Category Archives: Fundraising

“Ask Dalya”: Advice on using verbs in the active (not passive) voice in proposals and beyond

This “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.

personally speaking   Q: Do you have any thoughts on increasing the use of verbs in the active voice vs. passive voice in our grant proposals? That is one of our biggest struggles.

A: So many nonprofiteers struggle with this. And grant proposal writers are no exception! We may have heard that the active voice is the most effective verb choice, but our schooling or attempts to sound “official” may encourage the opposite.

Active verbs pack a serious punch. They can:

  • Clarify your meaning
  • Engage your readers in your work
  • Pinpoint causes of problems and hold appropriate parties responsible for their actions
  • Maintain the identity, activity, and efficacy of your characters
  • Bring a human face to the issue
  • Allow you to convey well-chosen details
  • Eliminate excess words, especially prepositions and “to be” verbs

Yes, verbs really can do all that.

Verbs in the passive voice are, well, passive. They connote an unresponsive state of affairs, with not much action or movement. They leave out the subject (who or what is performing the action) and focus on the object (the recipient of the action). In essence, the supposed actor or character is simply lying there passively—like a wet rag—receiving action but not doing a thing.

One easy way to spot passive constructions is to check for verbs that come after a helping form of “to be,” and/or before the word “by.” These sentences leave a lot of questions unanswered with their vague, lifeless descriptions. Continue reading

“Ask Dalya”: Developing and maintaining relationships with foundation officers

personally speaking  This “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: Ten years ago developing and maintaining relationships with foundations was important.  Now, I am finding that foundations don’t want to talk to you.  What’s your take on this?

A: As you know, relationships are key to fundraising. Actually, I mean relationships based on trust and open communication. That said, you are right: As more and more foundations use online applications, you may find fewer opportunities to get to know a foundation program officer. But just because they are using more efficient technology does not mean that they don’t want to talk to you.

If, in your research, you find a published phone number or email address consider that an invitation to contact the funder with your questions. As you peruse their guidelines and application form, you may need more information or clarification. You may wonder if your program is a true match with their funding priorities. That’s exactly the time to contact them!

Just know that they are time-pressed. Expect only a few moments of their time. You will need to be prepared to provide information about your organization that is of most interest to them. Study their material so you are ready to address their exact needs using their language. Most program officers are actually friendly people and want to help (hey, that’s why they’re there!). They also want to save themselves from wading through oceans of inappropriate applications.

Once you initiate a relationship with a foundation representative, strive to maintain it. Keep in touch and offer information that will be of use to them. Ask if they would like to receive your newsletter of if they would like you to keep them posted on big developments that may bring your organization closer to their world.

For example, Continue reading

“Ask Dalya”: Competition for grants in a small pool of local foundations

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 can I handle competition with friends in a small city, with a small pool of local foundation opportunities?

 A: Ah – one of my favorite topics! “Competition” for funders’ attention is a reality and I’m glad you acknowledged it. A few things I can say:

1) You may need to expand your field of vision to include funders that are not the “usual suspects” in your community. Think about growing the pie instead of focusing on slicing it thinner or fighting over crumbs.

For example, have you done thorough research to find small or little-known family foundations or local companies (or branch offices) with an interest in your issue? You will be surprised what thorough research can turn up!

Have you cast as wide a net as possible to see if your work has implications beyond your local area, and thus would appeal to funders in other regions or statewide?

2) What if you are convinced that you have identified all possibilities and still find only a small pool of funders? Then you will need to make sure your organization’s work stands out as a unique solution that is in line with the specific needs and interests of the funder. Refer to THIS POST for more about that. Continue reading

“Ask Dalya”: low-profile foundations; nonprofits serving the same clientele

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: Do you have any advice on applying for grants from specific foundations that reveal very little information about themselves?

A: Yes, there are many foundations that- for whatever reason- do not have their own websites. But once you know the name of a foundation that is interested in your topic area, you may be able to find that funder listed elsewhere on the web. For example, check out the wealth of information offered by the Foundation Center at foundationcenter.org. Look for the IRS tax form 990 at guidestar.org. And see what you can find on other websites that may mention the funder. Once you have an address and phone number (or even email address) you can contact the foundation directly to ask about grant guidelines, deadlines, etc.

If you learn that the foundation does not accept unsolicited Letters of Intent or proposals, but you still think it closely matches your organization, consider adding the funder to your newsletter list. Fortunately, there are many other foundations out there that are happy to provide you with the information you need; prioritize those before you try to pursue funders that try to maintain a low profile.

Q: How do we deal with another nonprofit that serves the same group as we do when they are less than honest and not transparent? Funders are unsure what is the truth and I believe it hurts the community.

A: That’s a tricky one because you don’t want to bad-mouth another organization. Instead, emphasize the credibility and support that YOU have. Do you have lots of rave reviews on greatnonprofits.org? How about excellent ratings from independent agencies such as CharityNavigator? What does your profile look like on guidestar.org? Maybe you have some stellar press hits or wonderful endorsements from your clients, community, other funders, or even celebrities? Make sure that you are sharing clear and complete information with the public (e.g., financial information on your website). Keep it positive and transparent on your end and you will attract positive attention.

(By the way, you might also be interested in THIS question I answered about distinguishing among similar organizations.)

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 this blog.

Webinar on 12/11: On Today’s Menu: Your Successful Grant Proposal

Nonprofit WebinarsHow can you whip up a successful grant proposal? You’ll need just the right proportions of research, planning, drafting, and editing. And don’t forget to garnish with tasty feedback and a dash of good timing!

Foundations and corporate funders are always looking for ways to make good investments in your community. To partner with them, you have to show exactly how you can help make that happen! Webinar participants will get a special discount on Dalya’s award-winning book, “Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact.”

Who should attend: This webinar is ideal for: nonprofit directors, staff, board, volunteers, and consultants who help raise money from foundations and corporations; jobseekers are also welcome.

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

In this webinar you will learn:

  • How to prepare for the grantwriting process
  • What to include (and exclude)
  • What most engages (and repels) grantmakers
  • Where to find resources for your next steps

Attendees will also receive 3 follow-up documents:

1) “Spot the Weaknesses” Summary

2) One-page Sample Grant Format

3) Recommended Resources List

Please join us Wednesday, December 11 at 12pm PT (3pm ET)! Sign up HERE.

What do previous attendees have to say about this webinar?

“This was a very useful and informative webinar. I have sat on many webinars that do not provide such clear, specific information and I appreciate your sharing your expertise. Thank you!”
 
“I am very excited about the prospect of writing successful grants for my organization — as opposed to fearing it!”