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Find the Right Funders — Not Just Any Funders
Join us for this Online Workshop | Tuesday, November 4, 9am-11am CST | $99 for One / $125 for Up to Four
Finding the right funders takes more than checking eligibility boxes. Strategic prospecting means digging deeper into a funder’s past giving, geographic focus, values, openness to new grantees, typical grant sizes, key contacts and relationships, and nuanced language.
In this interactive workshop, you will gain practical tools that go beyond surface-level research and build stronger, more targeted prospect lists. You will also learn how to identify funders that truly align with your mission, increasing your chances of meaningful and lasting support.
Agenda
Who Should Attend
Our workshop is perfect for development staff, grant writers, nonprofit leaders, and board members—whether you’re with a large institution like a university or arts organization, or just getting started in your search.
For those ready to move beyond the “usual suspects,” this workshop offers tools to explore small family foundations, national foundations, and corporate funders. You’ll learn how to assess not just eligibility, but whether a funder is truly the right fit for your mission, values, and community.
Organizations of every size and budget will gain practical tools, insider insights, and connections to strengthen their fundraising strategy and secure sustainable support.
Takeaway Materials Include:
Presenters
Steve Paprocki (he/him) has dedicated more than 45 years to philanthropy, serving as a foundation director, fundraiser, trainer, donor consultant, author, researcher, and lobbyist. A former program officer, foundation advisor, and research director for national and regional think tanks, Steve has worked with nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally, helping them connect with the right people at the right time to achieve their goals. He has authored more than two dozen books and directories on foundations and corporate giving programs and has taught philanthropy, fundraising, and communications in undergraduate and graduate programs for both business and nonprofit students. Steve holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, and he continues to draw on his diverse experience and extensive network to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve.
Kirsten Gulbro (she/her) has more than 20 years of fundraising experience and more than $100 million raised for Minnesota’s nonprofit community, Kirsten is deeply passionate about supporting mission-based work. She’s worked for organizations with a variety of missions, including social services, education, arts and culture, workforce development, and environmental conservation. Kirsten holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration Degree from Metropolitan State University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Augsburg University. Her professional experience includes grant writing, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, special events, nonprofit communications, and prospect research.
Kathy Bonnifield is an accomplished, connected leader with over 20 years of nonprofit and philanthropic experience building the space for and power of justice-based collective action—across the United States and globally.
As Senior Program Officer at the Piper Fund, Kathy works to unite groups across traditional divides to unleash the power of common purpose of protecting and advancing judicial integrity. In support of that mission, Kathy has spearheaded specialized trainings, messaging research, and shared-learning forums to expand the impact of individual organizations by drawing them into a larger community of advocates.
Her previous work includes advancing and protecting voting rights and election integrity as the Executive Director of Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota and supporting grassroots coalitions advocating for land and water rights in Southeast Asia and women’s economic advancement in East Africa as The McKnight Foundation’s International Program Administrator.
She is a University of Minnesota Humphrey Policy Fellow and has an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
What Workshop Attendees Have to Say:
“I always enjoy your seminars – lots of info presented well.”
“Steve has an incredible wealth of knowledge. I appreciate his generosity in sharing what he knows. I always learn something new!”
“Some trainings just provide ideas, but you gave me the tools I need to go out and get started.”
“Having specific examples, and the various tips and tools you shared are also very appreciated.”
“The training was succinct and to the point!”
About UsOur team of seasoned fundraising professionals brings decades of experience and a strong network of relationships across the philanthropic sector. Our insider knowledge provides a unique advantage: we understand funder trends, shifts in priorities, and gather insights that go far beyond what’s posted on websites or IRS 990s. By combining proven research techniques with real-time intelligence from our connections across the sector, we’ll help you make informed decisions and approach funders with confidence.
$99 for One / $125 for Up to Four
Cause IQ’s is a subscription-based database built for consultants, accountants, and IT firms to find and market to nonprofits. A Cause IQ profile shows Program areas, Funding, Grantmaking, Financials, and Personnel. With the free account, it’s mostly 990 data but MUCH easier to read than the tax form.
Here’s some of what’s in a search with a free account:
First, create a free account. When logged in, you get a Dashboard with a search box.
The Grantmaking tab offers graphs comparing issues that received funding, the number grants made in what states, the NTEEs, and more. Graphs likes these are behind paywalls on other search sites.
Another pleasant discovery, the Dashboard remembers recent searches, viewed profiles, and lists updates on them.
Give it try: https://www.causeiq.com/