Mastering Grant Writing: Expert Tips and Insights with Jillisa Brown

Mastering Grant Writing: Expert Tips and Insights with Jillisa Brown

 

In this episode of The Okwera Podcast, host Justina Kanza dives deep into the essentials of grant writing and social finance with guest Jillisa Brown. Jillisa, an experienced grant writer and supporter of the BIPOC entrepreneur community, shares invaluable insights on identifying and applying for grants, creating compelling proposals, and understanding the Canadian funding landscape.

From bootstrapping and storytelling to building strong partnerships and ensuring investment readiness, this episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Tune in to learn how to elevate your grant applications and secure funding for your ventures.

00:00 Introduction to Bootstrapping and Grants

00:40 Welcome to The Okwera Podcast

00:54 Grant Writing Workshop and Expert Introduction

01:13 Guest Introduction: Jillisa Brown

03:13 Understanding the Grant Landscape

05:36 Defining and Applying for Grants

07:03 Finding and Evaluating Grants

09:45 Grant Writing Tips and Common Pitfalls

29:19 Investment Readiness and Bootstrapping

34:01 Final Advice and Resources

41:58 Conclusion and Audience Engagement

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Bootstrapping is something that we don't talk about very often, but it is also very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to really Uh, figure out and create productive ways to generate revenue in your business.

(00:16):
.999Which is super important, especially if you're getting grants.
.999Just because you're getting grants doesn't mean that you need to not make money in your business in another way. 4 00:00:25,829.999 --> 00:00:30,030 At some point, the grant cycle is going to end and your money's going to stop.
If you do not bootstrap at some point or figure out how to generate revenue in your business.
Chances are when the funding stops, your business also stops or slows down extremely. 7 00:00:40,774.999999999 --> 00:00:41,124.999999999 Hello. 8 00:00:41,174.999999999 --> 00:00:41,744.999999999 Hello. 9 00:00:41,784.999999999 --> 00:00:44,174.999999999 Welcome to the The Okwera Podcast a.k.a 10 00:00:44,404.999999999 --> 00:00:44,714.999999999 T.O.P 11 00:00:44,894.999999999 --> 00:00:46,844.999999999 where we're elevating you to the top. 12 00:00:47,114.999999999 --> 00:00:48,824.999999999 I'm your host, Justina Kanza. 13 00:00:48,834.999999999 --> 00:00:51,54.999999999 We've got some exciting guests for you today. 14 00:00:51,64.999999999 --> 00:00:53,684.999999999 I hope you stick around to the end and catch you soon. 15 00:00:54,94.999999999 --> 00:01:06,344.999999999 A few months ago, I hosted a grant writing workshop and I got so many questions from folks asking how do I apply for grants? Where do I find them? What criteria do funders look for? And so many other questions. 16 00:01:06,344.999999999 --> 00:01:08,804.998999999 And so I figured we need to bring on an expert. 17 00:01:08,889.999999999 --> 00:01:13,469.999999999 Bird, who's been writing grants and who's been supporting the community acquire funding for years. 18 00:01:13,749.999999999 --> 00:01:18,619.998999999 And so today I'm excited to have, for today's episode, Jillisa Brown. 19 00:01:18,619.998999999 --> 00:01:19,849.998999999 Hi, Jillisa. 20 00:01:19,870.098999999 --> 00:01:20,859.999999999 Hi Justina. 21 00:01:20,889.999999999 --> 00:01:21,659.999999999 Thanks for having me. 22 00:01:21,669.999999999 --> 00:01:23,199.999999999 Thank you for coming. 23 00:01:23,429.999999999 --> 00:01:32,839.999999999 I usually read a bio, but sometimes I just like to let you introduce yourself, share a little bit more about the work you do with finding impact in social finance and social innovation. 24 00:01:33,569.999999999 --> 00:01:34,129.999999999 Sure. 25 00:01:34,169.998999999 --> 00:01:35,869.999999999 So my name is Jillisa Brown. 26 00:01:36,269.999999999 --> 00:01:44,790 I am the daughter of Grace Brown, who is the daughter of Delcina Mitu, who is the daughter to Maud Dennis, who's the daughter to Amanda Smelly.

(01:45):
And I carry my great grandmothers, you know, and all of the things that I do.
And so I just want to acknowledge my ancestors as we begin today.
I have been in the social finance world for the past seven years, across Canada and in the global space as well.
I've had the opportunity to run a couple of community of practices within the space where we brought together several, social finance fund managers and really had the opportunity to Learn a little bit more about impact investing across Canada and the globe.

(02:18):
.999Um, but before that, I've always been somebody in the ecosystem that has supported, entrepreneurs with everything to do with business development and getting grants. 32 00:02:28,599.999 --> 00:02:31,599.998 I really love to take my experiences. 33 00:02:31,944.999 --> 00:02:38,514.999 Uh, my personal and work experiences and really share whatever it is that the community needs for me. 34 00:02:38,514.999 --> 00:02:41,894.999 So, you know, it's a pleasure to be able to share a little bit more with you all. 35 00:02:42,4.998 --> 00:02:42,864.998 Absolutely. 36 00:02:42,874.998 --> 00:02:43,614.998 Thank you, Jillisa. 37 00:02:43,634.999 --> 00:02:46,374.998 And thank you for bringing your ancestors with you today. 38 00:02:46,424.998 --> 00:02:49,574.997 we're carrying them on our backs or they're carrying us on their backs really. 39 00:02:49,654.998 --> 00:02:51,174.998 So thank you for acknowledging them. 40 00:02:51,754.998 --> 00:03:07,374.998 So Jillisa and I actually met about five years ago, even though she doesn't remember, she hosted an event for House of Nine, the sorority platform supporting black women around building entrepreneurial spaces, building entrepreneurial ventures and community in general. 41 00:03:07,524.999 --> 00:03:13,140 she's the perfect person to talk to us about community about funding and entrepreneurship in general.

(03:13):
.9995And so when it comes to the grant landscape, Jillisa, tell us a little bit more about what that looks like, what grants are available to entrepreneurs in Canada, whether it's folks, um, you know, in the nonprofit space, it's folks in business, folks in tech. 43 00:03:27,379.9995 --> 00:03:42,65.0005 What does the landscape look like generally? Yeah, I think there's a lot of different types of funding available, but when we're specifically talking about grants, there are grants for for profit businesses, there are grants for non profit businesses. 44 00:03:42,425.0005 --> 00:03:46,585.0005 And then what we're seeing a lot more in Canada is, the term social enterprise being used. 45 00:03:47,305.0005 --> 00:03:59,60.0005 And so I've learned over the years that sometimes we like, as people of color did, we'll disqualify ourselves in this social enterprise box, because we just don't know what it is. 46 00:03:59,500.0005 --> 00:04:09,500 And so a social enterprise is basically finding ways to repurpose the profit made into your business to create social or environmental impact within your communities.

(04:09):
.001understanding those terms really helps you identify yourself in the space and apply for these types of grants. 48 00:04:16,270.001 --> 00:04:21,565.001 But as I said, generally there are grants for for profit, there are grants for non profit. 49 00:04:21,925.001 --> 00:04:28,375 A lot of the times we believe that there is only funding available for non profit organizations. 50 00:04:28,795.001 --> 00:04:43,360.002 But I think it is that way because a lot of the times foundations or the folks that are providing grants typically put grants into non profit businesses because they will be recognized as a non qualified donee. 51 00:04:43,560.002 --> 00:04:52,220.002 In other words, the foundation will be able to write it off or, do what they need to do behind the scenes to make it work for, their foundation taxes and stuff. 52 00:04:52,380.002 --> 00:04:53,390.002 Exactly. 53 00:04:53,460.002 --> 00:04:53,740.002 Interesting. 54 00:04:53,980.002 --> 00:04:54,750.002 Exactly. 55 00:04:54,800.002 --> 00:04:59,410.002 But, you know, I think that there are grants available within every sector. 56 00:04:59,930.002 --> 00:05:09,790.001 whether you're in health, whether you have a tech business, you know, whether you are a hairstylist, like, I think that there's so many different ways that we can achieve grants. 57 00:05:09,800.001 --> 00:05:16,230.0025 It really just comes down to the stories and narratives you're telling about your business and the impact you're creating. 58 00:05:16,360.0025 --> 00:05:17,40.0025 Absolutely. 59 00:05:17,40.0025 --> 00:05:22,110.0025 you make such a great point because when I'm thinking at, I'm thinking of like selling to customers. 60 00:05:22,160.0025 --> 00:05:27,50.0025 What you're selling is essentially the product and the service and the solution and the benefit of it. 61 00:05:27,280.0025 --> 00:05:35,210.0025 But when you're selling in terms of acquiring grants to funders, what you're selling is impact and impact comes a lot from storytelling. 62 00:05:35,420.0025 --> 00:05:36,470.0015 So I really like that. 63 00:05:36,640.0015 --> 00:05:43,760.0015 but I figure we start first and foremost by describing and defining what a grant is in case people don't know what it is. 64 00:05:43,760.0015 --> 00:05:54,130.0015 How does it differ from other forms of funding? Okay, so a grant is basically a non repayable, um, let's call it an investment in your business. 65 00:05:54,140.0015 --> 00:05:55,420.001 It is non repayable. 66 00:05:55,420.001 --> 00:06:01,840.0015 So whatever funds that they give you, let's say a funder has a mission to support more women. 67 00:06:02,470.0015 --> 00:06:08,290.0015 they would provide a grant to support your mission and goals, also supporting women. 68 00:06:08,630.0015 --> 00:06:12,640.0015 And at the end of the day, you're really not paying that back. 69 00:06:13,160.0015 --> 00:06:17,340.002 I guess the payment in a sense would be the impacts that you're creating. 70 00:06:17,930.002 --> 00:06:20,620.003 another term we might hear is non dilutive funding. 71 00:06:20,620.003 --> 00:06:26,660.003 non dilutive funding is, a type of investment where you're also not losing equity in your business. 72 00:06:26,895.003 --> 00:06:27,605.003 Absolutely. 73 00:06:27,655.003 --> 00:06:35,895.003 what comes to mind for me is that impact is a form of equity when it comes to the nonprofit and generally the grand space. 74 00:06:36,385.003 --> 00:06:44,650.003 But let's go back to understanding the process now that people know what a grant is now that, you know, Businesses know that it's not just reserved for non profits. 75 00:06:44,730.003 --> 00:06:48,570.003 Even for profit businesses can access these non repayable forms of funding. 76 00:06:48,880.003 --> 00:07:01,310.003 What does the process look like? Where do people look just the whole from A to Z? What is the process looking like there? it definitely feels like a hard and long process for a lot of us. 77 00:07:01,700.003 --> 00:07:03,360.003 And like, let's be real, it does. 78 00:07:03,625.003 --> 00:07:10,765.002 It does take time and energy, but starting right at the top, looking for grants is not as hard as it may seem. 79 00:07:11,85.003 --> 00:07:16,515.0035 doing a simple Google search saying, grants in Canada, but also adding what sector you're in helps. 80 00:07:16,515.0035 --> 00:07:24,875.0035 if I'm trying to support youth or build youth programs in Canada, I might say grants in Canada for youth 2025. 81 00:07:25,225.0035 --> 00:07:26,665.0035 so it really comes down to. 82 00:07:26,720.0035 --> 00:07:29,850.0035 adding your niche to whatever sort of grants that you're looking for. 83 00:07:30,340.0035 --> 00:07:54,320.0015 another great way is to find the foundations and big organizations that are also aligned with your mission or are within your sector because, subscribing to their newsletters or just really paying attention to the ways that they distribute money, within communities, would give you a little bit of an inside look into, getting access to their grant portals or opportunities. 84 00:07:55,330.0025 --> 00:07:58,920.0025 after you find the grant, you have to look at a few things. 85 00:07:59,245.0025 --> 00:08:04,495.0025 Including eligibility, right? Like, am I eligible for this grant? Because it's such a daunting process. 86 00:08:04,495.0025 --> 00:08:10,765.0015 The last thing you want to do is go through the whole application process when you don't align with the basic eligibility criteria. 87 00:08:10,805.0025 --> 00:08:11,445.0025 Exactly. 88 00:08:11,445.0025 --> 00:08:24,245.0005 So I would definitely look and see, is this grant deadline still open? does this grant work for the type of incorporation I have? as we said, sometimes you have to be a nonprofit organization to qualify for a grant. 89 00:08:24,245.0005 --> 00:08:26,65.0005 So if I'm a for profit, I might just stop. 90 00:08:26,80.0015 --> 00:08:33,390.0015 There, or I might find a nonprofit organization that I can collaborate with, in order to make things work for me as well. 91 00:08:33,950.0015 --> 00:09:08,320.0005 so, we look at that eligibility, see if you qualify to apply for this grant, are you in the right city or country? and then I might think, okay, what is the true alignment between my business and the funder? And really look at the alignment with not just the grant application that there's particularly asking for, but, you know, also the foundation in general, what are the ways that we are aligned? Then I would think about, what sort of project or initiative am I going to come up with to actually apply for this grant? Because a lot of grants are project based. 92 00:09:08,380.0005 --> 00:09:08,590.0005 Yes. 93 00:09:08,850.0005 --> 00:09:14,310.0005 And so you would have to come up with a project or initiative that again is aligned. 94 00:09:15,245.0005 --> 00:09:21,5.0005 come up with a story that you're able to articulate to the funder to say, Hey, here are the ways that we are aligned. 95 00:09:21,395.0005 --> 00:09:24,595.0005 here are the ways that I'm meeting the needs of my community. 96 00:09:25,35.0005 --> 00:09:29,185.0005 you can talk about, the different types of impact that you're looking to create. 97 00:09:29,764.9995 --> 00:09:30,154.9995 budget. 98 00:09:30,479.9995 --> 00:09:36,769.9995 It's a big part of this, the most daunting for me when I'm applying for grants, I hate the budget and the work plan. 99 00:09:37,149.9995 --> 00:09:41,589.9995 I can do the overview and the objectives and everything else, but that's where the meat lies. 100 00:09:41,639.9995 --> 00:09:43,899.9995 the budget piece because it's very detailed. 101 00:09:44,329.9995 --> 00:09:45,109.999 Exactly. 102 00:09:45,109.999 --> 00:09:48,129.9995 And I think this is one of the biggest things that the funders look at. 103 00:09:48,159.9995 --> 00:09:50,439.9995 I've also sat on grant review committees. 104 00:09:50,449.9995 --> 00:10:00,439.9995 when I'm reviewing, viewing a grant, the biggest things that I look for, you know, within the questions is, you know, what need is being solved? How are you solving it? And then I look at the budget. 105 00:10:00,439.9995 --> 00:10:11,690.0005 Okay, is this really feasible? Because sometimes we'll find ourselves applying for a grant where, the maximum is 100, 000, but maybe your project doesn't really need 100, 000. 106 00:10:12,10.0005 --> 00:10:14,340.0005 It's okay to ask for less than the maximum. 107 00:10:15,330.0005 --> 00:10:20,240.0505 I shouldn't really keep a note of that one because you see the 2, 000, 000. 108 00:10:20,240.0505 --> 00:10:23,19.9005 You're like, I would like the 2, 000, 000. 109 00:10:23,20.0005 --> 00:10:24,709.9995 Yeah, exactly. 110 00:10:24,979.9995 --> 00:10:30,320.0005 But that's OK also if you're able to justify these things and make it make sense for the funder. 111 00:10:31,425.0005 --> 00:10:41,665.0005 within this process, you'll also come up with, the outcomes, and even get into the ways that you will evaluate the impact you're creating through the project. 112 00:10:42,735.0005 --> 00:10:55,104.9995 Um, then, you know, once this process continues and you're selected for the grant, this is where the real work begins, in actually delivering on the things that you've promised. 113 00:10:55,265.0005 --> 00:11:05,885.0005 I think that is super important to uphold the integrity of you and your business to ensure that you're delivering on, you know, what it is that you're saying you're going to do with this grant. 114 00:11:06,810.0005 --> 00:11:07,850.0005 is super important. 115 00:11:07,850.0005 --> 00:11:09,800.0005 then comes evaluation and reporting. 116 00:11:09,800.0005 --> 00:11:14,360 it does feel like a lot of elements, but when you break them down into pieces, it is doable.

(11:14):
a lot of people are successful with getting grants. 118 00:11:16,710.001 --> 00:11:17,450.001 Absolutely. 119 00:11:17,460.001 --> 00:11:19,550 Thank you for breaking down that process for us. 120 00:11:19,600.001 --> 00:11:25,700.002 when you put it that way, it does sound a little bit more streamlined and a bit more, um, manageable. 121 00:11:25,720.002 --> 00:11:26,770.002 So we're starting with. 122 00:11:27,50.002 --> 00:11:29,580.002 Researching what grants are available. 123 00:11:29,580.002 --> 00:11:32,900.002 And this can be from as easy as a Google search. 124 00:11:33,110.002 --> 00:11:53,630.003 but I also wanted to ask there, is there any other tools that you've used in the past for grand search? Cause I know there's like one, like Happly AI is one that, that I've used in the past, but are there any like AI or like tech tools that curate different, grants available across the country and then also categorize them based on different, industries, et cetera. 125 00:11:54,355.003 --> 00:12:04,665.002 You know, there are a few grant databases floating around, and Happily is definitely one of them, through Funding Impact, we have a grant database that, stays active. 126 00:12:04,675.002 --> 00:12:05,875.002 we update it every month. 127 00:12:06,395.001 --> 00:12:12,240.002 And so, you know, on Our funding impacts community hub, you'll be able to get access to a lot of grants. 128 00:12:12,570.002 --> 00:12:16,760.002 We're also starting to open other types of investment opportunities. 129 00:12:16,770.002 --> 00:12:17,900.002 not just grants. 130 00:12:18,270.002 --> 00:12:19,800.002 None of them incorporate AI. 131 00:12:19,800.002 --> 00:12:23,330.002 So it'll be interesting to see how that continues to build out. 132 00:12:23,380.002 --> 00:12:23,620.002 Yeah. 133 00:12:23,620.002 --> 00:12:26,250.002 So the best bet guys is funding impact. 134 00:12:26,470.002 --> 00:12:27,960.0015 ca is it? Yeah. 135 00:12:27,960.0015 --> 00:12:35,540.001 And that's, uh, Jillisa's platform where they're curating different grant opportunities and other investment opportunities across the country. 136 00:12:35,720.002 --> 00:12:39,570.0025 in addition to that, you actually do consulting and grant writing itself. 137 00:12:39,570.0025 --> 00:12:42,380.0025 Do you want to speak a little bit more about that? Cause I know like. 138 00:12:42,830.0025 --> 00:12:47,240.0025 I, I, I need to outsource some of these services by no means an expert. 139 00:12:47,260.0025 --> 00:12:49,220.0025 And as you mentioned, it can be overwhelming. 140 00:12:49,220.0025 --> 00:12:52,220.0035 So having an expert hold your hand, goes a long way. 141 00:12:52,700.0035 --> 00:12:53,520.0035 Absolutely. 142 00:12:53,520.0035 --> 00:13:03,990.0035 So funding impact is really a space where we're focused on supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs with investment readiness and impact measurements, but within that investment readiness bubble, comes grants. 143 00:13:04,640.0035 --> 00:13:21,620.0055 we actually have a grant writing workshop coming up where we'll be teaching, all the things you need to know about writing grant proposals as well as project planning, because both of them are so connected, within the funding impact community, we also have something called the grant ready success kit. 144 00:13:22,20.0055 --> 00:13:27,530.0055 this kit is an opportunity for you to bring together the most commonly asked things regarding grants. 145 00:13:27,540.0055 --> 00:13:32,350.0045 So, you know, when you apply for grant, they're going to ask you for your, your business number. 146 00:13:32,480.0045 --> 00:13:34,250.0045 They're going to ask you questions about your board. 147 00:13:34,560.0045 --> 00:13:38,910.0045 if there's a project that you are raising grants for, you're able to. 148 00:13:39,285.0045 --> 00:13:43,635.0045 Fill out the common application form and say, okay, each grant is going to ask me about my needs. 149 00:13:43,635.0045 --> 00:13:44,955.0045 It's going to ask me about my solution. 150 00:13:44,955.0045 --> 00:13:46,955.0045 It's going to ask me about, you know, my outcomes. 151 00:13:47,125.0035 --> 00:14:01,100.0035 being able to bring all these things together gives you the chance to build upon what you already have rather than Feeling the need to start from scratch for every single thing that you will buy for That's very important, because they can be time consuming as well. 152 00:14:01,250.0035 --> 00:14:04,630.0045 just having a kit ready and you edit whatever needs to be changed. 153 00:14:04,630.0045 --> 00:14:07,400.005 It's like having a master resume for all your job applications. 154 00:14:07,410.005 --> 00:14:08,480.005 Exactly. 155 00:14:08,490.005 --> 00:14:09,150.005 I like that. 156 00:14:09,310.005 --> 00:14:15,425.005 But in addition to that, as you said like, you know, not everybody has the time to write a grant on their own. 157 00:14:15,425.005 --> 00:14:18,265.005 So we are building a grant writing agency. 158 00:14:18,265.005 --> 00:14:20,555.005 We do have a few grant writers on board already. 159 00:14:20,575.005 --> 00:14:21,195.005 That's beautiful. 160 00:14:21,195.005 --> 00:14:27,195.005 Um, where folks who just don't have the time or the capacity to do it themselves can work with us for that help. 161 00:14:27,345.004 --> 00:14:27,975.004 That's beautiful. 162 00:14:27,995.004 --> 00:14:34,455.005 I'm going to be soliciting you guys sometime soon because it's peak grant writing season and so, yeah, it gets overwhelming. 163 00:14:34,685.005 --> 00:14:44,320.005 But you mentioned a little bit about, when the grant ready success Kit, which just essentially make sure you have everything that you need to submit applications. 164 00:14:44,320.005 --> 00:14:51,250.0045 But you also mentioned aligning your application to different funders, objectives, essentially. 165 00:14:51,250.0045 --> 00:15:00,570.0045 So what are the community needs? You're solving for what's the feasibility from your work plan and budget, but also what are the outcomes and evaluations, et cetera. 166 00:15:00,830.0045 --> 00:15:07,620.0055 Could you walk us through some of the key criteria that funders look at in addition to these things you've mentioned? Yeah. 167 00:15:07,620.0055 --> 00:15:12,149.9045 So I'd say key criteria that funders are looking for. 168 00:15:12,569.9045 --> 00:15:23,459.9045 Definitely would have to do with, like, what is the need that you're solving? great things to add along with, your lived experience It's really great to include data. 169 00:15:23,799.9045 --> 00:15:28,39.9035 So you know what statistics are out there that can really back up what it is that you're sharing. 170 00:15:28,449.9035 --> 00:15:36,359.9045 If you know that, black entrepreneurs are having trouble with funding, letting the ecosystem understand that is actually 0. 171 00:15:36,679.9045 --> 00:15:47,559.9055 01 percent of funding that is going to support, black women, the funder can look at that and say, okay, there's actually data to back this up and truly understand the needs. 172 00:15:47,610.0055 --> 00:15:51,980.0065 the other thing, in addition to what I've shared would include, a work plan. 173 00:15:51,980.0065 --> 00:15:57,770.0055 So maybe you can say, from month one to month three, these are the things that were the activities that will have. 174 00:15:57,770.0065 --> 00:16:15,870.0065 And here are the outcomes that were able to produce, I'd say lately to actually sharing an in depth plan for evaluation and impact measurement is becoming more important because at the end, you want to be able to show that you're able to deliver and build impact. 175 00:16:15,870.0065 --> 00:16:34,385.0055 And so the way that you do that would it would it be to pull together a plan to say, okay, you know, at the beginning, middle and end, we're going to have surveys or we'll have focus group that will be able to help us hear from our communities or, you know, we're going to reassess and see what our analytics are looking like. 176 00:16:34,385.0065 --> 00:16:46,305.0065 And, you know, understand that, okay, let's say for example, you know, you're creating a youth program to help youth with, I don't know, weight challenges. 177 00:16:46,825.0065 --> 00:16:59,695.0055 And so, a part of you doing that would say, okay, you know what, the way we're going to evaluate that is to say, you know, the youth, we're finding that youth that are coming to our program are, also eating healthier. 178 00:16:59,825.0055 --> 00:17:05,595.0055 We noticed that the lunches that they're packing to bring to school are healthier because this is something that we've taught them in the program. 179 00:17:05,595.0055 --> 00:17:14,585.0065 And so of 10 students, we noticed that seven of them are packing healthier lunches and sharing stories about how they feel better about their body image. 180 00:17:14,815.0055 --> 00:17:19,795.0055 that's a way to let the funder know that you're evaluating, the impact you're creating. 181 00:17:19,915.0055 --> 00:17:21,125.0055 I really like that. 182 00:17:21,175.0055 --> 00:17:30,165.0055 I think for me with grant writing, the work plan, the budget, everything, I would kind of nail it, but I fell short a lot on the evaluation and impact measurement. 183 00:17:30,175.0055 --> 00:17:31,235.0055 So that's good to know. 184 00:17:31,445.0055 --> 00:17:41,665.0055 can you share a little bit more about the value of storytelling, especially as part of evaluation, like documenting the process? content creation and things like that. 185 00:17:41,675.0055 --> 00:17:51,195.0045 Does that really have any value on the impact side? 100 percent I mean, it really gives you the opportunity to let the funder know that you're really out there doing the work. 186 00:17:51,605.0045 --> 00:17:55,645.0045 I think a fear of a funder could be that you're just making it up. 187 00:17:55,715.0055 --> 00:17:56,305.0055 Yes. 188 00:17:56,365.0055 --> 00:18:05,25.0055 However, if you're able to show proof, like, you know, instead of saying, you know, we serve entrepreneurs across Canada, you could say something like. 189 00:18:05,415.0055 --> 00:18:17,925.0045 We have served 300 entrepreneurs in this, this, and this province, or being able to show proof, photos, videos that you've captured everybody in the same place, learning. 190 00:18:18,825.0035 --> 00:18:23,705.0035 I think that being able to tell the story really brings things to the next level. 191 00:18:24,135.0035 --> 00:18:28,965.0035 it's the difference between saying We're helping youth with education. 192 00:18:30,645.0035 --> 00:18:42,115.0035 It's completely different than saying, in the Jane and Finch community, we recognize that many youth are having issues with their test scores. 193 00:18:42,805.0035 --> 00:18:49,355.0045 we also recognize that because of the impact of the community they live in, they might have less help with access to tutors. 194 00:18:49,985.0045 --> 00:19:05,255.004 because we have created this Big Sis, Little Sis program, not only are they getting connected to a mentor in the space, but they're also getting one on one connections and opportunities to, really understand what it is that they're learning in the classroom. 195 00:19:05,255.004 --> 00:19:09,315.003 I think the way to get the funder is to make them feel something at the end of the day. 196 00:19:09,325.004 --> 00:19:17,25.004 How can you allow the person reading your application or proposal to feel what it is that you're feeling? we forget that it's humans that are reading these. 197 00:19:17,605.004 --> 00:19:27,70.004 if I'm able to pull on someone's heartstrings or make somebody really feel think about how important my solution is, that's where we get the movements. 198 00:19:27,160.004 --> 00:19:31,650.003 So be as detailed as possible, about the geography. 199 00:19:31,650.003 --> 00:19:42,300.004 a demographic is usually one that I think I see some people miss out on like community need? if there's any existing research what does it say about that? If you're talking about black unemployment in Canada. 200 00:19:42,610.004 --> 00:19:47,10.004 What does statistics Canada, for example, say about black unemployment? I think that's a good one. 201 00:19:47,370.004 --> 00:20:03,950.004 And then in terms of other criteria, how about on the team side and also partnership side? What are they looking for there? They're looking for a specific profile of what the leadership and execution operations team would look like. 202 00:20:04,180.004 --> 00:20:22,620.004 Are they looking for organizations that already have existing community partnerships, et cetera? Those are great things to add because you're letting them know, what skills you have to ensure this can be done well? And so, you know, if you're sharing as the, the lead you're able to share your bio and experience to say, yes, I've done this before. 203 00:20:22,620.004 --> 00:20:25,380.004 I've worked with this set of people and this was the outcome. 204 00:20:26,10.004 --> 00:20:35,150.003 and, and it really gives you an opportunity to evaluate, okay, who do I really have on my team to make sure that I'm really making things happen to the best of our ability. 205 00:20:36,445.004 --> 00:20:40,475.004 another great thing for nonprofits would be to talk about who's on your board. 206 00:20:40,935.004 --> 00:20:59,95.0045 If I'm able to show these are my board members and I'm able to lead on them as an advisory council, when we're having issues or, trying to ideate about what are the best ways to solve the problem, it's really great to talk about who these people are, and their expertise and experience as well, and what they're able to bring to the table. 207 00:20:59,255.0045 --> 00:21:00,645.0045 Absolutely, absolutely. 208 00:21:00,885.0035 --> 00:21:01,995.0045 Now, a quick question. 209 00:21:02,565.0035 --> 00:21:18,105.1045 For folks that, like, they're just individuals, they've never really run a business, they've never received a grant before, but they're just looking for grants to get started, because sometimes, For folks that have been, doing it for a while, their proof of concept is already there. 210 00:21:18,105.1045 --> 00:21:19,765.1045 They have traction to show for it. 211 00:21:19,775.1045 --> 00:21:20,895.1045 They've done this before. 212 00:21:21,85.1035 --> 00:21:30,895.1025 But for folks who haven't done it before, how are they structuring the applications differently to give themselves a little bit of an edge there? for those that are brand new to the game, yes. 213 00:21:31,70.1035 --> 00:21:38,540.1035 I would really lean heavily on the research element and really speak to the need. 214 00:21:38,950.1025 --> 00:21:45,410.1035 I think that even if this is your first time, you have solved this problem in one way or the other before. 215 00:21:45,840.1035 --> 00:21:52,680.1035 And so definitely sharing every detail about the experiences that you do have, the impact that you have created. 216 00:21:52,960.1035 --> 00:21:56,940.1025 but you know, this could be the opportunity for you to bring in partnerships as we were saying. 217 00:21:56,940.1035 --> 00:21:57,160.1035 Like. 218 00:21:57,980.1035 --> 00:22:08,280.1035 partnering with another organization that might have just that extra layer of experience, definitely could bring you in some, some more of that backing that's required. 219 00:22:08,520.1025 --> 00:22:17,480.103 And I think the funder also sees, you collaborating or partnering with others as a sign to tell them like, Hey, we see that they're able to work with others. 220 00:22:17,490.103 --> 00:22:19,70.103 So if they can work with their partners. 221 00:22:19,475.103 --> 00:22:21,135.103 they'll be able to work well with us. 222 00:22:21,555.103 --> 00:22:30,935.102 and so, yeah, I definitely think leading on those type of partnerships with those that do have the experience that you can also use as an advisory are awesome. 223 00:22:30,945.102 --> 00:22:38,835.103 For us at House of Nine, we were able to partner with the Canadian Women's Foundation to apply for Canadian government funding. 224 00:22:39,435.103 --> 00:22:51,415.103 if we had gone to do that on our own, we might not have the reputation yet to convince the government that we'd be able to do what it is that we're saying, but because we built that partnership, that relationship. 225 00:22:52,235.103 --> 00:22:53,945.103 You know, it definitely gave us the one up. 226 00:22:54,165.103 --> 00:22:54,865.103 Absolutely. 227 00:22:54,885.103 --> 00:23:06,85.102 it's a credibility piece that the founders look at to say, you know you're new in the game, but if you can convince Canadian, Women's Foundation to partner with you, then they see something in you and we're going to come on board. 228 00:23:06,335.103 --> 00:23:14,35.103 But then how do you get those partnerships, especially when you're very early on? I'd say it's all about relationship building. 229 00:23:14,505.103 --> 00:23:24,520.103 Who are you building relationships with and why? how aligned is your organization to the foundation or whoever you're looking to build relationships with. 230 00:23:24,980.103 --> 00:23:26,940.103 And I'd say start small, start slow. 231 00:23:26,940.103 --> 00:23:32,80.103 You don't have to think you can meet someone today and by next week, we're already talking money. 232 00:23:32,410.103 --> 00:23:41,0.103 I think that it's important to show up in meetings and networking, environments and really just try to get to know people. 233 00:23:41,330.103 --> 00:23:43,160.103 I think we really rush. 234 00:23:43,215.203 --> 00:24:30,281.8905 and so I think it's important for us to think about the process a lot and when we have the opportunity to slow down and, learn about individuals, understand what their passions are, then the next time we meet not only am I able to continue to share what I've been working on in my progress, but I can say, Oh yeah, I remember, you also had this passion, like, what do you think about that? I've shared my initiative with you, from your perspective, what are the gaps how does the foundation believe this problem can be solved, and how can we do it together? As you start having more of these conversations, not only will you be able to build, a plan, hand in hand, but it also lets the, the person or the foundation really see, okay, you know what, when there's an opportunity that might not be open to the public, I'm going to remember this person and the work that they're doing. 235 00:24:30,281.9905 --> 00:24:30,901.9905 Exactly. 236 00:24:30,901.9905 --> 00:24:31,91.9905 Yeah. 237 00:24:31,91.9905 --> 00:24:33,601.9905 And they get to mention you in rooms of opportunities. 238 00:24:33,601.9905 --> 00:24:40,641.9895 They sponsor and advocate for you, but it takes time because they're also putting their reputation on the line, as in the case of Canadian Women's Foundation. 239 00:24:40,641.9895 --> 00:24:53,241.9885 Because the more people actually see you execute on the advice that they're giving, which is a form of currency for many, right? And they see returns on that currency that they've put in you, then they're more likely to advocate and actually give you real money from that. 240 00:24:53,611.9885 --> 00:24:58,231.9885 the other thing I was gonna mention and ask really is for folks that are getting started. 241 00:24:58,631.9885 --> 00:25:03,961.9885 one thing that I've leveraged for myself has been Pulling in my nine to five work experience. 242 00:25:03,961.9885 --> 00:25:14,221.9895 Cause even though I, when I started Okwera, for example, I hadn't done anything like Okwera where I, was the founder and the initiator, but I did very similar work at BFN. 243 00:25:14,241.9885 --> 00:25:19,576.9895 So pulling that experience from your nine to five, is that something that you would recommend as well? For sure. 244 00:25:19,616.9895 --> 00:25:24,916.9895 There's so many things that I brought from my 9 to 5 into my entrepreneurial world. 245 00:25:25,516.9895 --> 00:25:31,766.99 Even entering 2025, I said, okay, Jillisa, you are, not where you started anymore. 246 00:25:32,716.99 --> 00:25:33,876.99 Now you're here. 247 00:25:33,916.99 --> 00:25:36,296.99 And so that means you need to operate in a different way. 248 00:25:36,346.99 --> 00:25:43,636.9895 the same way that I was diligently working for the man, it's the same way that I need to be diligently working for my business. 249 00:25:43,636.9895 --> 00:25:47,856.9885 when I set a task to be done on this day, it doesn't matter if I don't feel like it. 250 00:25:47,857.0885 --> 00:25:55,116.9895 It doesn't matter if I'm feeling sick in the same way that I couldn't call in sick to work is the same way that I need to not call in sick for myself. 251 00:25:56,881.9895 --> 00:26:02,91.9895 Yeah, creating excuses for myself, I think that's the best way to put things forward. 252 00:26:02,411.9895 --> 00:26:21,921.9885 Another thing that I wanted to add to that and like, you know, putting yourself out there is not just asking for a whole bunch of things, it's also, you know, what value can I provide for you? How can I help you solve your problem? I think that really, um, it really spices up a business relationship for sure. 253 00:26:21,931.9885 --> 00:26:22,671.9885 Absolutely. 254 00:26:22,671.9885 --> 00:26:23,441.9885 Absolutely. 255 00:26:23,442.0885 --> 00:26:23,644.4885 Absolutely. 256 00:26:23,644.4885 --> 00:26:23,846.8885 Absolutely. 257 00:26:24,56.9885 --> 00:26:31,208.7218333 A lot of times, the people that we're looking to get those resources and advice from, they're used to people taking from them. 258 00:26:31,208.7218333 --> 00:26:34,116.9885 They're used to people coming to them and asking for help. 259 00:26:34,296.9885 --> 00:26:37,916.9875 But if you come and offer something unique and say, you know what, I'm not really asking for any help. 260 00:26:38,106.9875 --> 00:26:39,596.9885 I'm here to offer you some help. 261 00:26:39,596.9885 --> 00:26:44,676.9885 What can I take off your plate? What introduction can I facilitate for you? That's how you build relationships. 262 00:26:45,106.9885 --> 00:26:51,46.9875 I wanted to ask though, on the other side, because you've sat on some grant committees. 263 00:26:51,861.9885 --> 00:27:12,711.9885 What are some common pitfalls that you've seen entrepreneurs, nonprofits fall into when applying for an application? Like what's the one thing that when you're reviewing a grant application, you just immediately like just put it aside and say, this is a no? I think you can definitely tell when somebody puts their time and effort into the application. 264 00:27:13,561.9885 --> 00:27:18,791.9885 And I don't want to tear down people for using chat GPT, but let's be real. 265 00:27:18,831.9885 --> 00:27:22,611.9885 A lot of us are using chat GPT, especially to help with grants, which is a great thing. 266 00:27:23,101.9875 --> 00:27:31,446.9885 But I don't think that we should be relying a hundred percent on chat GPT or any other AI to create our projects for us. 267 00:27:31,786.9885 --> 00:27:37,256.9885 I think that there's still a lot of our individuality that needs to go into the process. 268 00:27:37,266.9885 --> 00:27:38,66.9885 Absolutely. 269 00:27:38,246.9875 --> 00:27:40,946.9885 To make it feel real and authentic. 270 00:27:40,946.9885 --> 00:27:48,206.9875 So I definitely would say, you know, ensure that you are being authentic because I think that's one thing that's clear. 271 00:27:49,76.9865 --> 00:28:01,821.987 another pitfall is you know, aside from maybe not putting too much effort or detail into the budget, it could be, you know, maybe trying to squeeze yourself into a grant that's not aligned for you. 272 00:28:03,21.987 --> 00:28:05,1.986 sometimes we see, Oh yes, they're giving. 273 00:28:05,491.987 --> 00:28:06,601.987 50, 000. 274 00:28:06,651.987 --> 00:28:11,501.987 Let me just go out there and get it without truly understanding what their ask is. 275 00:28:12,231.987 --> 00:28:15,851.987 we might just squeeze our business into a grant that doesn't fit. 276 00:28:15,871.987 --> 00:28:29,51.887 And it's really clear that you're just squeezing, A circle into a square hole, So just ensuring that and really understanding like not every dollar needs to be chased. 277 00:28:29,251.887 --> 00:28:29,601.887 Yeah. 278 00:28:29,621.887 --> 00:28:38,816.787 You know what I'm saying? So yeah, just ensuring right off from the top that the grant you're applying for is actually aligned with your business. 279 00:28:38,866.887 --> 00:28:39,156.887 Yeah. 280 00:28:39,156.887 --> 00:28:42,296.887 Cause I think sometimes we do like a volumes game. 281 00:28:42,296.887 --> 00:28:48,716.8865 we think if we apply to 10 grants at least one will come back to us, but it's just so overwhelming applying to 10 of them. 282 00:28:48,716.8865 --> 00:28:52,556.886 If five of them are not really aligned with what you're doing anyway. 283 00:28:52,756.886 --> 00:28:56,326.887 And if you do get that grant, the work begins now. 284 00:28:56,346.887 --> 00:28:59,966.887 you have to deliver on something that you're not really passionate about in the first place. 285 00:28:59,966.887 --> 00:29:01,986.887 It's not even aligned with the work that you're doing. 286 00:29:02,361.887 --> 00:29:04,991.887 Thank you for emphasizing that, because I've done it before. 287 00:29:04,991.987 --> 00:29:06,901.887 So have I, honestly. 288 00:29:07,421.887 --> 00:29:09,191.887 I have also, because you're right. 289 00:29:09,191.887 --> 00:29:11,521.887 You're thinking, okay, it's the law of averages. 290 00:29:11,571.887 --> 00:29:13,731.885 if I keep applying, it'll be better. 291 00:29:13,731.886 --> 00:29:18,91.886 But a lot of times it takes you away from applying for the ones that you are actually aligned with. 292 00:29:18,101.886 --> 00:29:18,951.886 Precisely. 293 00:29:18,961.885 --> 00:29:19,681.885 Precisely. 294 00:29:20,1.886 --> 00:29:39,296.5276765 So let's talk about investment readiness because on one hand it's one thing to go out there looking for grants and sourcing grants, but how do you assess that you're ready if that opportunity comes to you? how do you make sure you're, you're ready to even start sourcing for grants in the first I definitely would assess the stage of business that you're at. 295 00:29:39,296.5276765 --> 00:29:39,793.2806177 Mm hmm. 296 00:29:40,623.3806177 --> 00:30:03,223.3796177 Um, really understanding, do I need funding or is it just time for me to pull up my bootstraps? Bootstrapping is something we don't talk about very often, but it is very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to create productive ways to generate revenue in your business, which is super important, especially if you're getting grants. 297 00:30:03,853.3806177 --> 00:30:09,143.3796177 Just because you're getting grants doesn't mean that you need to not make money in your business in another way. 298 00:30:09,393.3796177 --> 00:30:13,593.3806177 At some point, the grant cycle is going to end and your money's going to stop. 299 00:30:14,73.3806177 --> 00:30:23,668.3806177 If you do not bootstrap at some point or figure out how to generate revenue in your business, chances are when the funding stops, your business also stops or slows down extremely. 300 00:30:24,338.3806177 --> 00:30:29,588.3806177 And so definitely I would say, you know, really assess the stage of business that you're at. 301 00:30:29,858.3806177 --> 00:30:46,558.3801177 am I at a point in my business where I can use an extra couple of hands? Do I need money for, let's say materials or equipment to create, whatever it is that I'm looking to make and sell, really assess what are the specific ways I'm going to be using funding in my business. 302 00:30:47,328.3801177 --> 00:30:53,498.3801177 I'll also say that investment readiness doesn't always or particularly. 303 00:30:54,733.3801177 --> 00:30:55,973.3801177 Just stick with grants. 304 00:30:56,343.3801177 --> 00:31:17,23.3806177 Investment readiness really looks at, is my business ready for investment? So let's say, I'm running a business that is going to, scale to a very large scale where, I need to make 1, 000 or 2, 000, a million units, and because of that, I need to apply for a loan or I need to get an equity investment for my business. 305 00:31:17,423.3806177 --> 00:31:36,623.3806177 There are some businesses that might be at a stage where, I have a restaurant that's just running out of my house and now I want to be able to actually have a brick and mortar restaurant that's going to require renovations are going to require, a purchase or for me to have a lease to put our tables and chairs and stoves and everything. 306 00:31:36,793.3796177 --> 00:31:46,363.3786177 in that way, we're really looking at a different type of investment readiness to say, where are my finances looking like, do I have the ability, to. 307 00:31:47,183.3786177 --> 00:31:50,43.3786177 get a loan or an equity investment for my business. 308 00:31:50,43.3786177 --> 00:32:21,323.3796177 Do I have the income available for me to pay this back in the case where, my business doesn't grow as fast as I need it to? do I have the right legal compliances in place? do I actually have, my business plan or my pitch in place? do I have the evaluation piece that we talked about before? And so again, really, assessing where you're at the stage of business that you're at and truly understanding what types of funding can support me at this stage of business. 309 00:32:21,873.3796177 --> 00:32:43,128.3796177 Actually, uh, through Funding Impact, we also have a course available called Defining Your Funding Strategy that helps you go through our workbook and course and assess, okay, am I early stage in my business? Do I need to be looking at grants, crowdfunding, loans, equity, and really assessing create your next steps. 310 00:32:43,458.3796177 --> 00:32:43,958.3796177 That is beautiful. 311 00:32:43,958.4796177 --> 00:32:48,918.3786177 And I think that's so important because there's certain forms of funding that are glamorized. 312 00:32:48,918.3796177 --> 00:32:53,968.3796177 I think of like equity funding, cause everyone wants to say we've raised 10 million of series A. 313 00:32:54,348.3796177 --> 00:33:07,888.3801177 But is it really necessary for your business? but one of the point that you bring up is around revenue generating, which I think is easier and it's a given for, for profit businesses, that's essentially how you're, sustaining yourself. 314 00:33:08,168.3801177 --> 00:33:10,508.3801177 but for nonprofit businesses, I find that it's. 315 00:33:10,698.3801177 --> 00:33:12,318.3801177 It can be a bit sticky. 316 00:33:12,338.3801177 --> 00:33:30,618.3806177 So are you able to share a little bit more of ways that you've seen nonprofits generate their own revenue to, encourage sustainability? Because one of the conversations that I've heard come up a lot is even funders are being reluctant to then find nonprofit businesses because it's money in money out, right? So the sustainability piece can be sticky there. 317 00:33:31,278.3806177 --> 00:33:31,698.3806177 Yeah. 318 00:33:31,698.3806177 --> 00:33:38,598.3806177 You know, I think I see a lot of nonprofits generating revenue through subscription based models. 319 00:33:38,608.3806177 --> 00:33:58,453.3806177 So like your membership, your community membership or, by providing workshops for the community at a cost, as long as the profit that is coming out of the membership dues or the workshop costs or the, you know, the community events, as long as that's just being recycled back into the ways that you're creating impact. 320 00:33:58,733.3806177 --> 00:33:59,523.3806177 It's also okay. 321 00:33:59,523.4806177 --> 00:34:00,580.8306177 It's also business. 322 00:34:00,580.8306177 --> 00:34:01,363.3806177 Beautiful, beautiful. 323 00:34:01,673.3806177 --> 00:34:01,983.3806177 Okay. 324 00:34:01,983.3806177 --> 00:34:19,593.3796177 Now, as we're coming towards the end, what, four top, pieces of advice you would give to entrepreneurs that are applying for funding, but also just general entrepreneurship advice, given that you've been doing this for a while as well, and you've created a space for so many women through House of Nine who are building their own ventures. 325 00:34:20,433.3796177 --> 00:34:20,753.3796177 Okay. 326 00:34:20,753.3796177 --> 00:34:22,653.3796177 Top four pieces of advice. 327 00:34:22,683.3796177 --> 00:34:27,283.3796177 the first one that comes to my mind is you do not have to do it alone. 328 00:34:27,743.3796177 --> 00:34:38,748.3796177 Even though many of us start our businesses and might be the only staff or the only person actively, actively working in your business. 329 00:34:39,208.3796177 --> 00:34:42,218.3796177 there's still plenty of opportunities to create community. 330 00:34:42,218.3796177 --> 00:34:43,618.3786177 And there's so many communities. 331 00:34:43,628.3796177 --> 00:34:44,958.3796177 There's the funding impact community. 332 00:34:44,958.3796177 --> 00:34:46,108.3791177 There's the Okwera community. 333 00:34:46,158.3796177 --> 00:34:47,58.3786177 the BFN community. 334 00:34:47,268.3796177 --> 00:34:55,208.3796177 Find a community that works for you, that you, where you can come together with other entrepreneurs and just have conversations. 335 00:34:55,558.3796177 --> 00:35:03,903.3796177 I think that's one of the biggest thing that really brings entrepreneurs spirit down is the sense of feeling like, man, I'm all alone in this. 336 00:35:03,903.3796177 --> 00:35:04,853.3796177 Nobody gets me. 337 00:35:05,283.3796177 --> 00:35:14,93.4796177 But really having conversations with other entrepreneurs gives you the opportunity to connect share ideas and, have each other say, okay, I actually liked That idea. 338 00:35:14,113.4796177 --> 00:35:19,413.4786177 Have you thought of ABC? Um, so building community is definitely a huge one. 339 00:35:19,933.4796177 --> 00:35:28,503.4796177 I'd also say take yourself serious, take yourself serious as a leader in the work that you're doing. 340 00:35:28,503.4796177 --> 00:35:33,733.4796177 I think that we should all be thriving to be the best. 341 00:35:34,633.4796177 --> 00:35:37,383.4796177 maybe not the best to others, but the best to ourselves. 342 00:35:37,843.4796177 --> 00:35:49,543.3796177 So I think taking yourself serious as a leader, as an entrepreneur and whatever field or sector or work that you're doing, I think helps other people take you serious also. 343 00:35:49,583.4796177 --> 00:35:52,873.4796177 it's really like how you present yourself is how others are going to receive you. 344 00:35:52,873.4796177 --> 00:35:57,493.4796177 So always presenting yourself in that matter where you really are taking your business serious. 345 00:35:58,578.4796177 --> 00:36:10,658.4796177 but I think that's going to have to start with a mindset, What is your money mindset? What is your personal mindset? And truly understanding how that is the driving force to whatever it is that you're looking to achieve. 346 00:36:10,768.4796177 --> 00:36:11,638.4796177 Absolutely. 347 00:36:11,918.4786177 --> 00:36:17,788.4796177 another piece of advice I would say, is create structure. 348 00:36:19,228.4796177 --> 00:36:23,798.4796177 when you're working on your own or even in a small team, it's easy to just do what's easiest. 349 00:36:24,568.4786177 --> 00:36:46,618.5801177 And so even one thing that I'm working on is ensuring that I have structure in place to say, okay, we need bylaws for example, or, I need to make sure that I have someone looking at my finance and can help me understand my numbers in a way that will really help my business flow Creating structure really helps you get things done and not, continue to grow your to do list. 350 00:36:47,768.5791177 --> 00:36:53,78.5781177 creating structure in a way that any other business is structured definitely helps. 351 00:36:54,138.5791177 --> 00:36:55,268.5791177 last piece of advice. 352 00:36:55,478.5791177 --> 00:36:57,998.5791177 Reach out to funding impact. 353 00:36:58,18.5791177 --> 00:36:58,868.5791177 Oh, yes. 354 00:36:59,358.5791177 --> 00:37:04,918.5801177 Reach out to us at funding impact to help with, figuring out how to get funding for your business. 355 00:37:04,918.5801177 --> 00:37:10,813.5801177 We really have a strong understanding of the Canadian funding landscape. 356 00:37:11,523.5801177 --> 00:37:28,163.5791177 We also have a great understanding of what's going on with funding in other countries around the world, because I've also sat on something called the National Partnership for Impact Investing, where I was representing Canada in a room full of many countries on the African content and otherwise. 357 00:37:28,173.5791177 --> 00:37:33,963.5801177 And so We definitely have, the experience required to provide you with support. 358 00:37:34,243.5801177 --> 00:37:41,163.5791177 I recommend everyone reaches out and if you drop the name Okwera, maybe you get a discount, you never know. 359 00:37:41,993.5801177 --> 00:37:43,13.5801177 I really like that. 360 00:37:43,13.5801177 --> 00:37:43,593.5811177 I really like that. 361 00:37:43,633.5801177 --> 00:37:45,563.5791177 I especially like the structure piece. 362 00:37:45,563.5801177 --> 00:37:50,443.5801177 Cause I think as startups, we often hit the ground running. 363 00:37:50,443.5801177 --> 00:37:56,33.5801177 You're going with the flow, but you have to start from day one, creating those structures for your startups. 364 00:37:56,363.5801177 --> 00:38:08,803.5791177 And the other thing that comes to mind because I've been listening, reading, the lean startup is also the point around operational, efficiency, right? Operational excellence, really, because a lot of us have similar ideas. 365 00:38:08,833.5791177 --> 00:38:17,143.5801177 If you've identified one problem, chances are five other, nonprofit leaders have identified the same problem and are thinking of the same solution. 366 00:38:17,143.5801177 --> 00:38:23,143.5801177 And so sometimes what sets you apart is how excellently you operate, how excellently you deliver the programming. 367 00:38:23,143.5801177 --> 00:38:24,853.5801177 So I think the structures help with that. 368 00:38:25,173.5791177 --> 00:38:27,973.5791177 And then also like, you can't really take time off your business. 369 00:38:27,973.5801177 --> 00:38:32,563.5791177 If you don't have any structures, you always have to be there so I really, really appreciate that. 370 00:38:32,813.5791177 --> 00:38:39,23.5791177 But your last point around people reaching out to funding impact actually is a perfect segue to my next and last question. 371 00:38:39,323.5781177 --> 00:38:51,893.5791177 So two parts, one, what are four websites that should drop for people to go and use for sourcing grants in addition to funding impact? And then the second one is where can people find funding impact? Okay. 372 00:38:51,973.5791177 --> 00:39:00,293.5781177 So places that I would search for grants would be of course funding impact, but also really looking at government websites. 373 00:39:00,983.5791177 --> 00:39:11,93.5791177 The government websites, whether you're looking at the Ontario website, if you're looking at Toronto website, even the Canadian government website, really great places to look for grants. 374 00:39:11,823.5791177 --> 00:39:28,453.5801177 I would say that one thing that I'm working towards in regards to advocacy is really helping the ecosystem figure out where the Canadian philanthropic dollars are because there are so many grants available in the U. 375 00:39:28,453.5801177 --> 00:39:28,743.5801177 S. 376 00:39:28,783.5801177 --> 00:39:35,293.5801177 There are so many different platforms, um, where grants are available like on a weekly basis. 377 00:39:36,513.5801177 --> 00:39:42,173.5801177 But if we look at those same companies who also have operations in Canada, there is no funding available. 378 00:39:42,173.5801177 --> 00:39:57,223.5801177 And I think that's a big problem that a lot of people in the philanthropic space in Canada are recognizing and sort of figuring out, okay, how do we get the the philanthropic foundations to really see themselves as a big part of the solution. 379 00:39:58,63.5801177 --> 00:40:06,13.5801177 Um, so yeah, definitely stay tuned to us as we continue to advocate for more grants available in Canada. 380 00:40:06,253.5801177 --> 00:40:09,613.5791177 I do have a question on that one because you bring up such a great conversation. 381 00:40:09,833.5801177 --> 00:40:15,853.5801177 a lot of opportunities in the U S I find more so than Canada, like you mentioned, philanthropic, folks, et cetera. 382 00:40:16,428.5801177 --> 00:40:23,568.5801177 What do you think about unsolicited applications? Because sometimes organizations don't have any applications open. 383 00:40:23,698.5801177 --> 00:40:33,478.5791177 Can you unsolicitedly submit a proposal to them or like a concept not or something like that, especially the philanthropies that have operations in the U. 384 00:40:33,478.5801177 --> 00:40:33,618.5796177 S. 385 00:40:33,618.5796177 --> 00:40:36,778.5801177 But haven't really done anything in Canada or other parts of the world. 386 00:40:37,148.5801177 --> 00:40:40,398.5801177 I'd say it would go back to that relationship building we spoke about. 387 00:40:40,788.5801177 --> 00:40:50,943.5801177 Maybe sending in a proposal unsolicited might not get you where you need to be because You might not even be sending it to the right person and might not hit the right eyes. 388 00:40:50,943.5801177 --> 00:41:01,953.5781177 But if I'm building a relationship and really discovering, okay, who here do I need to build with? as I'm building this relationship, we have the opportunity to build a partnership together. 389 00:41:02,203.5781177 --> 00:41:08,493.5781177 this partnership can evolve into, okay, yes, I remember you were saying you were trying to do X, Y, Z. 390 00:41:08,493.5781177 --> 00:41:09,983.5781177 Well, I'm also looking to do that. 391 00:41:09,983.5781177 --> 00:41:18,343.5781177 What if we come together and you just, you know, write me a 25, 000 check and we can make it happen together. 392 00:41:18,643.5771177 --> 00:41:20,343.5781177 And so I would say that would be the best. 393 00:41:20,398.6781177 --> 00:41:22,176.0281177 and I think that's like pathway to go Yeah. 394 00:41:22,176.0281177 --> 00:41:22,673.611451 No, I agree. 395 00:41:22,673.611451 --> 00:41:22,983.611451 I agree. 396 00:41:22,993.611451 --> 00:41:23,483.611451 I like that. 397 00:41:23,983.611451 --> 00:41:25,573.611451 So this has been such a pleasure. 398 00:41:25,583.611451 --> 00:41:27,683.610951 Thank you for all the nuggets that you've dropped. 399 00:41:27,683.610951 --> 00:41:37,258.611451 Thank you for the work that you're doing first and foremost through funding impact and just curating all the resources, advocating for us to have more funding and funders, available. 400 00:41:37,278.611451 --> 00:41:44,68.610451 I really appreciate that, but where can people find funding impact? you can find funding impact at www. 401 00:41:44,878.610451 --> 00:41:45,308.610451 fundingimpact. 402 00:41:45,348.611451 --> 00:41:46,38.611451 ca. 403 00:41:46,508.611451 --> 00:41:49,818.611451 We are also on Instagram posting and sharing a lot of content. 404 00:41:50,298.610451 --> 00:41:52,948.611451 So Instagram at funding impact. 405 00:41:53,623.611451 --> 00:41:56,473.611451 you can always connect with me on LinkedIn at Jillisa Brown. 406 00:41:56,803.611451 --> 00:41:58,13.611451 Thank you, Jillisa. 407 00:41:58,33.611451 --> 00:42:00,783.611451 And thank you to our audience for listening to this episode. 408 00:42:01,33.611451 --> 00:42:02,403.611451 I hope you enjoyed it. 409 00:42:02,603.610451 --> 00:42:06,743.611451 And a special thank you to Western Frontlines for sponsoring this episode. 410 00:42:06,743.611451 --> 00:42:12,83.611451 We really appreciate you for sponsoring this as part of the Race to an Inclusive Canada initiative. 411 00:42:12,453.611451 --> 00:42:14,913.611451 And until next time, goodbye. 412 00:42:15,48.711451 --> 00:42:18,408.611451 Hi Hope you enjoyed this episode. 413 00:42:18,468.611451 --> 00:42:20,588.611451 I'm very, very curious to hear from you. 414 00:42:20,598.611451 --> 00:42:41,758.611451 So let me know, what did you like about the episode? What resonated for you? What was food for thought for you and beyond anything, make sure you like you subscribe, you share this with your friend, because the more people we can get this information and these resources and these stories to the more we can reach, the more we can impact let us know what other topics do you want to see on the channel, what other. 415 00:42:42,63.611451 --> 00:42:44,583.611451 Guests you want to interact with through the channel. 416 00:42:44,803.611451 --> 00:42:47,103.611451 we hope to hear from you and until next time. 417 00:42:47,193.611451 --> 00:42:47,493.611451 Bye.