The workflow to raise money while focusing on the mission

One of the best way to view grant-writing (and see how to “win” even when you don’t get the grant) is this:

⭐️ When you write a grant proposal you have the opportunity to put the mission of your organization into the hands of someone who has decided that THEIR MISSION is to fund organizations like yours. ⭐️

And sometimes the timing is right and your mission and their mission intersect. Other times it doesn’t. And a “no” doesn’t always mean “no forever.”

So…

Develop a workflow that actually works— so you can do this ultra-part time and still get massive results WHILE staying focused on the mission.

Here are a few tips:

⚙️ #1 = Create a filing system for all of your information.

✅ Make a folder up updated information that’s “the same” for every request (501c3, Form 990, Annual organization budget, financials, etc.)

✅ Make a folder for each project— including a narrative, the budget, partnering organizations, etc.

✅ Make a folder for each grant maker— including all requests you make to them

⚙️ #2 = Build a calendar— and work from it.

✅ Organize by the month

✅ Make a list of all grant makers who receive requests that month

✅ Include the relevant info— approximate amount, how to apply, other details

✅ Do the work a month ahead of time (i.e., do your March requests in February

⚙️ #3 = Create your monthly workflow— based on that calendar.

✅ Week 1, write $100-200K in requests, for instance— or whatever number you determine (just stay consistent)

✅ Week 2, follow-up with “old” requests, and scout for new grant makers

✅ Week 3, Finish any work that’s been left undone.

✅ Week 4, Email all grant makers in your database— a “not-a-funding- request communication.”

Some of the best practices include…

📫 Communicate with a written thank you immediately.

📈 Some donors will want a follow- up report after the monies are spent. Always do this ASAP, b/c you can’t apply again until you do.

📣 Communicate monthly with a “not-a-funding-request communication” to everyone on your “grant-making list” to keep them updated on your progress— build the relationship so they know who you are and what you do when the proposal time rolls around again.

Links for this talk

Free access to the grant template = https://www.amplifyonline.info/GPP  

How we can help nonprofit leaders— the framework = www.AmplifyOnline.info/501c3 

The “Grant-Making Machine” on-demand course, with worksheets, templates, etc. = https://www.amplifyonline.info/GMM 

Need help? Let’s talk = www.AmplifyOnline.info/talk