Tag: funding

Posted on

Is it Time to Change Why You Fundraise?

As your organization evolves, you may find that traditional community fundraisers are no longer enough to meet your growing financial needs. Does that mean it’s time to stop fundraising altogether? Absolutely not! The key is shifting the why and the how behind your fundraising efforts.

Here’s the truth: Fundraising is about so much more than just money—it’s about building a community that believes in your mission. Here are a few ideas on hot to transform your fundraising strategy:

Shift from just fundraising to Community-Building�Use your fundraisers as opportunities to build support for your cause. Get people involved — let them feel connected to your mission and become long-term advocates. It is also an opportunity to do sometime your whole team, volunteers, and clients who will all have to work together.

Involve people in your journey—let them see YOU�Your smaller fundraisers can be much more than a simple event—they can become gatherings that engage your community, raise awareness, and foster connections. People want to support something they believe in, but they also want to connect with the individuals behind the cause. Use fundraisers to share your story, your challenges, and your victories.

Expand your reach—both locally and digitally�Building community isn’t just about in-person connections; it’s about expanding your social media presence and connecting with a broader audience. You can use events to grow your social media reach by getting people to follow, engage with online content, contests, and more.��

Online fundraisers are also powerful tools, but they should be crafted in a way that encourages people to share them. Make your campaigns shareable by telling a compelling story, using visuals, and clearly explaining why your cause matters. Ask your supporters to spread the word—and make it easy for them by creating content they can easily share with their networks.

Done right, you can turn every fundraiser into a community event that drives awareness, engagement, and a real connection to your mission. By shifting your strategy, you’re not only raising funds but also creating a movement that brings people together for a common cause.

Posted on

Know Your Level – Funding Lessons #35

When it comes to fundraising, there is definitely not ‘one’ strategy will work for everyone. Why? Because the amount of money you need to raise will directly influence the type of fundraising efforts you pursue. Recognizing your need is the first step in determining your approach.


For instance, if you only need to raise $10,000 over the course of a year, you might be able to accomplish this with a few small events, some online campaigns, or one major fundraiser. A manageable goal allows for a less demanding strategy that can fit within the resources and time you have.

However, when the target shifts to $50,000 or more, suddenly you’re facing a much larger challenge. It may seem like you can simply multiply the number of fundraisers or increase the intensity of your efforts, but that approach can lead to burnout, frustration, and you likely won’t meet your goals. Asking your team to organize five times as many events isn’t sustainable.


This is when it’s time to change gears. If your budget demands larger amounts, you need to think different. You may need to explore new types of fundraising—perhaps corporate sponsorships, major donor programs, or larger-scale events. This shift often requires learning new skills, getting advice from experienced fundraisers, or even hiring an expert who can guide you toward new strategies.

The biggest mistake you can make is clinging to methods that simply aren’t effective for the scale of what you’re trying to achieve. Recognizing what you need and adjusting your approach accordingly will put you on the right path for success.


Let’s talk about how we can help you make the right shifts and scale your fundraising efforts effectively.

Posted on

Funding Lesson #28: Social Media for Nonprofits!

At our non-profit, when we needed help urgently—whether for meals, diapers, bikes for kids, or family support—social media often proved to be the fastest and most effective way to rally our community. This underscores just how crucial social media can be in times of crisis.

For many nonprofits, social media isn’t just about keeping followers informed; it’s also a vital tool for fundraising. If you’re feeling stuck trying to grow your following, remember: your nonprofit has unique advantages. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1️⃣ Share Compelling Stories: Great stories resonate and get shared. Pair them with eye-catching photos, a clear call to action, and make it easy for people to help. Don’t forget to ask your audience to share your posts!

2️⃣ Utilize Events: Events give you a direct opportunity to engage with people. Consider incorporating a QR code in your presentations that leads straight to your follow button, and ask everyone to follow. This works wonders for fundraisers, community events, or any programs you run.

3️⃣ Act Immediately: Turn every moment into a chance to gain new followers. For instance, offer a door prize at your next event specifically for new social media followers.

Implementing these strategies can help you grow your follower base quickly and effectively. Need more tips on promoting your nonprofit or community group?

Contact me, the funding coach, for more info and strategies.

#Nonprofit#Fundraising#SocialMediaStrategy#CommunitySupport#FundingCoach

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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?

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Screenshot

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.