We’ve all been there. Whether we are on a non-profit staff or work as a volunteer for an organization, we’ve all had the task of raising money for a cause in which we are vested. Sometimes it is not so much fun, but by following these steps you can make it as painless as possible. As a development professional I have developed a few tips to avoid when writing funding requests.
1. People give to people, not causes. This is the most important: Remember that you are asking for money to make a difference in the lives of individuals (or animals or trees, whatever your cause is). And you are not asking for donations to an organization.
2. Remain calm. Do not find a need and begin writing letters and making phone calls right away. Think about what you need the money for first. For example, do not ask for salary money for the reading teacher. Instead, ask for funds to help children learn basic reading skills.
3. Do research. Before approaching a foundation or corporation, check out their funding priorities. If they do not fund environmental causes and you work for an arbor society, do not write them a letter. Funders will not give to causes outside their mission.
4. Look at 990’s. While researching foundations, go on-line and check out www.fdncenter.org. Click “foundation finder” and then download the organization’s 990-PF. This is a document that all private foundations must file with the IRS. On that document you will find who they’ve given to during that particular year, how to submit a proposal, and what causes they support. On the 990-PF especially check out section XV. This gives you all of this information.
5. Call. Do not be afraid to call the potential funder. Funders want to hear from you so do not be shy about calling them and telling your story. All they can do is say no.
6. Avoid overselling the story. Once you are ready to write your proposal or letter, be clear, concise, and follow their format if they have one. Tell the funder in the first paragraph how much you are requesting and why you need the funds.
7. Edit. Do not send a proposal or letter without thoroughly understanding the cause or checking it for errors and omissions. Take yourself out of your role and be a funder for a moment. Ask yourself “Do I know what is being asked for?” and “What is this organization and project all about?” Do not omit anything the funding source asks for such as board of advisors lists or IRS determination letters. Check for grammar mistakes and verb tense usage. Educated people will be reading your work and they will be turned off by terrible grammar.
8. Remain honest. you do not want to be caught between a rock and a hard place when the funder asks for measurable results.
9. Call for help. If you get stuck and you’re a volunteer or an employee of an organization but not a fundraiser, call a local non-profit and speak to their development director. Yes, we are all looking for money in the same limited pot but I have found that we are very willing to help others, regardless.
