Some Quick Foundation Funding Tips in Tough Times: Continue to build relationships with your funders – • • •
Ensure interim and post grant reports are on time and contain useful information that can be shared with the public and foundation boardmembers/staff Send relevant progress reports, news or statistics as they happen Call to discuss potential organizational changes or new program initiatives to get feedback
Maintain consistency in your message/services – • •
Use evaluations and statistics as evidence you are truly making a difference Have a brief, frequently stated, mission statement with clear goals
Ask for help in applying to nationally based foundations • •
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Ask for a letter of support Inquire if local foundation would be willing to discuss or even review proposals If you are a past grantee, see if you funder might contact the national funder on your behalf – after all, they already invested in you and your programs!
Coordinate your grant seeking with others: •
• • •
Have a designated coordinating/receiving agency Stick to your strengths and find others to fill gaps Establish MOU’s or even contracts to ensure clarity in responsibilities Hold an update meeting and tour that includes cooperating nonprofits and their funders as well. You will prove you are truly a collaborative solutions finder. Funders love that!
Ask for a loan: • • • •
Loan Guarantees Direct Loans Cash Flow Loans Loan/grant combinations
Greg Cantori Executive Director Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation 4102357068 gcantori@knottfoundation.org www.knottfoundation.org