A Strategic Approach to Grant Seeking and Fundraising

As the philanthropic sector evolves, it is important for for-purpose organisations to apply strategic thinking to their fundraising programs. In partnership with Strategic Grants, Evans & Partners recently hosted a series of educational seminars, exploring how not-for-profit (NFP) organisations can enhance their fundraising capacity. Here are some of the key takeaways.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Grant funding cannot be relied upon for last-minute financial needs. Grant processes are not designed to accommodate such urgencies, and instead, should be viewed through the lens of longer-term relationships. Most grant deadlines occur annually, and the assessment and decision-making process can take anywhere from one to six months. Therefore, organisations seeking grants must engage in strategic forward planning to meet these timelines.

Measuring and reporting your outcomes.

Funders have clear expectations. Projects should be mission-aligned and should demonstrate a tangible purpose. Funders are interested in understanding the impact of their contributions. Organisations must be able to measure the outcomes of their projects (either quantitatively or qualitatively) and report this back to their funders. Despite the rigour involved, many funders expect transparency to support authenticity and ensure long-term multi-year funding partnerships.

Building relationships and trust.

Relationships with your donors is critical for long-term grants success. To access longer term, unrestricted, multi-year funding, funders must trust an organisation to deliver projects aligned to their stated mission. This means communication is key. Clear communication ensures that potential donors understand the purpose, goals, and intended outcomes of projects, allowing them to make informed decisions. Regular updates and transparency on how funds are utilised also provides accountability, reassuring donors that their contributions are making a meaningful difference.

Setting the organisation up for success.

For organisations looking to elevate their chances of fundraising success, Strategic Grants ‘Best Practice Tracker’ outlines seven core areas of focus.

Source: Strategic Grants, Best Practice Tracker

Getting professional advice.

Fundraisers are increasingly recognising the need to seek professional advice to optimise their efforts and enhance organisational efficiency. External organisations can play a pivotal role in improving the strategic capabilities of philanthropic entities.

For further information on our Not-for-profit specific advice offering, or to contact a specific member of the team, please visit our Not For Profit Advice page.