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| Re: The Conundrum's Conundrum
Posted by carl   on 2/4/2009, 9:30 am, in reply to "Re: The Conundrum's Conundrum"
VIP Poster
Hi Kromer,
I will must disagree with your argument.
One of the keys to fundraising is that "people give money to people." Foundations do not and never have given money to charitable institutions. In fact, governmental offices as entities do not give away money: the people who work in them give away the money, keep the place going, and do the best they can to ensure that something gets done to lessen misery, improve communities, or foster a legacy.
Consequently, grants are given as investments in the charity, the cause, or the specific project. Lots of individuals who are interested in starting a foundation and do something good for the world, are interested only in giving their money to charities they know. They started their foundations for that purpose. While this practice leaves other charities disenfranchised from a specific foundations largess, the practice is not a bad one.
To level the playing field, it falls to nonprofits to make themselves visible and get connected. The art of cultivation is what's needed. If you're sure that your organization is a perfect (and I mean PERFECT) match for a foundation, write the foundation a letter and ask if they would accept general information about your programs. If they so, "No," move on. Sometimes, they'll say "yes" and sometimes they won't say anything at all. Send them the material.
Ask yourself, "who do I know that someone on the foundation board might know?" "Would my contact make an introduction?" If I don't know anyone, do I know someone who might know someone who might know someone? Keep going until you can get in front of a person and present your case for being considered as one of the selected organizations.
Be local or at least regional or at least within the state. Lots of foundations limit giving by geography. Kellogg Foundation is not likely to be interested in a child care center in Podunk (not that they have anything against a child care center in Podunk, it's just not big enough for them.) Make peace with this. Corporate foundations often give to organizations that can help the company. If your organization isn't big enough to do that, you're not likely to get traction. So, don't waste your time trying.
Locally, you'll likely find several foundations that give to pre-selected organizations. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Go first to those who will likely give, then to those who might, then to those whom you hope will. But, do not neglect those whom you think hopeless for thee may indeed find something there yet." (Horribly misquoted, but I can't find the verbatim right now.)
By finding a way through the door, even the backdoor, you'll position your charity and find some success.
Hope this helps,
CarlRichard
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