I am frequently contacted by new organizations trying to secure grants. When I say “new” I mean brand new with zero budgets. Perhaps you are one of them? You have a great cause, a 501(c)(3) status, and no money to move forward. Many new projects believe grants are the best way to get off the ground, and there are many novice grant writers who would like to convince you of this. In my opinion, this is not the best strategy.
More times than not, a funder does not want to be the first investment. A new nonprofit needs to show they have some money, and they have been putting it to good use. For many this may seem like an impossible task, but it’s not. This is basic fundraising. Here are five easy suggestions:
1. Garage Sale: You probably had one as a kid. This is a great way to announce to the community the formation of your new organization. Explain all proceeds go back to the cause. If you and your board members contribute, there’s a good chance you will reach your first $500 goal easily.
2. House party: Pull on your relationships for the first funding. Announce a spaghetti dinner at your home and explain how the $10 a plate is supporting the mission of your new nonprofit. If you have a relationship with a church you may even host the event there and have the added support of the congregation after Sunday services.
3. EBay: Yes, a new nonprofit can grow quickly using technology and this is just a tip. Technology resources are so plentiful I will leave the topic to its own dedicated article. Until then, eBay is a basic step for even the novice. Explain in your selling the funds are being used to support a new nonprofit.
4. Recycle: Recycle newspapers and cans and take them to the local recycle center. You and your board members may even request family and friends to recycle. Explain you are more than happy to pick the materials up from their home on a schedule and that all proceeds are going to a good cause.
5. Board Members: We advise new nonprofits to have at least six on their board prior to pursuing grant funding. Funders perceive boards as being a built-in system of checks and balances to manage the money they invest in the nonprofit. Six is a good number. If each of your six, as they come on to the board, donate $50, you have your first $300. If each of the six commits to $25 for the next four months, your grand total within four months is $600.
Combine these efforts, and your nonprofit may well have its initial $5,000 to $10,000 within the first four to five months of its existence. Organizations with budgets this small are good candidates for the next step: small grants from local foundations.
Laura Perdue is a development consultant and grant writer with a proven track record. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years. She is experienced in all levels of funding ranging from grant applications to federal appropriations and may be contacted through her website http://www.envisionconsults.com Fees are sliding-scale based on an organization’s budget and scope of project. You may sign your organization up on the site to be notified free of charge when Envision Development Consults becomes aware of an opportunity supporting your non-profits programs. It’s like having a grant researcher on staff for FREE!
