you: How are you diversifying your revenue opportunities?
To raise more money
Download your free guide “Power-Up New Foundation Relationships” https://lnkd.in/eRseW2E
Or contact lpoller@agilefundraisingstrategy.com for a 15-minute discovery call.
Mission Model Canvas
Many non-profit organization leaders find it difficult to engage in strategic planning, particularly in this period of uncertainty and disruption. You may feel that you can’t take your foot off the gas pedal to engage in a thought exercise when you are concerned about delivering services...
Yet it is critically important to be strategic during times of crisis and change. Strategic planning can be dynamic, continuous, and flexible. It creates agency for the organization, new opportunities for impact, new partnerships, #strategy key pivots. A visual tool for non-profit strategic planning is the Mission Model Canvas
(Osterwalder and Blank) There has been some skepticism about applying business strategies and models to mission-driven non-profits because of the focus on margin. In this process, there is a good balance between mission and margin. Attention is focused on mission fulfillment by considering the value proposition your organization creates with its beneficiaries. The Value Proposition Canvas focuses on product/market fit, how a product or service is positioned around what the customer values and needs. Strategic planning also needs to be coupled with more agile design techniques that point your organization to the future.
The Value of a Mentor
I credit one key ingredient that was critical to my success throughout my fundraising career.
Having at least one long-term mentor has been a critical aspect of my fundraising and non-profit career growth. My mentor was an executive who was very senior in her career
While not a fundraiser herself, she was a strong non-profit leader, determined, mission-driven, and entrepreneurial. As a mentor, she challenged me while building my confidence, helped me to find my voice, supported me during difficult decisions, and collaborated with me in all aspects of the fundraising work. As a mentor, she was not only a champion but a constructive critique whose feedback helped me to rapidly refine my work. Having a great mentor motivated me to become a mentor to other early-career professionals.
What has your mentor provided and what did they mean to you? Let me know in the comments below.
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