Expand Your Nonprofit's Horizons: Insights on Strategic Grant Writing & Fundraising

In this brief but insightful episode of the Stratcomm.Live podcast, Kelsey Boudin, the President and Founder of Grand River Agency, delves into the nuances of strategic funding for nonprofits. Grand River Agency is a strategic communications firm specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits through various services including digital marketing, website development, nonprofit grant writing and donor cultivation.

Kelsey begins this episode with a personal anecdote, highlighting a recent interaction with one of his nonprofit clients. This client, currently engaged in a significant $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, brings to light the multifaceted approach needed for successful grant writing and fund acquisition. Kelsey stresses that the process isn't merely about submitting numerous grant proposals, but about doing so strategically to enhance the chances of receiving funding. He compares this approach to being a successful Major League Baseball hitter – even failing the majority of the time, a 30% success rate can make for a Hall-of-Fame grant writing career.

A major theme of the episode is the importance of funder research. Kelsey explains how he dedicates time each week to explore funding opportunities for his clients, producing concise, one-page documents called Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). These summaries help busy nonprofit executives make informed decisions quickly.

Kelsey recounts a specific instance where the president of the nonprofit's board questioned the alignment of certain grant opportunities with their current mission. The discussion sheds light on a critical perspective shift: instead of limiting themselves to their current activities, nonprofits should envision what they could achieve with increased funding. He argues that while it is crucial to stay true to the organization's core mission, leveraging new funding to enhance or expand capabilities can drive broader systemic impact.

For instance, could additional funding allow the organization to hire consultants for financial planning, helping their beneficiaries manage limited resources better? Or partnerships with local school districts to provide educational components such as budgeting and debt management skills? Such initiatives, though tangential, could significantly amplify the nonprofit's overarching mission and contribute to solving root problems rather than just addressing symptoms through direct services.

Throughout the episode, Kelsey underscores the importance of thinking beyond current limitations and focusing on the potential for future growth and impact. He reassures nonprofits that strategic expansion isn't about mission creep, but rather about making a more substantial impact in their community.

To wrap up, Kelsey expresses his gratitude to the clients for entrusting Grand River Agency with their campaigns and highlights the agency's commitment to moving the needle on important community missions. He signs off by encouraging his listeners to embrace this broader perspective in their fundraising efforts.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Grand River Agency President & Founder Kelsey Boudin on how to strategically approach grant writing and fundraising to expand your nonprofit's impact.