You know that you need more grant funding to support your mission, and you see other nonprofits on social media celebrating grant wins every day. How do they do it? Where do they find all these grant opportunities?
More than likely, the answer is prospect research.
Unfortunately, like most things in life, there is no quick and easy shortcut to identifying great grant prospects. Prospect research is a detailed task that requires patience, diligence, and systematic thinking.
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You aren’t imagining it; grant prospects really do vanish. You may start with a long list of prospects that sound reasonably good, but when it’s time to receive a response to a grant submission or an invitation to apply, the trail goes cold.
The truth is that most disappearing grant prospects were never qualified prospects to begin with.
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One of the biggest misconceptions people have when transitioning into nonprofit work is that they must leave business principles behind. While many nonprofits lack strong business systems, the reality is they need them. If someone suggests otherwise, trust your instincts and experience.
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Fundraising has a reputation problem. For many people, it conjures images of awkward follow-ups, unanswered emails, and the uncomfortable feeling of “bothering” someone for money. But effective fundraising isn’t about pressure—it’s about connection, clarity, and consistency. The best fundraisers aren’t pushy; they’re pleasantly persistent.
So, what does that actually mean?
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For every fundraiser, there comes the time when you just have to write. Whether it’s a grant proposal, an appeal letter, an address for the gala, or a case statement (hopefully a Case for Why!), we have to stop the flurry of daily activity, force ourselves to sit still, and get the words on the page.
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Selecting a campaign consultant is one of the most important decisions your organization will make. The right partner can elevate your fundraising efforts, sharpen your strategy, and ultimately help you achieve results that might otherwise feel out of reach. But not all consultants are created equal. Beyond credentials and polished presentations, there are a few essential qualities that truly set the best apart.
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Fear shows up in fundraising more often than we might want to admit. I’ve been a fundraiser for almost 30 years, and I can still remember being absolutely terrified the first time I met with a donor. A little negative voice was whispering doubts to me: What if I stumble when I ask for a gift? What if the donor says no? What if I get fired if this doesn’t go well? What if the donor just doesn’t like me? What if, what if, what if…?
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