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Often when I’m talking with people who are brand new to the nonprofit fundraising world, I tell them something they don’t want to hear: To get started with grantwriting, sometimes you have to start by raising funds through other channels first. The fastest way to raise funding is through quick-turnaround sources like individual donations and corporate sponsorships.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why do I need to raise other funding before pursuing grants?” Well, let me break it down for you:

• Building Credibility: As a beginner grant writer, establishing credibility is key. By securing individual donations and corporate sponsorships, you demonstrate your ability to garner support for your cause and effectively manage funds. This track record will strengthen your credibility when you eventually apply for grants.
• Funding Your Operations: Grants often come with restrictions on how funds can be used. By raising individual donations and corporate sponsorships, you gain flexibility in funding your organization’s day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on achieving your mission without being tied down by grant stipulations.
• Creating Partnerships: Engaging with individual donors and corporate sponsors fosters meaningful partnerships that can extend beyond financial support. These relationships can open doors to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, enhancing the impact of your organization’s work.

Paradoxically, the journey to becoming a successful grantwriter often starts with laying a strong foundation of support through individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Embrace this phase as an invaluable stepping stone towards achieving your grant writing goals.

Actionable tips

• Craft Your Pitch: Develop a compelling narrative that highlights the impact of your organization's work and why it's worthy of support. Tailor your pitch to resonate with potential donors and sponsors, emphasizing the value of their contribution in driving positive change. This will help you in the long term because you’ll learn exactly what resonates with people—and you’ll get to see their faces light up when your message hits home.
• Utilize Online Platforms: Find a low-cost platform to accept online donations. This will help you reach a wider audience, look professional, and attract individual donors.
• Network: Explore high-dollar donors and corporate sponsorship opportunities through business networking platforms or local business associations.
• Host Fundraising Events: Organize fundraising events. This can be as simple as a networking breakfast or as fancy as a charity gala. These events provide an opportunity to showcase your organization's mission and foster connections with potential supporters.

National funder of the week

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is accepting applications for two grant opportunities: Disability Inclusion Fund grants and the DIF x Tech Fund.

​Disability Inclusion Fund grants will support organizations whose work is rooted in social movements (especially intersectional cross-movement work), collaborative work, and work that builds a more vibrant and just world for people with disabilities, from arts and culture to policy and advocacy.

The DIF x Tech initiative invites proposals that are working to bring about transformational change at the intersections of disability, justice, and technology.

The deadline for both opportunities is May 29, 2024.

In case you missed it

Have a good week!

Tracy

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Founder, Tracy Babler & Associates LLC
​@nonprofitgrantmagic​

6417 Penn Ave S, Ste 7-220, Minneapolis, MN. 55423
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