Author: davidsawler

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Funding Lesson #26 – STAY

Raising funds takes time because building trust takes time. There is something powerful that happens when you build credibility through perseverance.

I definitely don’t encourage people to stay in places that aren’t working for them. There is always a time to leave.

However, there is a tipping point that leaders reach by staying long enough that people associate you with the work and cause you represent. It’s hard to know exactly how long it will take, but it’s definitely years.

When it happens, some things get easier. It becomes easier to ask for more, to present to the right people, and to become a voice for the cause you represent in your community.

The secret is simply consistency. Keep doing what you do. Do it well. Don’t give up. Stay.

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Warning: Build Sustainability or Risk Hurting Your Non-Profit

My community, like many others, is littered with remnants of past projects left to fall apart—a recurring issue across various sectors. I’ve witnessed large-scale government-funded youth projects receive millions, only to disappear soon after funding dried up. Similarly, numerous churches and community centers expand ambitiously, only to struggle financially with higher ongoing expenses.

While securing large donations and grants can be immensely beneficial, they can also potentially sink your non-profit or faith community.

Over a decade ago, I received invaluable advice on creating sustainability. At the time, our organization had just acquired significant funding earmarked for expanding our building. With differing opinions among members on its use, seeking external guidance was crucial.

The consultant pointed out that more space meant new programs, opportunities, and long-term bills. He challenged us to invest a portion of the funds in income-generating initiatives, cost reduction strategies, and enhancements that would boost sustainability—not just in completing our building. We followed his advice, making our space more accessible to the public, increasing rentable areas, and adding features to attract new participants.

Think of it this way: getting a puppy isn’t just one decision; it’s a commitment to countless decisions, financial adjustments, and hard work. Yet, the joy and companionship it brings make it worthwhile for years to come.

To build a truly successful non-profit over the long term, integrating sustainability into your fundraising and growth strategies is essential. Otherwise, you risk falling into recurring pitfalls. It’s crucial to ask the tough questions: Will new funds this year lead to unforeseen costs next year? What happens when a grant for new staff or programs expires?

This concept might be new to many, but it’s prudent to factor in costs and expenses into your fundraising budgets that mitigate ongoing financial burdens associated with growth. This approach becomes even more critical with larger donations, grants, or expansions.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable fundraising practices, please visit thefundingcoach.ca.

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Funding Lesson #24 – Build a Case for Support

I have been involved with skateboarding for almost four decades and have helped raise funds for multiple parks, ramps, and events. It has always been a huge passion, and I am very excited to be involved with two skateboard projects right now that are building parks and ramps in Nova Scotia.

This post is just an introduction to this concept, with more to follow over the next few weeks. I often get asked these questions about raising funds: “Where do we even start?” and “How do we build support?” Whether you are just starting out or an older non-profit that is expanding, there is one common answer: Build a ‘Case for Support’.

Non-profits begin because passionate people are trying to meet urgent needs. We need to find funds quickly and consistently. It is not easy to get funding, and it’s easy to get frustrated when it doesn’t happen. However, a significant reason it may be difficult could be that your organization has never taken the time to build a case for support.

A case for support presents a compelling vision for what can be achieved. It involves articulating credible reasons why people, supporters, levels of government, or donors should trust you with their funds.

By building a case for support, you will need to articulate things like:

What is the need?

How can the need be met?

How can you provide the solution?

What is the cost?

Who are you? (Do you have the ability to fulfill this dream?)

So, back to skateboarding. I am attaching a case for support put together by the Lawrencetown Skatepark Project. It is a great example of what building a case of support can look like.

Having a case for support allows you to share your vision with a much larger group. It helps communicate on a greater level and opens doors to funders who will only support groups that have done their homework. It provides clear direction and a clear ask.

Furthermore, a bonus is that when your team works on a case of support together, it brings unity of purpose. It also informs your whole team of the goals and needs, and everyone can contribute to making your non-profit succeed.

If you would like to discuss how to build a ‘Case for Support’, please contact the funding coach.

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Funding Lesson #23 – Making Money Make Money


Have you ever wondered why some organizations seem to receive a higher amount of grants, donations, and large-scale gifts, while others struggle? There are several factors that can lead to this, such as the right team members, a clear vision, and just hard work.
One very important, and less understood, factor, however, is that some organizations have learned to leverage funds to get more funds. This is just a short group of ideas on learning funds to get more funds.


Here is one example. Most municipal, provincial, or federal grants, plus many foundations, will only fund 40-50% of a project. Some organizations never apply for certain funding because they don’t believe they will be able to cover the rest.
However, this is where a fund strategy can help. One where you move from thinking single grants/donations to the big picture.


It is amazing how fundraising can change if you know that if you can raise $25,000, you can use that to be eligible for a grant and double your funds for a project. People give more when they know their funds will go further.


It is also a perfect time to bring all levels of government together and challenge them to find a way to help. You can use $50,000 from a provincial fund to cover the 50% of what you need for a federal grant, to get $50,000. The principle can be applied, however, no matter what the grant or funding is.


When people know their funds will go further, it is a huge incentive to give. This principle is not only about grants but also with donors. If someone was willing to donate $10,000 to your organization, then this is the perfect time to run a matching campaign. One where you challenge people to give, and if you reach a goal of $10,000, then it will be matched.
This is a way to increase giving but also to attract bigger donors and donations. Why does it work? If a large donor sees that your organization is not just asking for money but is asking everyone to chip in and do their part, plus is putting in their own effort, it is an incentive to give higher amounts as their gift is creating more giving.

So it may seem some organizations are just lucky, or are liked more, or have special connections, and receive more funding. While there may be pieces of that which are true, it is also very possible for an organization to learn how to do this. Yes, it is work, it is networking, but it starts with a funding plan. One that looks at the big picture and sees how the pieces can be put together. One that understands that your money can make money.


If your organization would like help in creating a funding strategy, why not reach out to the funding coach?

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Funding Lesson #22 – Develop the Skill of Asking

Asking for help is tough, both in our personal and professional lives. You may hate asking for directions so much that you will just stay lost. Asking can feel embarrassing for some people, as it exposes that we have a need.

‘You don’t have because you don’t ask.’ This, of course, is taken from scripture, but it is very true in all situations. Your organization will never have what it needs to operate if people are not aware of what you need, and if no one is ever asked.

Letting our needs be known can, of course, happen in many ways: word of mouth, social media, emails, mail-outs, and our staff/volunteers. However, this is one skill that will help your organization go farther. It is the ‘Skill of Asking.’

I remember sitting in a meeting just a few years ago, where we were trying to put funding together with multiple levels of government and departments. We had an amount we needed to be matched. There was discussion on smaller amounts being given. At one point, I had to clearly state what we needed. We needed six million dollars.

Later, it was confirmed that the money was going to be given for the project, which is amazing. The truth is if no one clearly asked for that amount, it may never have been given. Someone needs to ask.

This, in no way, means if you just ask people for donations, support, or volunteers, that you will get it. That is why asking is a skill that needs to be developed. Here are just a few pieces of what asking means:

1 – The willingness to be upfront with people about your needs.

2 – You have to be ready to back up your request with data and some proof you can put this help to good use and create a result.

3 – You have to learn when is the right time, place, and person to ask.

4 – You have to build relationships and trust.

5 – You have to be okay hearing ‘No’ and move on.

When I see organizations that are doing well long-term, there is usually someone in the organization who has learned to ASK.

If you would like to explore developing a funding strategy, including how to ASK, why not reach out to the funding coach?

www.thefundingcoach.ca

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This June I am taking on new Clients

What is ‘The Funding Coach’? Here is the simple answer: I am helping nonprofits, faith communities, and organizations build sustainable funding plans so they can serve their communities in greater and more consistent ways.

Over the past decade, I have helped raise over twenty-five million dollars in community development projects and received over 150 grants for charities I was working with. I have taught fundraising classes at events, colleges, and universities.

For the past decade, I took on the responsibility to raise funds for my own local community projects. However, as the Funding Coach, I am now taking on the role of helping other individuals, groups, and organizations fulfill their dreams to serve their own communities.

On top of coaching, I am part of a group representing the public to address Mental Health and Addiction issues in the Eastern Zone in NS. It has been a long-term passion to see addiction and poverty rates decrease while community health grows.

This has led me to be a proponent of the Iceland/Planet Youth strategy. I have done 100+ presentations, consultations, and strategy building sessions on how organizations can work together to create community transformations.

If your organization needs to:

– Create a sustainable plan to fund your organization.

– Develop a strategy to create long-term change and create a ‘Case for Support.’

– Create better giving systems.

– Learn how to apply for grants.

– Raise short-term funds for a project.

– Or, you just need help with fundraising, encouragement, and a positive mentor.

Then why not contact me about how we can work together to help your organization? I want to save you time, help you increase support, and help you serve better.

You can sign up for our newsletter at www.thefundingcoach.ca or follow and receive free regular fundraising lessons at https://www.facebook.com/thefundingcoachonline

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Funding Lesson 21 – Learn How People Give. It is Changing, Fast

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How people use money is changing. In one recent study, it was found that only 31% of Canadians use cash for day-to-day transactions. Another finding shows that in the last 6 years, the amount of cash used for day-to-day use has dropped by 59%. This trend is going to continue. Cash likely will never disappear, but its use is on the decline.

You may or may not be like me, but I rarely use cash, or even my debit cards, as I primarily use my phone for all in-person and online purchases. When I go to the grocery store, events, or the mall, there are always someone fundraising or selling tickets. For a person like me, I never donate or purchase what is being sold, as I no longer carry cash.

This can be relevant to those raising funds through fundraisers, as if you are only accepting cash, you are stopping a large majority of people from donating or buying. However, this is not just about cash. It is about understanding how people give. People generally give in the easiest way possible. It is up to us to create giving systems that are easy and open to everyone.

One concern I have heard over the years from many charities is that adopting an online giving platform will cost them a small percentage of each donation. That can range from 2-5% of donations. However, that is flawed thinking. In reality, if you focus on online or electronic giving to those not currently giving, then you are getting 95% of funds from donors you were never going to have.

In a day when a large majority of people prefer not to give by cash, or any complicated method, it may be time to look at two things about your giving system: 1 – Is giving accessible to everyone? 2 – Are our giving systems as simple as possible?

Addressing our giving systems needs to happen on a regular basis. The ways people give, the types of currencies / methods are changing drastically this decade. So as non profits we don’t want to be on the losing end because we limit donations.

If you are looking for more help on creating easy giving systems and are interested in learning how to increase giving to your organization or non-profit, please contact the funding coach.

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Funding Lesson #20Building Trust Through Social Media

This may be shocking to those leading or involved with nonprofits, but one recent research study found that only 52% of Americans trust nonprofit organizations. Fears of overspending, stories of highly paid CEOs, or mismanagement of funds have chipped away at people’s trust. This can be disheartening, as it means that whatever campaign, promotion, or media you put out, it will be immediately rejected by some people.

However, I believe this is also a huge opportunity. This is where we can use social media to build something powerful. It is TRUST.

We can think social media is only about promotion, how we ask for help, or as part of a fundraising campaign. That is a mistake.

‘What if you used your social media, in part, to consistently let people see that you do what you say you do?’

This lets supporters, and future supporters, see the results of their giving, their volunteering, and support. It lets them know their contributions are really doing something, and your team is worth investing in.

Trust is built by being consistent. It is not about the spectacular. It is letting people know they can count on your organization to fulfill the mission you are a part of.

Most organizations do some form of strategy when it comes to social media. It may be time to think about what ‘Building Trust’ looks like as part of your plan. Doing so will increase the effectiveness of future campaigns and the search for volunteers and supporters.

To learn more about building trust through social media, please contact us at the Funding Coach.

www.thefundingcoach.ca

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Funding Lesson #19 – Build Connection Points



In the heart of every nonprofit beats the desire to reach more people, to touch more lives, and to create lasting change. But how do we expand our reach beyond our immediate circle?

It starts by recognizing the limitations of our current connections. While our circle of influence may be strong, it’s not infinite. So, let’s ask ourselves: How do people connect with us?

From friendships to social media, community events to fundraisers, the avenues are endless. Some are robust, others less so, and there may even be untapped potentials waiting to be explored.

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options? You’re not alone. Nonprofits often face the challenge of limited time and resources. But here’s the secret: You don’t have to do it all.

Instead, here are two beginning steps. First, focus on strengthening what you’re already good at. As a team, brainstorm ways to expand your successes. Second, try something new! Take the time to cultivate simple, effective strategies for connection, whether it’s building mailing lists, boosting your presence on social media, doing community events, etc.��

You can also work with a coach. Look at what other groups are doing successfully. Then create a plan to expand into new circles of influence. Let’s embark on this journey together, one connection at a time. Because when we expand our reach, we amplify our impact.

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Funding Lesson #18 – Make Your Team, Your Fundraising Team

In the world of nonprofits, charities, and faith communities, resources are the lifeblood that fuels our missions. And if you’re here, chances are you’re one of the incredible individuals helping to secure those vital resources.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go it alone. While one person may bear more responsibility, the strength lies in building a team.

Let’s face it: most organizations are already a team. From the dedicated board members to the passionate volunteers and generous donors, each person plays a crucial role. Yet, despite having a team, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated in the quest to raise the funds that keep everything moving.

But fear not! The level of support we receive from our team is within our control. Here’s how you can transform your team into a formidable fundraising force:

1️⃣ Empowerment through Information: Ensure your team is well-versed in the organization’s mission, the impact it’s making, and the pressing needs that require attention. Equip them with the knowledge of where to direct potential donors and how to engage those eager to help.

2️⃣ Foster a Culture of Inclusion: By keeping everyone informed on a regular basis, you empower each team member to be an integral part of the fundraising journey. This not only boosts morale but also encourages active participation in initiatives that drive donations and foster a profound sense of belonging and purpose.

Together, let’s turn your team into a fundraising powerhouse!