When I wrote my first grant proposal, it took over a year to get funded. I second-guessed every sentence, over-explained every point, and tried to prove our worth a little too hard. Years later, after winning multi-million dollar grants and…
When we talk about fundraising, we often picture a dedicated development team. But in many Global South nonprofits, there’s often just one person—or none—wearing the “fundraising hat.” And the pressure? Immense. The most resilient nonprofits treat fundraising as a shared…
Landing a large multi-year grant is cause for celebration—but it’s also a moment for reflection. Because when one funder gives big, others may wonder if you still need them. I’ve had smaller funders ask, “Are we still needed now that…
Let’s talk about a truth we don’t say out loud enough: Founders and CEOs are often the first—and sometimes only—fundraisers in a nonprofit’s early days. But if your organization’s fundraising strategy still depends solely on your CEO’s calendar and charisma,…
Ever been in a room full of development leaders and funders and thought, “What am I doing here?”Yep—me too. I once faked a phone call at a conference just to look like I belonged. That inner critic? That’s imposter syndrome—and…
Yes, this is a second post on conferences—because that’s how important they are to your fundraising strategy. If the first one focused on how to plan, this one’s about how to actually show up and connect in ways that move…
Confession: I used to dread conferences. The small talk, the crowded rooms, the pressure to perform—it all felt… exhausting. But if you’re fundraising for a nonprofit, especially in the Global South, in-person moments are golden opportunities. The key is to…
What if your organization didn’t have to reshape itself for every new funding opportunity? What if funders came to you—aligned with your strategy, values, and approach? It’s not just a dream. Some nonprofits have successfully positioned themselves so funders adjust…
Should nonprofits mold themselves to fit available funding—or should funders adapt to our missions? It’s a question I’ve heard dozens of times in strategy sessions, donor meetings, and even over chai with mentors. And the truth is: it’s complicated. When…
Ever feel like you’re carrying the entire fundraising load on your back? You’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be this way. One of the most game-changing shifts I made in my fundraising practice was realizing: it takes a village.…