Join Donor By Design Group’s Jon Simons as he talks about the many friendraising activities that are part of the critical relationship-building component to fundraising. This podcast accompanies our June 2009 edition of the Toolbox newsletter.

To learn more about Donor by Design check out the links at the top of your screen, or contact Jon Simons via e-mail.

An Interview with Stephanie Dudek,
Donor By Design Group
“Finding Foundation Support in Today’s Economy”

Join Donor By Design Group’s Jon Simons as he interviews Stephanie Dudek, Senior Consultant at Donor By Design Group.

Stephanie explains some of the constraints facing foundations today and how you can make your grant application stand out from the crowd. Learn five tips to keep in mind when writing your next proposal, and reflect on the critical nature of your organization’s mission in these economic times.

To learn more about Donor by Design check out the links at the top of your screen, or contact Stephanie Dudek via e-mail.

1. There are fewer dollars to give as foundations watch their endowments shrink.
2. There is more competition for grant dollars.
3. Heightened community needs add to the competition.

What do YMCAs have in their favor?

1. Human services is a primary giving focus now.
2. YMCAs have an image of stability and being a “pillar of the community.”
3. YMCA programs are established and have a track record of success.

How can YMCAs maximize their grant income in these tough times?

1. Relationships, relationships, relationships!  It’s easier for them to say no if they don’t know you!
2. Fit with funding sources’ priorities.  If you don’t see a fit, don’t bother.
3. Be confident that what you’re doing is important and urgently needed.
4. Call the funder to discuss your proposal before submission.

Specific Tips for Writing Proposals

1. Appeal to the passion of the funder.
2. How will the foundation’s investment (not “gift,” not “grant”) help people?
3. List realistic and specific outcomes (not made up by grant writer).
4. Breadth of support shows your organizations’ importance in the community
5. Use realistic budgets.  Be respectful in these times to ask for what you need, but only what you need.

An Interview with Vernon Delpesce, President & CEO,
YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Join Donor By Design’s Bruce Berglund as he interviews Vernon Delpesce, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines (IA).

Listen in on the conversation as Vernon explains how the YMCA of Greater Des Moines raised more than $1.1 million for their annual campaign in just four short weeks during January-February 2009. The YMCA, along with their 400 annual campaign volunteers stayed focused on their case, which is stronger than ever, and never let the news of the economy stand in their way.

To learn more about Donor by Design, check out the links above, or contact Vernon Delpesce or Bruce Berglund via e-mail.

Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.