In this article, I’ll share my top fund development tips in the hopes of helping your organization secure incredible funding opportunities, as well as the ability to view the entire grants management process not as a ‘have-to’ but as a ‘get-to.’ Let’s get started!
Here’s a fun fact you may or may not know: I began my nonprofit career as a Grants and Contracts Compliance Manager.
In that role, I quickly discovered fund development is more than just routine compliance as some view it—it’s a fabulous opportunity to share your organization’s impactful stories and showcase the successes your programming has achieved.
Develop a Fund Development Strategy
The first step in the fund development process is to PLAN. This is crucial whether your organization is new or established.
A well-documented strategy serves as your North Star, guiding your efforts based on your organization’s goals and mission. It enhances your ability to articulate your plans and impact, giving you leverage with funders, and ensures you have proper budgeting, timing, and staff allocation to support your applications.
For more information on building your strategy, check out our blog, Five Forward-Thinking Fund Development Strategies for Nonprofits.
Embrace a Collaborative Process
Fund development should never be a last-minute scramble. It’s important to follow deadlines diligently to ensure ample time for collaboration.
This approach not only alleviates stress but also enhances the quality of your proposals. When your team has the space to contribute, you can harness diverse perspectives and expertise, making your proposals stronger and more compelling.
One great and cost-effective way to stay on track is to use a grant reporting calendar—using simple (and free!) software like Google Calendar or Outlook—that includes vital deadlines and reminders leading up to those deadlines to keep your team on track.
Engage Program Staff in Fund Development
Program staff should be involved in the conversation when developing proposals. It’s only fair that if they are expected to achieve specific goals you’re promising to funders, they need to be aware of these changes in expectations.
Plus – you should avoid working in silos overall. Whether you’re in grants management or fund development, you often sit at the hub of your organization, touching programming, finance, admin, and compliance and collaborating with leadership.
As a result, fund development should be a team effort. While there are times when you might need to work independently, collaboration is generally more effective.
Tell Your Story with Strong Research and Storytelling
Think of fund development as storytelling. You’re not just filling out forms; you’re selling your mission and impact.
Strong and reputable research is essential in making a compelling case for your work. This is especially important if you’re just starting and lack firsthand data. Even if you are a new organization, leveraging external data can bolster your case, showing that the need you’re addressing is recognized beyond your organization.
Bonus tip: Create a repository of research that can be easily accessed and copied between proposals. This will save time and ensure consistency.
Gather Visual and Narrative Data for Fund Development
Pictures, videos, and testimonials are just as important as quantitative data. Funders appreciate a comprehensive view of your program’s impact, so don’t leave out the qualitative data.
When sourcing your data, remember that funders aren’t looking for perfection. They understand nonprofits’ challenges, and being transparent about your successes and obstacles helps build a stronger partnership. It shows funders that you’re committed to your mission and are working diligently to overcome hurdles.
Plus, if you didn’t reach a specific goal, make sure to explain the reason why in your reports. Often, the reasons might be out of your hands, and that explanation will help build trust with your funders.
Follow Application Instructions Meticulously
Answering the questions asked and following the application instructions in the letter are crucial. Missing a mandatory document or failing to answer a required question can disqualify you. Pay close attention to the details—this ensures your proposal gets the consideration it deserves.
Next Steps
By embracing these practices, you can transform your fund development efforts into a strategic, collaborative, and highly effective process that secures funding and strengthens your organization’s impact and mission.
If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We specialize in fund development strategy, grant writing, and grant management. Let’s work together to fuel your mission and create lasting change!