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Funding Lesson #31 – Build Long Term Funding

Running a nonprofit is no small feat—it takes resources, dedicated staff, and unwavering commitment to serve our communities. But here’s the challenge: most funding opportunities focus on short-term projects, leaving core operating costs in the shadows.

To truly thrive, nonprofits need to prioritize long-term funding strategies. Here are a few ideas to help you secure that vital support:

Pursue Multiyear Funding Grants: Yes, they require more effort, but the payoff is immense. Having a reliable funding source for several years allows you to build sustainable programs and retain your talented staff.

Create Long-Term Giving Options: Whether on your donation platform or at events, offer donors the chance to commit to long-term support. It fosters deeper relationships and ensures your mission continues to flourish.

Educate Your Donors: Make it a core part of your strategy to inform donors and the public about your organization’s biggest needs. Transparent communication about the importance of core funding can turn one-time givers into long-term supporters.

By focusing on these long-term funding strategies, you can alleviate the stress of constant fundraising, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters—creating lasting impact in your community.

Remember, a reliable income stream not only helps you plan for the future but also empowers you to fulfill your mission without constant worry. Let’s work together to make sustainable funding a reality! For more visit www.thefundingcoach.ca

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Funding Lesson #30 Start Your End-of-Year Giving Plan Now


The majority of nonprofits receive their largest donations in December, with giving steadily increasing throughout the fall and peaking at year-end. This surge is driven by both charitable and tax-related reasons. Many nonprofits ramp up their community support and do extra work during the holidays, inspiring others to give. Additionally, those seeking income tax receipts often choose to donate more, knowing they’ll benefit from tax deductions.


Since the coming months are often the most generous for donors, it makes perfect sense to create a plan to maximize this opportunity. There are various methods to boost donations, from online campaigns to in-person events—choose what works best for your organization.

Here are a few ideas to consider, regardless of the type of plan you create:
Leverage the Charitable Season
This is a time when many people feel the desire to help others and do something meaningful. Provide clear, practical ways for them to give through your organization. Explain how their contribution can make a difference in a simple and direct manner.


Create an Online Gift Board
Promote a “gift board” through social media and at your events. For example, if your organization feeds families during the holidays, create links or buttons that allow donors to “Feed a Family.” You can also offer options to feed multiple families (e.g., “Feed Five” or “Feed Ten”). This approach makes the donation tangible, visual, and easy to complete.
Encourage Long-Term Giving
Extend the holiday giving spirit into the new year by offering donors the opportunity to support your programs year-round. For instance, if your nonprofit provides services to kids, youth, families, or seniors, offer an option to cover both holiday and year-long support, such as meals, recreation, or transportation. Framing this as a meaningful holiday gift to a family can resonate deeply with donors.


No matter which strategy you pursue, start now. Many individuals and businesses are already planning their end-of-year giving, so it’s essential to engage in those conversations early.
For more ideas and guidance, contact The Funding Coach at www.thefundingcoach.ca.

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Funding Lesson #27 – Grants – How to Increase Success

For many nonprofits and community groups, securing government grants and foundation support is essential. However, the process of completing applications, understanding eligibility requirements, and crafting proposals for uncertain funding can be overwhelming.

To enhance your chances of success, consider the following approach:

Every organization has its own goals and mission, both for the present and the future. When seeking a grant or writing a proposal, you typically present these objectives. Essentially, you’re asking another organization or level of government to invest their resources to help achieve your goals. This approach is standard practice.

However, this method often overlooks a crucial factor: foundations and governments allocate funds to advance their own objectives. Understanding this can transform how you approach funding requests.

For instance, in my province, the government has a stated goal of reducing child poverty. Knowing this, when proposing a project aimed at benefiting children, youth, or families, I would highlight how the project aligns with the government’s goal of reducing child poverty. By demonstrating that investing in your project contributes to their objectives, you create a mutually beneficial situation. Your success in meeting your goals translates to their success in achieving theirs.

You don’t need to alter your organization’s mission to align with this strategy. Instead, focus on identifying funding opportunities and grants that support your mandate while also addressing broader community goals, such as enhancing community health.

Do this and increase your level of success.

For more info, help with applying for grants, or writing funding proposals please contact the funding coach.

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Funding Lesson #10 – Advocacy – The Greatest Lesson

🌟 Embrace the Power of Advocacy in Fundraising 🌟

Fundraising is a realm where passion meets purpose, and the journey to becoming an exceptional fundraiser begins with a profound understanding of advocacy. In my journey through the world of fundraising, I’ve encountered two significant roadblocks that many individuals face – the courage to ask for substantial amounts and the discomfort in seeking support for personal endeavors within the nonprofit sector.

I vividly recall a meeting with multiple funders, and a colleague asked, “How can you boldly request such significant contributions?” The figures discussed seemed overwhelming, prompting a search for the source of my confidence. Was it experience, audacity, or something else entirely? The answer lies in the power of advocacy, which I’m about to share.

The second challenge pertains to those working in nonprofit organizations, charities, and faith communities who need to raise funds not just for their programs but also for their salaries. Many individuals have expressed discomfort in asking for money for themselves, viewing it as awkward, intimidating, or even morally conflicting when they are, in fact, raising funds for a mission that means the world to them.

The solution may seem obvious – you are an integral part of the mission, and it cannot function without your dedication and effort. You are the very embodiment of the mission’s purpose, its hands, and its feet. However, the discomfort persists.

To address these issues, I invited a person close to us to share their personal experience with our organization and the profound impact it had on their lives. Their heartfelt story touched everyone present, reaffirming the purpose in our work. Then, I posed a question to all: “Would you be willing to ask a donor to help someone in a similar situation?” Inspired by the moving testimony, the unanimous response was “yes.”

The key lies in recognizing that you are an advocate, not just for yourself but for the mission you represent. This shift in perspective is the cornerstone of becoming an extraordinary fundraiser. It’s when you become the voice that stands before others, passionately seeking their support to make a difference in the lives of those you care about.

While the discomfort of asking for funds, including salaries, may never completely dissipate, we can find comfort in standing up for others. This is the essence of advocacy. It empowers you to be bold, ask for help, and share your vision because you’re the bridge between compassion and action. You stand in the gap to represent the very essence of what your mission stands for.

Let advocacy be your guiding principle in fundraising, and it will revolutionize how you perceive and practice this art. Your unwavering passion and commitment will draw people to the table, inspiring them to invest, engage, and join in the mission.

In the world of fundraising, be the advocate who lights the way for change and compassion.

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Funding Lesson #3 – Have an Answer


In the world of non-profits, having a clear and compelling answer is your secret weapon for success.

Picture this: You’re passionately sharing your non-profit’s idea, vision, project, or a community event. The magic question pops up: “How can I help?” This question is a golden opportunity, often missed. But you, as a non-profit leader, can seize it and make a lasting impact.

The key to capitalizing on this moment lies in always being ready with an answer. A well-prepared leader has not just one, but several answers up their sleeve, tailored to the individual asking. It might be a resounding “Yes, we need volunteers for…” with the specifics filled in, or you could outline one to three concrete needs – one small, one medium, and one substantial.

Being prepared with these responses ensures you won’t miss the chance to harness the goodwill of those willing to lend a hand. It empowers you to engage with those who genuinely want to make a difference, and even those who have the means to offer substantial support.

So, remember, in the world of non-profits, having an answer is your greatest asset. It’s your ticket to unlocking the full potential of your mission and making a significant difference in the lives you aim to touch.

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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.