To Grant...or Not To Grant

I often get calls from start-up nonprofits about hiring us to for grant writing services.  My response in most cases is to deter them from grant writing until they have a track record of outcomes and metrics.  From there we talk about a very viable option in the meantime – starting an individual fundraising campaign.  For one thing, individuals don’t often come with a list of guidelines and restrictions; it is easier to get in front of them to share your story; they are more likely to buy into your vision even if it’s just on paper, and they have a more long-term loyalty factor.  Individual giving can come from letter writing campaign, online giving that includes crowd funding, and fundraising events.  

Developing and implementing an individual fundraising campaign should be a part of any organizations fundraising plan – regardless of whether they are new or have years of history behind them.  But, for young nonprofit organizations it presents a wonderful opportunity to build a base of donors who can grow with you and an opportunity to secure volunteers. Further, individual donors offer an organic way to build a grant program by opening doors to future private grant resources where they may serve on the board, know someone who serves on the board, or have their own private foundations.  

To learn more about developing an individual campaign for your non-profit, contact Denise Lawrence at [email protected]