Sustainable funding doesn’t start with grants or donors.
Are You in Trouble?
You may be. Thinking about starting a new year may feel completely overwhelming.
As of this year, 95% of nonprofit leaders say burnout is a major concern, and 70% say they are currently experiencing burnout. What’s even more concerning is that, despite how high these numbers already are, they continue to rise.
The pressure on nonprofits is growing as community needs increase. People are struggling to afford food, find safe and affordable housing, pay for heat, and cover other essentials. The organizations trying to help are being stretched beyond their capacity.
I want to encourage you: it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Yes, the needs may grow even larger next year, and your organization will still have to navigate how to respond. But with the right strategy and a clear plan, it is possible to reduce stress, lighten workloads, and prevent burnout.
I’ve had the privilege of leading several nonprofits, overseeing building projects, and being actively involved in creating new community centres. That work has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
At the same time, it came at a cost. I burned out. Recovery took years. The constant pressure, endless fundraising, ongoing worry, and stress eventually became too much. If you’re feeling this way, you are not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority.
As we head into a new year, I want to invite you to consider making a change. Ask for help. Seek encouragement. Find people you can talk to. Learn how to address your organization’s needs without sacrificing your sanity.
I help nonprofit leaders who are struggling by building long-term funding strategies and clear cases for support. My goal is to make your work easier, reduce pressure on you and your team, lighten your workload, prevent burnout, and help you serve your community more effectively.
If this resonates with you, let’s talk.
Dave
The Funding Coach
www.facebook.com/thefundingcoachonline/
www.thefundingcoach.ca
Find the Director with the Right Skills?
This is a bold statement, but I can usually tell the long-term viability of a nonprofit within a minute of meeting its director.
Most people look for the common qualities in a leader: their passion, commitment to the mission, and ability to bring in great volunteers and staff. These traits matter. No nonprofit can thrive without them. But here’s the truth most people overlook: those qualities alone don’t determine whether an organization will be sustainable for years to come.
I often talk about perseverance because running a nonprofit takes real work. There are long days, hard choices, and plenty of moments where you’re giving more time and energy than you ever expected. And building the relationships needed for major funding? That can take years, sometimes decades.
Still, even with passion and perseverance, there’s one quality that stands out above the rest when it comes to long-term success.
A few years ago, I spoke at a local college alongside several leaders from major nonprofits in our area. The students asked all the right questions; what we look for when hiring, what skills someone needs to work for or start a nonprofit, and how to prepare for the work ahead.
The panel offered a lot of great insight, but one common thread connected every director on that stage. I’ve worked with most of them over the years and it was evident they all share the same crucial skill: they understand money, what is needed to raise it, not just for the short term, but for the long term.
And this skill is surprisingly easy to overlook. If a director doesn’t have the business or entrepreneurial sense to understand and manage an organization’s financial needs, the nonprofit will almost certainly face serious challenges down the road, or fail completely. This is why it’s so important to have an honest conversation when hiring: Does our director have the business mindset needed to sustain our budget and our mission long-term? If they do not, it can lead to failure of the organization, or burnout of the director.
The good news is that these skills can be learned. Training helps. Coaching helps. Passion may get a nonprofit off the ground, but it’s strong business skills that help it grow, stabilize, and last.
If you’re ready to develop those skills, reach out to the Funding Coach. I’d be happy to help.
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
Get Your Team Ready
I’ve talked before about getting your team involved in fundraising. But depending on the size of your organization, your “team” might be just you—or it could include family, friends, volunteers, staff, or all of the above.
No matter the size or makeup of your team, you can increase your reach by equipping everyone with the right tools.
Start by keeping it simple. Give each person a clear, short list that includes:
- What your organization needs
- How they can help
- How to give
This is the easiest way to multiply your message—by empowering others to share it again and again.
This approach works best when it’s:
- Simple
- Easy to remember
- Easy for others to act on
So take a little time to share a clear ask and action plan with your team. Make sure they understand it and can communicate it confidently.
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.
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
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.
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.