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The most successful focus of funding efforts

John Gravley
5 hours ago
3 min read

How to understand the most successful focus of funding efforts for a non-profit.


Number One - what stage of development is the non-profit?


STARTUP - Just a dream or early plan.

An idea or problem has been identified and a solution has been proposed. This stage goes from the dream or idea to the early stages of the non-profit. A modest proof of concept has been created and there are some initial results.

SCALEUP - The program is being implemented and has proof of concept in place.

The proof of concept is producing results but the scope and scale is limited. A team has been hired to grow the service or program to take the organization to a greater level of impact. Results can show year-over-year growth or impact for multiple years.

PROGRAM - Able to show significant results from the program over a span of years.

The service or program is mature and growing. Demonstrates clear results over time. Of a clearly defined scale.


Number Two - Where will your message find the greatest fit?How do you determine this?



  1. Mission - What problem or issue is being addressed?

    1. How easy is the mission to understand?

    2. How broad or narrow is the focus of the mission?

    3. How many people can be impacted by the mission?

  2. Solution - How is the problem or issue being addressed? What is the solution?

    1. How easy is the solution to understand?

    2. How likely is the solution to address the issue or cause?

    3. How large is the potential impact?

  3. Results

    1. Does the solution work?  

    2. Is there a basic proof of concept?

    3. What is demonstrated impact?



Number Three - What are the different funding sources you can target?


Major Gift - individual/couple/family decides, no committee or staff decisions. 

Decision is made by individual/couple/family based on a conversation with Non-profit leader. There may be a request for information but the decision is based on the relationship or conversation.

Focus:

  1. Compelling need and solution.

  2. Personal relationship dynamic with the donor.

  3. Results less important for this type of funding, as long as the mission is easy to understand, the solution is clear, and the impact seems significant.


BEST OPTION FOR STARTUPS AND SCALEUP organizations because the focus is not on the history of results but quality of a relationship that can be established and the power of mission and solution.

Corporate - Midlevel

Decision is made by midlevel staff based on corporate ESG or DEI initiatives generated by the corporate team. Clear and compelling case material needed from non-profit.

Focus;

  1. Compelling need and solution.

  2. Story examples of success.

  3. Results need to show that the program is effective but the key is message and potential.

  4. Funding decision levels controlled by midlevel staff (approx. $10k-$50)


BEST OPTION FOR SCALE UPorganizations because the focus is on the significance of mission and alignment with corporate initiatives. The key is alignment. The proof of concept must be clear and the potential strong.

Corporate - Major

Decision is initiated by midlevel staff based on corporate ESG or D&I initiatives generated by corporate team. But major funding decision is made by higher level staff. They will have a different decision basis.

Focus;

  1. Compelling need and solution.

  2. Story examples of success.

  3. Results need to show that the program is effective and outcome metrics need to show a significant impact. The focus will be on impressive numbers.

  4. Funding decision levels $100K and up.


BEST OPTION FOR PROGRAMorganizations because focus is on alignment with corporate initiatives PLUS a record of results and significant impact. There is a need to communmicate impact and ways corporation can gain attention for participation.

Major Foundation

Decision is made by the foundation staff based on the foundation’s areas of interest. Clear and compelling case material is needed from non-profit that shows alignment with the foundation’s areas of interest.

Focus;

  1. Compelling need and solution.

  2. Story examples of success.

  3. Results need to show that the program is effective and outcome metrics need to show a significant impact.  

  4. The focus will be on alignment with the foundation’s areas of interest.


CAN BE OPTION FOR ALL STAGES BASED ON THE FOUNDATION’S AREAS OF INTEREST.  The key is alignment with the foundation’s areas of interest. Foundation may focus on helping organization start/grow/expand regardless of mission or the foundation may be more focused on mission and results. That is why grants are possible at all stages of growth.


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