fundraising

Lessons from Funders

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As a grant writer, I love having conversations with grant funders; I always learn so much. Top lessons have included:

  • If your organization has been awarded a grant, but is having trouble meeting the objectives – reach out to the funder. Have a conversation – earlier than later.
  • If you are thinking of submitting an application and have a question, do read all the materials before reaching out to the funder. You might find the answer in the materials.
  • But if you can’t find the answer in the materials, and if there is a contact listed, do consider reaching out to the foundation for an answer to your question.

So to summarize: communication is important!

If you are interested in learning more about grantmakers’ perspectives, be sure to join me and Austin Community College’s Center for Nonprofit Studies (aka Nonprofit Austin) for the Funder Focus series. These 90-minute virtual presentations will feature conversations with a grant funder – with plenty of time for your questions.

Find details on the series here; and some of the upcoming presentations are listed below. We hope you can join us!

Funder Focus: Connect with Impact Austin – October 28th, 2021 at noon CT

Funder Focus: Connect with The Webber Family Foundation – November 11th, 2021 at noon CT

Funder Focus: Connect with The City of Austin Cultural Funding Programs – December 9th, 2021 at noon CT

Funder Focus: Connect with The Greater Round Rock Community Foundation – January 20th, 2022 at noon CT

Greater Good Strategies’ Director will be hosting a Funder Focus series presented by The Center for Nonprofit Studies

The Art of Finding Grant Opportunities

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It is one of the biggest ‘grant writing secrets’: your chances of obtaining funding increase significantly when you find the right funder to ask.

So, what is the top strategy for finding the right funder?

The strategy is to find the possible funder who is the most probable funder.

This video will elaborate!

And if you want to learn even more, sign up for this online class presented by the Center for Nonprofit Studies; The Art of Finding Grant Opportunities, April 1, 2021, noon – 1:30 p.m.

The Art of Finding Grant Opportunities

Philanthropists Offer Grant Tips

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Do you have an idea for the next innovation in education and wonder if it could win a grant? A panel is being proposed for SXSW EDU 2020 that would help education practitioners, administrators and nonprofits who are searching for project funding.

The proposed panel is titled Get that Grant: Tips and Trends from Philanthropists. And we need you, the public, to show your support for this idea during the community voting period (Aug. 5 – Aug. 23, 2019). Please go to panelpicker.sxsw.com , log in and vote-up and comment on this proposal if you’d like to see it at the next SXSW EDU.

One very exciting bit of news is three very strong and knowledgeable philanthropists have already committed to participating! Their perspective and information will prove to be indispensable to grant-seekers. The grantmakers who have committed are:

These philanthropists will demystify the grant funding process during this proposed panel. They will describe what makes a successful project and how to make your grant request shine. You’ll learn what innovations today’s education funders are looking for, how to propose your project ideas and what you need to do to Get that Grant!

Please take a look at the video describing the details; and vote and comment here. Thank you very much, and we hope to see you at SXSW EDU.

Nonprofits: Get that Grant!

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Grant Writing Class at Austin’s Center for Nonprofit Studies

I am excited about helping nonprofits achieve their missions. Similarly, I love helping nonprofit orgs get grant funding. So I am thrilled to let you know here that I’ll be presenting a day-long Grant Writing seminar at Austin’s Center for Nonprofit Studies on June 26th, 2019. I hope you’ll join me!

Get ready to look at grant writing in a new way – and energize your fundraising efforts! We’ll cover the basics of applications that support nonprofit organizations. We’ll cover:

  • Overview of grant funding
  • Your “success compass” – Top-line information about three key areas will point the way to a strong application. In this class we will focus on what you need to know and how to gather that information.
    • Know your organization
    • Know your potential funder
    • Know yourself (and your job)
  • The application journey – Once you have the facts above, you are ready to take the application journey. A strong application process will help you build a successful application. This class will teach the essential activities of going from step to step to step.
    • Step one: Our Nonprofit Organization has a Dream
    • Step two: We Have Found a Potential Grant Funder
    • Step three: We Have Turned in the Application
    • (Step four: Celebrate Success!)
  • Key tools for success – Now that you have the outline of what you need and how to proceed, this last section will give you practical tips, tools and hacks for crafting a successful application.

I have been writing grant applications since the 1990s and have raised over $11 million in grant funds for recipient organizations.  I also hold a master’s degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, and am Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Here is the link for tickets. I hope you’ll join me to learn more about successful grant writing on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at ACC Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752.

Image: Cutrer

Wine Knowledge Helps Nonprofit Professionals

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wine2

Andrew Stevens of Twin Liquors Marketplace at Hill Country Galleria (Store #60) teaches a class on French Wine

A headline like that needs an explanation, doesn’t it?

Well, networking and socializing are key activities for development officers and other nonprofit professionals. Recognizing this, the Texas Grants Resource Center and the Grant Professionals Association – Austin Chapter partnered to bring an essential (and fun) event to their members: French Wine 101 – a primer for nonprofit events and fundraisers.

The attendees got a chance to learn about and taste wines from France. And the group also learned wine essentials like how to decant wine and how to increase your vocabulary of taste descriptions (hint: taste, smell and savor various natural items – like during a visit to a farmer’s market). But folks also took the opportunity to socialize, win prizes and have some holiday cheer.

Special and heart-felt thanks goes to the skillful presenter Andrew Stevens and the Twin Liquors Store #60  Manager, Andrew Zemites.

Andrew Stevens lead the group on an exciting and educational virtual journey through French wine country. Attendees learned not just about how wines are made and what to look for when enjoying them, but they learned the history and social aspects of the French regions as well. Andrew Zemites kindly set the whole experience up and created a very welcoming environment.

If anyone has questions about any wines or other spirits, the team at Twin Liquors Marketplace at Hill Country Galleria (Store #60), 3925 Market St, Bee Cave, TX have proven they will give you kind and knowledgeable service. You can find the store next to Dick’s Sporting Goods and behind the Verizon store at the Hill Country Galleria.

wine

And by the way, here are the wonderful wines that were covered in the class:

  • Alsace – Mure Reisling Signature
  • Loire – Dom Dugois Trousseau
  • Roussillon – Cuvee Constance
  • Burgundy – Liger-Belair Bourgogne
  • Bordeaux – Neipperg Collection
  • Rhone – La Fermes Du Mont Vendange

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

Images: Erler, Cochran

Get that grant!

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Grant Writing Class at Austin’s Center for Nonprofit Studies

I am thrilled to share the news: I’ll be presenting a day-long Grant Writing seminar at Austin’s Center for Nonprofit Studies on December 4th, 2018. I hope you’ll join me!

Get ready to look at grant writing in a new way – and energize your fundraising efforts! We’ll cover the basics of applications that support nonprofit organizations; join us if your level is anywhere from beginner up to intermediate. We’ll cover:

  • Overview of grant funding
  • Your “success compass” – Top-line information about three key areas will point the way to a strong application. In this class we will focus on what you need to know and how to gather that information.
    • Know your organization
    • Know your potential funder
    • Know yourself (and your job)
  • The application journey – Once you have the facts above, you are ready to take the application journey. A strong application process will help you build a successful application. This class will teach the essential activities of going from step to step to step.
    • Step one: Our Nonprofit Organization has a Dream
    • Step two: We Have Found a Potential Grant Funder
    • Step three: We Have Turned in the Application
    • (Step four: Celebrate Success!)
  • Key tools for success – Now that you have the outline of what you need and how to proceed, this last section will give you practical tips, tools and hacks for crafting a successful application.

I am excited about helping nonprofits achieve their missions. I have been writing grant applications since the 1990s and have raised over $10 million in grant funds for recipient organizations.  I also hold a master’s degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, and am Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Here is the link for tickets. I hope you’ll join me to learn more about successful grant writing on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at ACC Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752.

Money image

Image: Cutrer

Funder Focus: The Moody Foundation

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Moody 3

Bernice Torregrossa, Grants Analyst and Regional Grants Director for The Moody Foundation speaks to nonprofit professionals at the Texas Grants Resource Center

On August 23, 2018, The Moody Foundation‘s Bernice Torregrossa, Grants Analyst and Regional Grants Director for Central Texas, spoke at the Texas Grants Resource Center. She described the philanthropic work of the Foundation, gave information about the guidelines for applying and answered questions from the nonprofit professionals in the audience.

The Moody Foundation is a Texas funder that supports the arts, education, environment, health, and social services. The Foundation accepts inquiry letters on an ongoing basis from Texas-based nonprofits. Over the years, the Moody Foundation has made more than $1.2 billion in grants throughout the state.

The Texas Grants Resource Center’s monthly presentations for nonprofit professionals further the mission of the University of Texas at Austin’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE). The DDCE’s Community Engagement Center (CEC) houses this program. To sign up to get first notice of upcoming speakers go to this page.

Thank you to the Moody Foundation for all the work you do to support Texas and for coming to present to central Texas nonprofit organizations at TGRC.

 

 

Image: Erler

Funder Focus: St. David’s Foundation

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St Davids Foundation

Elizabeth Krause, ScM, Senior Program Officer at St. David’s Foundation presenting to TGRC on July 10, 2018

St. David’s Foundation is a Central Texas funder that generously supports innovative organizations solving problems related to bringing good health into reach.

On July 10, 2018, Elizabeth Krause, ScM, Senior Program Officer at St. David’s Foundation spoke to a group of nonprofit professionals at the Texas Grants Resource Center (a program of the University of Texas at Austin’s Community Engagement Center).

Elizabeth described the philanthropic work of the foundation and the grant-making process. The foundation’s work is around three focus areas (and subcategories within each area):

Providing Central Texans with the healthiest care in the world:

  • Connection to Specialty Care
  • Strong Safety Net
  • Dental Health
  • Health Care Workforce
  • Insurance Enrollment & Use

Creating the healthiest places for Central Texans to live:

  • Access to Healthy Food
  • Housing Wrap-Around Services
  • Opportunities to Be Active
  • Rural Communities

Helping Central Texans be the healthiest people they can be:

  • Aging in Place
  • Childhood Adversity
  • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
  • Women’s Health

Some of the practical grant-seeking tips Elizabeth shared include:

  • Contact Program Officers at St. David’s Foundation if you have an idea that aligns with a strategic priority;
  • Communication with a Program Officer will help to determine if the possible project aligns and is eligible;
  • The foundation encourages collaboration;
  • The foundation has grant opportunities by invitation and they also extend periodic Requests for Proposals;
  • One way to keep up-to-date with RFP and other opportunities is to follow the foundation on their social media accounts.

Be sure to visit the St. David’s Foundation site for more information on the grant process and the focus areas.

Relationships with Foundations

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Erica

Erica Ekwurzel – Presenting at the Texas Grants Resource Center

On June 8th, 2018, The Texas Grants Resource Center’s Nonprofit Partner series featured Developing Donor Relationships with Family & Private Foundations, presented by Erica V. Ekwurzel, CFRE. Erica shared tips from her experience leading and supporting family and private grantmakers.

Here are some of the top take-aways from the TGRC session:

  • When it comes to applying for grants – don’t do “mission drift.” Don’t lose sight of your mission by chasing grant funding that reflects the ideas of others;
  • Review and proofread all applications;
  • If you know one foundation…well, you know one foundation.
  • Make sure that the application you send is purposeful and intentional;
  • Have data to support your proposal.

For more information on presentations by the Texas Grants Resource Center, visit Texasgrc.org.

 

Image: Erler

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Tips

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Qgiv NTEN May 2018

Todd Baylis of Qgiv at Austin’s NTEN Nonprofit Tech Club – May 24, 2018

Nonprofit organizations are getting a little help from friends. More and more nonprofits are inviting their biggest fans to spread the word and help raise funds for their causes.

It is called peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising and at their May meeting, Austin’s NTEN Nonprofit Tech Club chapter got a crash course from Todd Baylis, Qgiv President.

An organization’s supporters can reach out to their network of friends to introduce them to the nonprofit through crowdfunding, walk-a-thons, giving days and more. Todd’s top P2P tips include:

  • Engage donors;
  • Cultivate relationships;
  • Provide a sense of urgency (this will minimize procrastination);
  • Create templates of messages;
  • Provide training and guides for your fundraisers;
  • Incorporate badges;
  • Also, provide an opportunity for off-line gifts.

Oh, and don’t forget that Qgiv has a peer-to-peer fundraising platform that can help enhance P2P efforts.

Austin’s NTEN Nonprofit Tech Club, a program of the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), has presentations every month. Click here for info about upcoming events.

 

 

Image: Erler