Over the past year, I have noticed a shift in funding language. During my grant research, I see the term “root cause” being used more frequently.
For example, the Ford Foundation specifies, “At Ford, we believe justice begins where inequality ends. We support organizations that address the underlying drivers of inequality…”
And Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is “a nonprofit doing vital work to address the root causes of violent crime.”
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I am seeing a trend where it isn’t enough for nonprofits to do good things and win grants. Grant funders are going deeper and asking us to show them we aren’t simply putting a bandaid on the problem, but actively working to solve the problem.
For funders to feel comfortable about where their dollars are going, they want to support effective and enduring change.
If you are asked to discuss how your organization is addressing root cause, here are the topics to discuss:
- Understand the underlying issue. Why do your participants need help?
- Explain your theory of change. Show the causal links between the pieces of the nonprofit and how they relate to the root cause.
- Focus on systemic change. When a grant asks for info about the root cause, they want to know that you understand the intersectionality of the issues being addressed and how you plan to innovate to affect meaningful impact. This is where partnerships are important.
- Engage and empower all affected parties. Grant funders want to see that your beneficiaries are represented in your leadership, and are helping to create solutions. Tone-deaf organizations are less likely to receive grant funding.
- Evaluate both micro and macro impact. Monitor and measure impact, not just within your organization, but also as it pertains to the root cause.
- Create outreach activities. One of the best ways to address root cause is through awareness and education. Communicate to funders how your org shares results, educational materials, raises awareness, etc in your community.
Don’t be intimidated by “root cause” grants. If you feel uncertain, schedule a meeting with your Executive Director to strategize how to best address these types of grants.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants