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 →

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: 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 →

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: 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.