Your non-profit program needs more funding. How will you secure the necessary resources?

There are so many talented individuals who share their various strategies about raising funds...such as with grant writing. I would argue that your first step may be to take a step back and fully understand your organization, your constituents, and the fundraising environment. Challenge yourself to examine the mission and your organization's effort to meet that mission. Place yourself outside and try to look in - perhaps you may see various pathways that exist that were a bit hidden.

To secure funding for your program, it is essential to map funding organizations that share the same advocacy. Collaboration or joint project implementation, such as cost-sharing, is an excellent way to ensure funding. A strong exit strategy and sustainable programming increase the chances of seamless funding.

Grant writing is often viewed from the outside as a complicated process. It's not. Your organization should have all the data you need already - it's part of the business plan and current company growth strategies. Draw on those, and follow the guidelines supplied by the grantors, and you'll be fine. It's not rocket science, but it does require diligence, forecasting, and the ability to put forward an appealing use case.

When I was running outreach to fund a local rehabilitation program I did not go to traditional sources. Instead I went to the local bars, gambling establishments, and cannabis clubs, and asked them to join the cause. I explained I was not preaching abstinence and prohibition - but I was advocating for responsibility and a healthy relationship with legal substances. Nobody said no.

Your best resources are often in your own backyard, but that shouldn't dissuade you from asking the giants. I've raised individual 6 figure grants from Silicon Valley power players simply by calling and asking if there were any community wellbeing proposals being floated that were looking for a case study. Pulling out the big books like Powered by Pro Bono is great if you're struggling to find a lead, but you're not going to have the personal appeal you would if you talked to people who want to give back, but have yet to identify the proper avenues to do so. Don't be afraid to call, grab that cup of coffee, and talk about working together to create something new.

Many individual donors may be willing to contribute more, but without new incentives, they have little motivation to increase their donations. Fundraising events can provide the necessary boost by offering something new and engaging. Whether it's a ticket to an entertaining event, a piece of cake at a bake sale, or a useful branded tote bag, these small incentives can generate additional revenue. Furthermore, such events offer the opportunity to connect with potential new donors face-to-face, expanding your donor base and securing more funding for your program.

You don't need to be a great public speaker to become part of these events. Show up and become a regular attendee. Ask people about their projects. They'll ask you about yours in return. It's OK to be casual. Sometimes its better to have a zero pressure approach, even.

Online campaigns can be tricky. First you're going to need to identify your crowd appeal. Next you're going to need to understand how to create sizzle reels. If you're not comfortable with either and not able to invest in these resources properly, stay away from online campaigns. Internet audiences are not gentle, there's alot of competition, and the social environment is suspicious. Sometimes it's best to know your limits. I've done a handful of online campaigns, with varying success, because of these barriers. While one in particular achieved wide regional success, it did so because the online outreach was coupled with newsprint, local radio appearances, and an aggressive community outreach campaign to build an audience.

Before you ask for a penny, plan plan plan plan plan. (And plan to the T!) It does not need to follow the "rules" of a strategic plan template. It needs to be done, intentional, and thorough with dates for execution.