Category: Kick Off

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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

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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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Why Do You Need the Funding Coach?

Several years ago, I had the privilege of joining a panel of esteemed nonprofit directors to address a group of students at one of our local colleges. This event provided a unique platform for students to engage with potential future employers within their local nonprofit landscape.

During my turn to shed light on what a career in the nonprofit sector entailed, I encouraged the students to take a moment to consider the accomplished individuals who had graced the stage before me. It was a reflection I had recently undergone myself, and it became apparent that the most successful long-term nonprofit leaders were some of the finest fundraisers I had ever encountered.

These individuals had honed the vital skills necessary to secure grants, collaborate with various government entities, garner community support, and effectively convey the vision and needs of their respective organizations.

The knowledge I imparted that day was a fundamental truth: if you choose to venture into this field, you must master the art of income generation, or you need to find someone who has.

Lack of funding stands as the paramount reason for nonprofit closures and the inability to fulfill their mission. The overarching mission of the Funding Coach is to guide you and your organization in acquiring the essential skills required to establish and sustain a viable funding strategy.

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Welcome

I am delighted to announce my involvement with a dynamic new venture known as ‘The Funding Coach.’ We are set to make our grand debut on November 1st with a noble mission at heart: to empower community groups, non-profits, and faith communities, enabling them to establish a strong financial footing.

The most common hurdle that non-profits face, often leading to their inability to fulfill their missions or even closure, is the lack of adequate funding. These organizations play a pivotal role in uniting communities to address critical social issues such as poverty, youth programs, support for families and seniors, as well as the provision of essential resources like food and meals.

The Funding Coach has been conceived with the sole purpose of providing assistance to these groups. Whether they are feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, or simply seeking strategies for sustainability and growth, we are here to lend a helping hand.

Stay tuned for more comprehensive information, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any inquiries or wish to learn more about our mission.