Jeannette Archer-Simons

Habits are hard to break. Thus, it is not surprising that we often go back to the same comfortable sources for funding because we can count on them for support. While having great relationships with funding partners is good, always asking for help from the same friends can wear out the relationship. So now is a great time to step back and look for sources that may be closer to your organization than you think — but haven’t been asked recently to help. Let’s step into the “opportunity zone” and identify new potential sources beyond the usual places for funding.

Begin by looking at your donor list. You might say — that is the usual place. However, many donors who are steady supporters with a small gift every year may have the potential to give more or be connected to a foundation or corporation. When was the last time you looked at donors that have made a contribution every year for the last five years — even if it was a small gift? Pick a gift range. If you are small organization it might be $25 donors who have given for five years — a larger organization might pick $100. Then approach them by asking not for a gift, but for help.  Read more