{"id":5758,"date":"2025-01-18T05:35:33","date_gmt":"2025-01-18T05:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/randyscheid.com\/?p=5758"},"modified":"2025-01-18T05:35:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-18T05:35:33","slug":"simple-phrases-likely-to-obliterate-any-chance-of-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/randyscheid.com\/?p=5758","title":{"rendered":"Simple phrases likely to obliterate any chance of funding"},"content":{"rendered":"

Simple phrases that instantly obliterate your chances of receiving grant funding and how to rephrase them to actually be helpful.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As someone who has been working in philanthropy and managed \u2018the funding side\u2019 of the conversation for over 15 years, I\u2019m often asked \u2018what\u2019s your favorite project?\u2019 I never answer that question, even though I do have favorites.<\/p>\n

The one question people don\u2019t ask is \u2018what phrases should I use in my conversations with funders that will instantly obliterate any chances of receiving grant funding?\u2019<\/p>\n

I\u2019m so glad you asked. These phrases are for real. They are memorable. And they rarely help advance the cause. Perhaps it might be helpful to reframe these statements and phrases so that they can be a more helpful medium tdo extend the conversation.<\/p>\n

Before we start, it goes without saying that I also empathize with these statements. I have also been in the position of seeking funding from a foundation and feeling like I had to say something unique or clever in order to be competitive or stand out from the others.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a funny dance, this conversation about possible grant dollars. It\u2019s quite simple and generally goes along the lines of any pitch: \u2018We have an idea. Do you like it?\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n

Well to start, let\u2019s acknowledge that these simple phrases may seem quite obvious but every once in a while they slip past the most informed, educated and well-meaning lips. No one is immune. I\u2019ve heard these phrases by individuals with so many acronyms behind their name it looks like someone spilled a box of Alphabet cereal (am I dating myself here?) on their business card. They are not mine, I heard them myself in real time.<\/p>\n

So in no order, here they are:\u00a0<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n

\u2018we are the only ones doing this\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

People like Louis Pasteur or Ketanji Brown Jackson are the type of people who can say \u2018I\u2019m the only one doing X.\u2019 Certainly you can also strive for this level of accomplishment but it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019re in the same league as the \u2018I\u2019m the first one doing X\u2019 group.<\/p>\n

We may have never heard about your idea or your solution, but the likelihood that \u2018no one else is doing it\u2019 suggests at best cognitive dissonance or at worst willful ignorance of all the other great work taking place in the universe. Furthermore, it suggests an intent to go it alone and not take the time to leverage relationships with other similar actors. That won\u2019t get you far.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It also points to a lack of research. Maybe in fact you are right, no one else is doing this. And maybe that\u2019s for a good reason! Being first to market is not necessarily the best approach. Let someone else be first and learn from their mistakes.<\/p>\n

Pivot the phrase to state something like:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ve been doing our research and talking to other partners but have yet to find something similar to our approach\/program. Perhaps you know of a potential partner for us?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018we will do this regardless of whether or not you fund us\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Intended to show absolute commitment but can easily be interpreted the wrong way. This one is usually stated in a last gasp, desperate effort to make the foundation or funder feel \u2018left out.\u2019 Making someone feel like they are deprived of the opportunity to provide funding is not a good fundraising strategy. There are plenty of other great opportunities out there.<\/p>\n

Try the following: \u2018We\u2019re committed to this program and hope to get the funding to support it. If we don\u2019t, we\u2019ll revisit our thinking and see if there is a way we can adjust our approach to bring in more partners.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018you wouldn\\’t understand all the reasons and details behind this proposal so just fund us and we\\’ll take care of it\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Usually delivered with a pat on the head. This condescending approach to quelling any and all due diligence questions will quickly shut things down. Some people in philanthropy take their due diligence role very seriously, as should be the case. It\\’s their need (and job) to understand and grasp the details, thus all the questions.<\/p>\n

Maybe go with: \u2018We\u2019re happy to continue a dialogue with you. If there are others who may raise questions in addition to the insightful ones you\u2019ve offered, maybe we can bring them into the conversation to address their points?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We don\u2019t have any plans for our (insert word) endowment or cash reserves\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The notion that the nonprofit sector needs to do more, do better, save everyone and clean the oceans, all for a minimal cost with an operating expense of less than 10% has been so ingrained into our culture that we often find folks quaking in their boots at the simple question of \u2018How much cash do you have on hand?\u2019<\/p>\n

This question of \u2018how much cash do you have onhand or do you have an endowment?\u2019 can be interpreted many ways. The traditional notion, subtly embedded in the assumption from which produces this angst, is that nonprofits shouldn\u2019t have any cash reserves since they are, after all, non-profit. You and I know this is a blatantly untrue statement. How can you operate an effective organization with no cash reserve? How can you plan for the future with no cash reserve? The assumption is ubiquitous, primarily because of the \u2018charity notion\u2019 prevalent among many. (That\u2019s another blog post.)<\/p>\n

You should be proud of your cash reserve,\u00a0but have a clear articulated plan for your cash reserve<\/strong><\/em>. Maybe you are saving up to re-pave your office parking lot (true story). Maybe you have a donor who earmarked a substantial donation toward an endowment (which BTW should be minimal of $1 million in order to make an impact on operations). Maybe you are looking to build a new building. Maybe your program team needs new laptops to replace the Commodore 64 desktops they are currently using.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The reason isn\u2019t the most important element\u00a0but you must have an answer for this question.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n

Lastly, don\u2019t shy away from this question. If you have a substantial level of cash reserves, say a six month operating cushion, flout your accomplishment. Brag about your financial planning prowess. Tell stories of your visionary donors who understand the importance of endowment and general operating funding.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Never apologize for having a cash reserve, and\u00a0NEVER NEVER NEVER<\/strong>\u00a0say you don\u2019t have any plans for it!!!<\/p>\n

Pivot to the power statement: \u2018We have so many committed donors who have been with us for the long-term that we\u2019re lucky to receive regular gifts to build and sustain our endowment.\u2019<\/p>\n