Fundraising: Key Learnings
To listen to a podcast of Juniper's presentation, click here!
Training Across Distance 3: Fundraising in 2010: A strategy working group
Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Noon EST.
Facilitator : Juniper Glass, Girls Action Foundation
Description: This working session will offer an opportunity to think together about the challenges and opportunities that exist as we work to financially sustain our girls’ programs. We will take one hour to get our heads above the clouds and out of the day-to-day to share tips, learning, and creative strategies to resource the important work we do.
Key learnings:
Taboo on money
It’s easy to fight for a cause, but difficult to ask for money to support it! Check out Sarah’s blog on fundraising for more about the taboo on money.
Believe in your work – it is worthy of financial support!
We work hard to help girls develop self-esteem and confidence – we need to feel that way about the work we do, too.
Relationships, relationships, relationships
Fundraising is mostly about developing relationships with other people. Before you ever even fill out a form, try to build a relationship with the organization. Think of the funders as people who care about your work, people who also want to make change in the world. Come to encounters with them as equals, your colleagues in your work. They’re people too, and the work we do is inspiring and may well spark their interest.
Meet with funders before applying / presenting a detailed project.
Call and say “we are developing a project and would like to see if it a good fit / get feedback.” In-person meetings are best, phone meetings are ok. Listen to what they are saying, what words they use, and what they emphasize – what are they interested in? This is what you need to incorporate into your proposal or pitch. At first keep your project description very general and open. For example, write a “2-pager” with general info about the project. Present different possibilities for projects & activities – see what is the best fit, see what they react to most favourably.
Generate lots of options
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Block time for yourself to generate lists of potential new funders. You can ask for support in this from your board, advisory committee members, current funders, etc. They are probably well-connected and may have access to things like fundraising databases.
How to put your best foot forward
Present your numbers! Tell them about the impact you have, and don’t forget to talk about people who receive resources from you, families who are impacted, etc. Check out the Girls Action Lit Reviews for research that can support your proposals. Also check out the Amplify Manual fundraising section for templates of letters asking for support, in-kind donations, etc.
Girls action can support you!
One of our goals as an organization is to be present to support our network members. Juniper can review proposals if given some lead time, and if you don’t have charity status we may be able to work with you to act as a fiduciary body.
Some funders to check out…
- Local community foundations
- TELUS community investment board
- Canadian Women’s foundation –violence prevention, due in January of each year.
- Imagine Canada database – expensive to access but if you’re in Montreal you can come check out our copy!
Resources:
Racialized Girls Research Review
Northern Girls Research Review
To listen to a podcast of Juniper's presentation, click here!
