Local Giving Gone Global

FS: What advice can you give nonprofits who rely primarily on funding through grants?
AK: The new foundations, and even some that have been around a while, expect more business rigor than [before]. The more proactive an organization can be in providing a solid business plan, including expected outcomes, the more apt it is to obtain funding. Understanding the foundation’s mission and goals, and making obvious how your organization supports those goals, is critical. Approaching funders as partners who can provide advice on business modeling, strategy and marketing programs can help establish relationships.