Questions asked by participants of the National Funders Workshop
Q. I recently tried to connect with a Ford program officer who said that our program wasn’t a fit; should I be persistent and find another program officer at Ford?
Yes, persistence is key with the Ford Foundation. Like other foundations, program officers oversee different priority areas and often focus on their own goals/objectives. You can ask your program officer to suggest another team member who might be a better fit. Alternatively, you could reach out to other program officers on your own.
If more than one program officer tells you that your organization isn’t a good fit, be prepared to move on and focus on other funders who more closely align with your mission.
Q: What key questions do you bring into an initial conversation with a foundation program officer?
A: It’s helpful to have a good understanding of the foundation’s focus areas, eligibility requirements, previous grantees, and grant range prior to your meeting. Be prepared to pitch your organization and/or specific project(s) you’d like funded within the context of those focus areas, specifically sharing how your work aligns with the foundation’s mission and goals.
Once you’ve shared info about your organization and/or program, we suggest asking:
- What’s your initial reaction? Are we a good fit?
- If not, please elaborate.
- If so, what areas of our organization/project would make for a competitive grant request?
- Do you have suggestions to strengthen our application?
- Can you recommend a request amount?
For corporate foundations, it’s helpful to know how important employee engagement is with a potential grantee (e.g., do they prefer board involvement?). Based on the program officer’s response, you may want to follow up with a community relations person to begin a volunteer relationship with the company.
Q. Can you give examples of more active, colorful words?
A: We suggest avoiding jargony, passive, overused, superlative, or suggestive language and instead, stating your work/impact simply and and with confidence. For example, instead of saying “Our staff is committed to improving Minnesota’s land and water.” you could say: “Our staff improves Minnesota’s land and water.”
Overused words and alternatives:
- Innovative or Unique (or state-of-the-art, groundbreaking, pioneering)
- Alternatives: Distinctive, Sole, Disruptive, Progressive
- Robust
- Alternatives: Resilient, Tenacious, Persistent, Enduring
- Try (or attempt, aim, strive to, look for)
- Remove the word and state your goal/purpose as if you’re currently doing it
Example: Instead of “We are striving to end childhood poverty in Minneapolis” you could say “We are ending childhood poverty in Minneapolis.”
- Remove the word and state your goal/purpose as if you’re currently doing it
- Very, really
- Remove
Writing Resources:
- Microsoft Word provides the option to check for sentences with passive voices
- ChatGPT is an excellent resource for rewriting sentences in a more colorful, active voice
Q: Is it appropriate to mention an unexpected loss in funding (from another grant) and their support is needed to fill the gap?
A: Try to avoid mentioning an unexpected loss in funding unless you’re asked the question directly. It may beg additional questions you don’t want to answer. Instead, focus on your organization’s growth and sustainability, and how new/increased funding will fuel that growth. For example, you may want to share that demand for your services extends beyond your current capacity, and a new/increased grant will help your organization scale up to meet that need. Try and keep your responses focused on solutions and next steps rather than your current challenges.
Q: What is the time frame for following up if you haven’t heard back
A: We suggest following up weekly or bi-weekly following an initial email/call. If your organization has news to share (e.g., press releases, annual reports, new programs, upcoming events, videos, etc.) you may want to include links to those items. If you aren’t getting a response after several weeks, a bit of clever googling can often get you to a new contact. Try them all!
Q: Suggestions for turning a small donation from a board member/family member of one of these foundations into significant funding from their foundation? (if a person gives $100-$1k per year, but their foundation could give much more)
A: Meet individually with the board member/family member to better understand their foundation, priorities, capacity, and decision-making. Invite the board member/family member into the stewardship process by asking for their feedback and suggestions. There may be barriers at play you aren’t aware of and can’t change. Ask your board member/family member to be your organization’s advocate and help you navigate those barriers.
Q: Do you know if Boston Scientific considers dental as part of public health?
A: The foundation is not specific in this area. Other funders in the presentation that have given Dental Care grants: Enterprise Mobile, Schulze, Edwards Memorial, and Heilmaier
Q: Do any of these funders fund capital campaigns?
A: This question is better answered in a conversation. Please send us request for a 30-minute Chat [email protected]
Q. Do you happen to have a list of funders in MN?
A: MCN has a great resource for that. They just published the 100 MN foundations, you can purchase it on their website. We tried not to duplicate any they present, though you will see one or two here.
Q: Can you speak a bit about Letters of Introduction? How long? How often? Do you recommend reaching out before you send it or after?
A: This question is better answered in a conversation. Please send us request for a 30-minute Chat [email protected]
Q: Are you aware of any funders that fund for-profit businesses that support seniors?
A: Yes. Many do, especially the groups Laura is describing. Also, if the for profit is aimed at entrepreneurship for marginalized groups.
Q: . What’s the name of the newsletter Steve mentioned?
A: It’s the Fluff Free Fundraiser! You can sign up on the “contact us” page
Q: Isn’t NEFA a RAO?
A: The New England Foundation for the Arts is a Regions Arts Organization, but they give grants throughout the US, particularly for touring.
Q: Wells Fargo philanthropic services link
A: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/
Q: I’d like to know more about Venture Philanthropists as well
A; The approach process is typically quite similar to “traditional” funders, but the language they use is different (and therefore how they view the relationship). “Investments” instead of “gifts” etc. Omidyar, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Arnold Ventures use elements of this type of philanthropy and have robust websites so I’d encourage poking around them!