Category Archives: Ask Dalya

“Ask Dalya”: Convince a Funder You’re a Solid Investment

personally speakingThis “Ask Dalya” series covers 17 of your grantwriting questions. Get lots more Q & A, individual feedback, materials, etc. in the Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program.

Q: How do you convince a funder you are a solid investment when you are a new organization with no “track record”?

A: While your organization itself might have little or no track record, the people who make up the board and/or staff do. Focus on their credentials, experience and expertise. What makes them perfectly positioned to ensure your organization’s success? Remember that success breeds success, so make sure prospective funders know about the great things your folks bring to the table. Also, if any more established organizations are willing to endorse your potential (e.g., a fiscally sponsoring organization), a funder may be willing to take a chance on you.

 

Got more questions about grantwriting? Check out the other “Ask Dalya” posts.

“Ask Dalya”: Success Stories on Your Website

personally speakingI am beginning a new blog series called “Ask Dalya,” in which I answer some of the questions that come my way from readers like you. I’ll be covering all topics related to using your writing to make a difference in the world. That means anything from a large copywriting question, to a dilemma about a specific document, to a pesky grammatical quandary… and everything in between.

Q: Is it better to put success stories in a blog post? Or on a specific dedicated page on your website?

 A: Success stories should play frequent featured roles in your online work: in your blog, throughout your website, and in your social media. Think about ways to use quotes, anecdotes, and client photos in ways that will engage your readers by speaking to both the head and the heart.

Yes, you may devote an entire section of your website or Facebook page to success stories, but don’t stop there. Be creative and find ways to weave them into other information you share on a more regular basis, such as blog postings, news articles, or grant proposals.

You may want to watch a free webinar I presented with the Foundation Center, entitled “Storytelling for Fundraising Success.”

Got questions about how YOU can use your writing to make a difference? Send them to my assistant, Leslie Rivera, and I’ll answer them on the blog.