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The Funding Coach
We help non profits, community groups, and faith communities build their funding capacities.
Skateboarding, Fundraising, and Getting Back Up Again![]()
I’ve had a ton of hobbies and interests over the years, but the one that’s stuck with me for the last 37 years is skateboarding.![]()
Now, skateboarding isn't exactly known as a “lifelong sport.” It comes with its fair share of danger, slams, and pain. Yes, the recovery definitely gets harder with age. But it’s given me so much: lifelong friends, a supportive community, and the chance to travel and experience the world in a unique way.![]()
One of the biggest lessons skateboarding taught me?![]()
You will fall. You will fail. But you get back up. Every single time, or try to. Turns out, that same lesson applies to fundraising.![]()
You’ll get told no. You’ll spend hours (and hours) on grant applications that don’t pan out. You’ll put on events that just… flop, or lose money. But if you keep pushing, learning, and trying again , it does pays off.![]()
Over the past decades, I’ve had the chance to help with all kinds of projects, especially ones focused on creating fun, active spaces for kids, youth, and families. One of the best parts of that journey of me, has been being involved in nine different skatepark projects.![]()
Projects like these can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And understandably, a lot of communities get discouraged when they hear those numbers. It’s easy to think, “We could never raise that much.”![]()
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it alone. That’s where a funding coach comes in. I help communities, nonprofits, and groups build a funding plan that can actually work, with less overwhelm, wasted time, and effort. Together we can figure out where to start, how to find the right grants, boost your donation streams, and build a team to make your vision happen.![]()
If you’ve ever thought: Where do we even begin? Does anyone even fund this kind of thing? Is this just even possible?
Let’s talk.![]()
Dave, thefundingcoach.ca![]()
Here is what one community group had to say.![]()
'Dave Sawler has been a tremendous resource to the Lawrencetown Skatepark Project. His guidance has helped our team present our goals and fundraising objectives to the various stakeholders, community groups, and levels of government connected to our project. We are glad to have him on our team.' Andrew Parrott![]()
For more visit www.thefundingcoach.ca
Reimagine Your Space: Turning Expenses into Opportunities![]()
Buildings cost money. They cost to build, maintain, heat, clean, staff, and that’s before you even account for the many unexpected expenses that always seem to arise. For many nonprofits, faith communities, and mission driven groups, having a dedicated space is essential to fulfilling their purpose. But too often, the financial burden of owning or maintaining a building becomes overwhelming, draining resources, limiting impact, and in some cases, sinking the organization altogether.![]()
It can feel like a never-ending struggle to cover these costs through donations, fundraisers, or offerings. And the truth is, it is never ending, unless something changes.![]()
Many groups have started finding creative solutions by reimagining how they use their space. Every building and situation is different, but almost every space holds untapped potential. These changes aren't just about cutting costs. They are also about expanding mission, deepening community connections, and creating new paths for impact.![]()
Across the country, nonprofits and faith communities are turning their biggest expense into their greatest asset. Unfortunately, these conversations often don’t happen until an organization is in financial crisis, or not at all, which can lead to closure. But it doesn’t have to be that way.![]()
Reimagining Your Space can:![]()
Bring more of your community into your building![]()
Attract like-minded partner groups to share space and resources![]()
Create new funding opportunities and earned income streams![]()
Make your space eligible for grant funding![]()
Increase sustainability and long-term stability![]()
Turn underused areas into vibrant, multi-use spaces![]()
It is possible to have a building that pays for itself, or even generates surplus income. Yes, it takes intentional planning and work, but compared to the endless cycle of fundraising, it can be far more effective and empowering.![]()
These are big conversations, but they’re worth having. If your organization, faith community, or nonprofit is interested in exploring how to Reimagine Your Space, let’s talk. I'd love to help you see the possibilities.