How to fundraise one million million dollars, part 1
2 days ago
- #fundraising
- #grant-writing
- #nonprofit
- Fundraising is a learnable skill, not an innate trait, and involves clear communication and preparation.
- Start with a concise one-to-two-page memo answering key questions: problem/solution, plan, why you, long-term vision, landscape, risks, and budget, while ensuring readability and avoiding unnecessary elements.
- Seek specific feedback from knowledgeable contacts and aim for warm introductions to funders, emphasizing how your proposal benefits them and aligns with their interests.
- Funders assess overall credibility and clarity rather than deep technical details; acknowledge uncertainties and demonstrate preparedness for potential failures.
- Treat all donors as individuals with unique preferences, and adapt your approach based on understanding their motivations and building genuine relationships.