WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
An insider’s guide into our thoughts and
strategies along with tips and tricks!
Laura L. Duty
WE WANT TO BE ADORED AS MUCH AS WILLIE!
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
SESSION OVERVIEW
Part 1:
Why do we ask the questions
we do?
Why do we ask for so many
attachments?
Do we really learning from
site visits?
Part II:
Top Ten Tips to nonprofits.
Part III:
It’s your turn to ask the
questions you have always
wanted to!
HOPE CONSULTING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
GUIDESTAR. MONEY FOR GOOD II (2011)
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Individual donors was to give to a reputable
nonprofit that will make good use of the money.
Advisors want to find acceptable and appropriate
agencies that meet their clients needs.
Foundations want to maximize impact by funding
most effective organizations.
Individual donors rarely research, not true of
foundations and advisors.
HOPE CONSULTING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
GUIDESTAR. MONEY FOR GOOD II (2011)
Foundations
Endorsements/opinions
Compare with other NP
Other Program Funders
Legal status & legitimacy
Mission, Leaders
Cause
Financials
Past Performance
Expected Impact
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
GIVING USA 2013
Total Donations to Nonprofits in 2012, $316.23B
Corporations $19B
Foundations $47B
Bequests $22B
Individual Donors $228B
WHY RESEARCH?
DUE DILIGENCE, WHAT IT INVOLVES.
WHY RESEARCH?
DUE DILIGENCE, WHAT IT INVOLVES.
 History
and Track Record
 Governance and Leadership
 Vision and Strategy
 Proposed Project: Planning, Outcomes, &
Evaluation
 Human Resources
 External Communications &
Relationships
 Financial Health
SITE VISITS, THE LONG AND LONELY ROAD.
DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE THIS?
ARE WE THE WITCH?
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
TOP 10 TIPS
Do Your Homework
 Contact Foundations re: Guidelines
 Ask for Guidance re: Request
 Read the Proposal before Submitting
 Understand Basic Financial Statements
 Plan for a Site Visit
 Follow up from a Site Visit
 A No may not be Forever, the same for a Yes
 Contact Foundations re: Changes with a Grant
 Do your Homework
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WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
WHAT DO FUNDERS WANT?
WEST TEXAS RURAL PHILANTHROPY DAYS, 2013
Laura L. Duty
Carl B. & Florence E.
King Foundation
214-750-1884
[email protected]