When to ask a funder for money without pressure: the signals that show a relationship is ready, and how to ask when you cannot afford to wait.
Primary keyword: when to ask a funder for money.
How to follow up with a donor after a first meeting or conference: a simple, low pressure sequence that turns a new connection into a real relationship.
How to research a funder as a person, not an institution: map the programs or portfolio team background, interests and network to build real relationships.
How to approach conference networking as a fundraiser: pick the right funders, use warm introductions, and build relationships that outlast the event.
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…