I love people who make things happen.They create systems and organizations to better their community. They feel deeply responsible for the mission. They will do anything to keep things going……Yes almost anything. Sacrifice time, family, health, sanity. This is not sustainable.

In many ways, we become victims of our own success. The better we do at fulfilling our mission, the more the community asks us to help. The need never stops. There is always more to do.

Add to this the growing economic struggles we’re seeing everywhere. The number of individuals and families needing help continues to rise, creating yet another layer of pressure. You know it’s not just about maintaining what you’re doing heading into 2026, you already know you’ll be expected to do more.

The reason you’re in your position is because you care. You want to help. You want to make a difference in the place you serve. People with high levels of compassion often end up working in nonprofits, faith groups, and community organizations.

What makes leading a nonprofit especially stressful is that the most compassionate, community-minded people are often asked to do work they were never trained or equipped to do. Most nonprofit leaders end up becoming fundraisers, or what I call “money entrepreneurs” by necessity, not by choice.

For example, in college I learned how to run youth programs. No one ever taught us how to pay for those programs, how to fund staff positions, cover salaries, or build sustainable funding models.

So here you are. You’re being asked to do something you may have zero training for. You’re being asked to do more of it. And everyone is depending on you.

That’s stress.

And this is a big reason why 95% of nonprofit leaders say burnout is a major concern, and 70% say they are currently experiencing burnout.

This is also why I now help leaders in nonprofits, faith groups, and community organizations develop the skills they need to sustain their work. For over 25 years, I worked in organizations that relied on constant funding, from donors, offerings, grants, and government sources.

I personally carried the weight of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, and millions for large projects. I burned myself out doing it.

What’s changed? I now focus my time on the things that produce the greatest results, and I’ve learned to let a lot of things go.

If all of this sounds way to familiar, I would love to talk with you.

To be a place where you can be encouraged. A place where you can voice your stress. And together, we can discover ways to help your organization thrive, while you get your life back.

Dave

The Funding Coach

https://www.facebook.com/thefundingcoachonline

https://thefundingcoach.ca/www.instagram.com/davesawler

There are plenty of reasons why your nonprofit might be struggling to land grants or secure large-scale donations. But there’s one reason that often flies under the radar, ‘you might be asking for far too little.’

Nonprofits are often used to stretching every dollar, running lean, and making do with what’s available. But here’s the twist: donors aren’t always looking to fund frugality. Sometimes, they want to give generously so that something can be done without cutting corners.

If it looks like you’re underasking, or, if there’s any doubt that you’ll have enough to finish the project or deliver real impact, that’s a red flag for funders. Lack of belief in your budget often leads to lack of belief in your mission.

In the world of foundations and government grants, funders frequently measure success by the scale of impact. The more ambitious, and well-resourced, your project is, the more likely it is to get noticed. Long term funders know that meaningful change doesn’t come cheap.

If your proposal doesn’t meet that threshold, it might not even make it to their shortlist.

So, what can you do?

Do your homework. Get to know the giving habits of the people or institutions you’re approaching. If you’re renovating a sports field, for example, research what your province or state funded last year. If you find they didn’t award anything under $100,000, then asking for $25,000 could be an instant disqualifier, no matter how well-written your proposal is.

The same goes for individual donors. If someone is known for making legacy-level contributions, don’t come at them with a small project. Frame your ask at the level they’re used to giving. Think big, prepare accordingly, and match your vision to their giving history.

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

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.