Making Your Organization Shine
by Jessica High

Competition for grants this year is going to be very tight. Do not let that discourage you. This situation comes with great opportunity—room for innovation. It is time to develop a different mindset.

1)      Understand the real need—Foundations are going to read hundreds of proposals where each group will be talking about the economy’s drain on them. Foundations are feeling this same toll though, so you need to take a different approach. Given the economic situation, what are the trends behind these happenings? How do these play into your organization? How can you make an impact because of these things?

Doing careful research in order to have a complete understanding of the situation helps establish you as an expert. So many people just see the problems as “no money”, they express this problem, and ask for the solution: “more money”. Really, the perspective is so much larger.

For instance, if you are working in the inner city, your “problem” might be the drop-out rate in schools. The problem isn’t funding; it’s how you can reach these young people. Look at the factors playing into this. (Yes,  money/economy probably will be one of them). From this analysis, look at what the best solutions are given the current situation. If you can then verbalize these facts and your vision, you are a head above everyone else.

2)      Use a unique approach to create awareness—Becoming creative with your resources always helps. Are you familiar with local public figures? See if they would be willing to donate or invest time in your organization. Promote this to your community.

Volunteer to speak at various events. People love stories still, and this will be one of the easiest opportunities you will receive. It also is cost-effective. Even when the event is not your own, the collaboration is important. Two organizations working together is more effective than each individual trying to ride out these uncertainties.

3)      Use social media—It has been said over and over, but nonprofits are still just slowly joining the movement. Get on board! If nonprofits are to make it through a recession, they need to follow growth. There is a time for caution, but with all the research and all the success, refraining completely is not a wise thing either. This is not a call to utter abandon though. If you are still just getting started, look around at the various opportunities and utilize the ones easiest for you.

The content you place on these various tools is powerful. To have fresh, engaging, and relevant information is absolutely critical. You do not have to write essays; people just want to know what is going on in your organization. It is time to dive in and create a presence for your organization.

Three simple steps. It does not seem like a lot, but these ideas are valuable. Take some time to research. Study the results. But most importantly—Act! It is time people step up to the calling. We are in need of the brave adventurers.

Back