Are You Fundable: Considerations to Avoid the Five Common Pitfalls.
- Pat Kelsaw
- Jun 3, 2024
- 4 min read
For a novice grant seeker or grant writer, the path to success in the nonprofit sector can be fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to securing funding. The top five issues or common pitfalls that I wrote about last week are highlighted below along with considerations on what nonprofit organizations should avoid or steer clear of them to become fundable. You can learn more tips and strategies at my upcoming webinar LEARN MORE.
This week explores ways that novices to the nonprofit sector
can address them.
1. Lack of Clarity in Mission and Vision:
One of the most common mistakes made by new nonprofit organizations is a lack of clarity in
defining their mission and vision. This clarity not only helps attract funding but also guides
your organization's strategic planning and decision-making processes. Consider this: Take the time to develop (and if necessary, revisit/review) a mission statement and vision that clearly communicates your goals, values, and intended outcomes. Board and/or staff retreats, with an experienced facilitator, are typically a good setting to articulate and gain buy-in for your nonprofit’s purpose, its programs & services, as well as its vision for the future.
2. Failure to Establish a Strong Governance Structure:
Potential funders look for organizations with strong leadership and transparent governance
practices. The organization must demonstrate a commitment to accountability and
responsible stewardship of resources. Consider this: Invest time in recruiting board members
with relevant expertise: legal, financial, technology, fundraising/development, subject matter
experts, etc. and ensuring that your organization adheres to best practices in nonprofit
governance. Find a listing of state-specific best practices and guiding principles from the
National Council of Nonprofits. Even if your nonprofit is not required by law (or an accrediting body) to adopt particular standards of conduct or practice, you should always aspire to reflect the best practices that will help your nonprofit operate ethically and transparently.
3. Inadequate Financial Management:
Many funders require detailed financial information as part of their grant application process,
so having accurate and up-to-date financial records is essential. Consider this: Prioritize
building and strengthening relationships with donors and diversifying your funding sources –
and remember: DO NOT rely on any single source of income to support your organization.
4. Lack of Strategic Planning and Evaluation:
Funders are increasingly focused on outcomes and impact, as the need for services and
requests for funding increases. Demonstrating your organization's ability to deliver results is key to securing funding. Consider this: Invest in strategic planning processes that involve your various stakeholders – the individuals and groups that have an interest in your nonprofit (donors, beneficiaries, board members, potential community partners, media, etc.). Set realistic goals and establish internal mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress (or lack thereof) toward achieving your mission. What’s working? What’s not working? What’s missing or getting in the way?
5. Insufficient Focus on Relationship Building:
Look for opportunities. It cannot be emphasized enough – it’s important to cultivate
meaningful connections with potential supporters and engage them in your organization's
mission and activities. Consider this: Take the time to understand the priorities and interests
of funders and donors, and tailor your communication and engagement strategies accordingly – think intergenerationally! Building trust and rapport with your key stakeholders can open doors to funding opportunities and partnerships that can help propel an organization forward. To be fundable, nonprofits can position themselves for long-term sustainability and impact by establishing a clear mission and vision, building a strong governance structure, prioritizing financial management, investing in strategic planning and evaluation, and focusing on relationship building. Avoid the pitfalls!
Knowledge is Power. Share This Resource with Others!
Find out what you need to get ready for soliciting grants. Also, preview my three-part course:
“Beyond Writing: Tools & Strategies for Winning Grants”
Can’t attend?? Register and get the recording and materials!
Both the webinar and the course are designed for novice grant seekers and grant writers within nonprofit organizations looking to prepare, establish, and enhance their grant programs.
Join me at my next Big Mama’s Table:
Free 1-hour webinar:
“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability”
Date: Saturday, June 22 nd - 1:00 – 2:00 EST
From Big Mama’s Playbook:
Do you know:
American Community Survey (ACS) – visit: American Community Survey
An official U.S. government website, the American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about our nation and its people. Information from the survey generates data that help inform how trillions of dollars in federal funds are distributed each year.
As a novice grant seeker and/or writer, this resource provides information that documents needs and identifies the changes taking place in communities.
Are you new to fundraising and grant writing? Want to learn how to approach funders?
Free 1-hour webinar:
Find out what it takes BEFORE you begin asking for money from donors or funders! Join me at this free 1-hour informational session for novice grant seekers and grant writers.
Learn some initial steps non-profits should take BEFORE the writing process even begins!
Hear about FOUR KEYS to increase your grant funding success…why it’s more than just submitting a grant!
“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability”
Date: Saturday, June 22 nd - 1:00 – 2:00 ET
AND ALSO
Hear about my upcoming course to start/enhance your proposal writing!
Weekly wisdom, in their own words:
“We have simply got to make people aware that none of us are free, until we’re all free,
and we aren’t free yet.”
― Opal Lee (1926 -)
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