One of my clients is a small, one-year-old non-profit that does not yet have a Director of Development. During my monthly call with the Executive Director, I suggested he start creating a job description and budget plan to hire one within the next year.
The conversation got me thinking about the multiple ways grant writers can work together with Directors of Development to win more grants.
I jotted down some notes about the five doors the Directors of Development have opened for me that have improved grant success.
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Social Clubs
Local social clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions offer grant opportunities for local nonprofits, but there is usually a catch. They want someone to present at their monthly meeting and they may even want someone from the organization to join their club. This is where the Director of Development can open the door. They can request a grant application once they have properly connected with these local clubs. Most of these clubs don’t publish the grant application and will only provide it when they are confident they want to fund your organization.
Attending Galas
Being invited to and attending galas is one of the best ways for your nonprofit to get noticed. The first year we applied, we were denied a prominent local grant. The Director of Development attended their annual Wine and Cheese Gala the following year and made a point of meeting the Grants Coordinator. We have been awarded the grant every year since then.
Invitation Only Grants
When I come across a local grant that aligns with our mission but is “Invitation Only,” I enlist the help of the Director of Development. They can leverage their network to meet with decision-makers and snag the invitation we need to apply for the next grant cycle.
Letters of Support
A solid Director of Development knows everyone. When I need a letter of support from the Mayor or Senator, this person can usually make it happen. Recently, I needed a letter of support from a prominent local corporation to include in the grant application. Within a few days, the Director of Development emailed it to me.
Matching Funds
Each year, I apply for a few grants that require matching funds. I work closely with the Director of Development to coordinate a specific donor campaign to provide matching funds. We use the grant to leverage donations and the donor campaign to improve our chances of getting the grant.
Grant writers are the storytellers and wordsmiths. Directors of Development are the networkers and connectors. When these two positions work together, countless doors open, and opportunities rush through them.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants