Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Development Days

Not to beat a dead horse, but the economy just isn't looking any brighter at the moment. In browsing through online job announcements, you can't help but notice the inordinate amount of jobs for development officers, development staff, development gurus. Even the Executive Director jobs require 95% of the duties to be fund development.

I think that's a good barometer for the current climate of our nonprofit bank accounts. You also see nonprofits merging - another option to stay afloat and maintain the community's services. And what do you know about development? Maybe you have your own niche area - you can write a great grant proposal. Or you launch really intense capital campaigns. Or you are the organizer of fabulous special events.

Now is the time to broaden your skill set. Move outside of your comfort zone and step into a new area. Afraid to make the Big Ask? Ask yourself why....because they might say no? Nonsense - even if they say no, at least now they know who you are. And they'll tell their friends, and they'll tell their friends, and so on and so on and so on.

Be your organization's cheerleader. Go out there and talk about the good you do. Tell the stories of community strength and resilience. Even if they say no thanks, they'll say it with a smile. And they won't forget you.

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Party with your Funders

So, we all know that fundraising consists of finding organizations and individuals that want to support your cause. When it comes to applying for grants, it is always a good idea to develop a relationship with the funders you have identified as supportive of your mission.

How do you get that relationship going? First off, pick up the phone and give them a call. Introduce yourself and provide some background about your organization and any specific projects you are doing or considering. Even if you don't get funded this time, they will remember you when you try again.

Find out where the funders hang out and go see them! There are a number of conferences geared towards those that provide grant funds. If you can, attend some of these conferences and take full advantage of the opportunity to chat up someone from the Ford Foundation or the Pew Charitable Trusts - you get the point. Consider Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Grants Management Association - all have annual conferences and/or regional meetings you should try to attend. Attending grantmaker conferences also provides insight into the current trends in giving and helps nonprofits to position themselves appropriately when aligning themselves with funders.

Get your questions and your "elevator speech" ready and go mingle!

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Write a Grant Proposal!

Lucky you! You've found the perfect grant funding opportunity for your nonprofit organization! How can you be sure you're writing the proposal most likely to be funded?

There are some easy steps to follow when developing and writing a grant proposal. If you follow these "rules", then you will have done your part. Of course, competition is fierce for grant funding and even if your proposal is perfect, it doesn't guarantee a grant. But, it does get your organization out there. The more proposals you write, the more likely you are to get funded. It's all in the odds!

So, Step One: Make sure you are writing for the right funding. Don't make the mistake of asking for funds to implement a program when the funding group only makes grants for computer equipment.

Step Two: Talk to the Funder. Pick up the phone and talk with someone in the funding organization. Tell them about your plans and get any pointers for the development of the proposal. Make sure they know your name - they'll remember you when proposal review time comes.

Step Three: Follow the instructions to the "T". This provides the proposal reviewers with information about your ability to manage a grant. Show them you can follow directions and do what is required.

Step Four: Don't go overboard! It is tempting to send in annual reports, news clips, program photos, and other extra material that show how great your nonprofit is at doing its business. But only send in what the funder is asking for - if they didn't ask for them, they will probably throw away those extras as soon as they get them. Some funders might disqualify the entire proposal!

Step Five: Use a team to write the proposal: program, finance, executive, and partnering agency staff all should be included. There's a part in every proposal for each of these areas.

Step Six: Reread the final proposal many times. Have others read it. Make sure it is done early because there will always be last minute changes.

Step Seven: Again, follow the mailing instructions. Be aware of the due date and closing time. Make sure you've included all the copies requested along with any e-versions. Mail it at least a day early, if not earlier. Use overnight shipping, get a receipt and keep it in a safe place.

Step Eight: Cross your fingers. As mentioned before, competition is pretty steep for grant funding. Even perfect proposals don't get funded - there's just not enough money to go around. But keep trying - you'll get what you need eventually!