Let's Shift the Foundation-al Approach to Grant-Making

One of the strangest things about my work as a grant writer is how quickly a phone call to someone at a foundation can change how you feel about submitting an application or letter of intent. 

A few times now, when looking at eligibility requirements, I have to decide just how far I can stretch the rules to make sure my clients still have a chance as start-ups. Does the organization have a 501c3 status? Well, they will by the time you fund the project. Please provide an up-to-date list of the Board of Directors. How about a list of potential Board members? And so on.

I have talked to about five or six foundations over the past month that have not only been willing to discuss the organization and the planned projects, but have also been willing to work with my client, regardless of 501c3 status, fiscal sponsor, etc. to give them a chance.

The unfortunate part is that many of my clients have been quick to disqualify themselves before reaching out, effectively cutting themselves off from funding. This is a common trend that I have noticed in my short time focusing specifically with M/WBEs in the Pittsburgh region (there are many other barriers of course, but that is another issue I am also beginning to work on - if you want to discuss this further, feel free to message me on here or shoot me an email at [email protected]).

While I cannot guarantee my clients funding, as, at the end of the day, foundations fund the 5 W's and how they want to fund, I can at least get the organization name/mission/vision out there in hopes that someone is looking to partner with an organization that does similar work or that a foundation is just itching to give out about $50,000 to a start-up in the form of a capacity building grant (please see my earlier comment if you are a funder and would like to discuss this further, and yes, my clients do accept checks).

As I continue to work with my current clients, actively looking for more, I would like to see the following from the individuals at foundations, as well as the foundations themselves:

1. An increase in accessibility between local foundations and M/WBE start-ups/entrepreneurs/small businesses

It baffles me when people born and raised in Pittsburgh aren't vaguely familiar with the R.K. Mellon Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, or The Hillman Family Foundation(s). It's a big small city, chances are, you know someone who does. I understand that foundations are pretty much always busy, but encouraging entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses to reach out with questions - not by just stating it on your websites - should be a top priority as we move forward into the rest of 2019.

2. A proactive approach to grant-making

Many of the foundations are starting to adjust their giving models towards a more proactive approach to grant-making, but I would like to see some sort of system that encourages the individuals from foundations to seek potential grantees. Again, it's a big small city. Everyone knows someone who's trying to become someone.

3. An increase in free workshops, webinars, and courses that cover the basics

There are already organizations like The POISE Foundation and The Opportunity Fund that provide resources for anyone interested in learning about grant and fundraising opportunities, but often times the programs aren't free, creating yet another barrier for M/WBEs that spent, in some cases, just about everything they had to get their business up and running. An increase in free public events that educate anyone remotely interested in grant writing may provide just enough knowledge for someone that previously disqualified themselves from a funding round to reach out and apply.

In the past month or two, the foundations I have talked to are in the beginning stages of the three things I would like to see this year. While it may be a topic during Board meetings and conference calls, I do not think that it is that difficult of a change to make internally. The only real difference between organizations and foundations that do or don't want to adjust and make these changes in the coming year is their willingness to learn.