Category: Grants

Asking foundations to fund development staff is a waste?

Reader Questions: How can I get funding for a think tank?

I recently got an email from a reader asking me how I would fundraise for a think tank in a country that does not have the best history of democracy or political discourse. This is my response. —————————————————————– Thanks for writing! As far as I know, usually American think tanks are funded by a few […]

What Grants Can, and Can’t Do for your Nonprofit

And I said, “So, you think that getting a grant is like dialing for dollars huh? That a grant will just plop into your lap and Boom you’ll have a computer lab? I’ll look for you, but here’s something you should know, first.”

Reader Questions: How can you get unrestricted funding?

Dear Mazarine,

Raising and managing millions annually through grants, but most of it is restricted to specific projects and we do want to increase our unrestricted/general operating funds (doesn’t everyone?) What would you suggest?”

Reader Questions: Bootstrap your nonprofit startup in 4 steps!

Hi Molly!

First off, I love that you’re helping women get wheels. When I worked in a domestic violence shelter, this is something that would hamper women in getting the services that they needed, whether baby-sitting, counseling, welfare, etc. A car can mean the difference between a job and no job, and between a woman having to return to an abuser or not. Thank you for recognizing this.

52 Ways to Fundraise

Here are 52 ways to fundraise, one for each week of the year! Of these, which ones do you think yield the most money? Which ones, the least? If you have any to add, please leave a comment! 1. Quarterly Appeal letter 2. Grants 3. Your Annual Report 4. Sell Fruit 5. Old-time photograph booth […]