How can I get funding for my great idea?

Q: I started a nonprofit organization three years ago. I have so many great ideas, but no funding so how do I execute our projects?

-Olajumoke Ernest Lawal, Founder of Jummybold Foundation

Dear Olajumoke,

It’s fantastic you have a lot of great ideas.

That said, it might help to focus on which ideas you want to go after first and then go out and raise money for this specific priority. Since you are a nonprofit it’s likely you will need to find donors to fund your work. If you are unable to find donors, it’s time to look at why.?

As I’ve said before, if you want to get something done, hang out by the watering holes—the places where relevant discussions and interactions are happening. Who are the donors in your area? How can you meet them?

What about people who are not in your area? How can you broaden your network of potential supporters? Are their online platforms you can join to connect to people who share the same passion for your cause and can help you fund your work?

Talk to people who have done this and from whom you can learn “the secret sauce.” Are there others you admire who have done this? How do you learn from them? You do not have to speak to these people per se. Reading articles or watching interviews in which they share their story can be very helpful.

What are you doing to pitch people or organizations to support you? Are you set up as a formal nonprofit? Do you have a presence on the web or social media where they can learn more about you and also make a contributions if they are so inclined?

Is your pitch honed and does it attract people to support your work? Have you tested it with audiences to see what is relevant or what can be tweaked? Have you practiced your delivery so that can convey your knowledge and passion?

I admire your commitment to do good in this world and wish you luck as you build a network of supporters to help you execute your work.

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