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?

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