Nonprofit Adviser

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Federal funding cuts and an unstable economy are pushing charities to the brink. In challenging circumstances like these, unrestricted grants help nonprofits weather the storm, but finding the most flexible funding isn’t easy. Making the case for such support requires a longer-term strategy than grants for specific programs because you need time to gain a grant maker’s trust.

My colleague M.J. Prest recently spoke with experts about how grant seekers can start building relationships with foundation program officers and best position their organizations to win flexible operational support. Among their suggestions:

Attend the right events. Some foundations don’t accept unsolicited proposals so you’ll have to get a funder’s attention if you want to be invited to apply, says Sophy Yem, senior program officer for philanthropy at the Surdna Foundation. One way to do that is to attend events with foundations. If you learn about one, even if it’s a private event like a funder briefing or convening of grantees, Yem suggests finding out which foundations will attend and then asking how you can apply to be a speaker during a panel or session there.

Cold calling works — if you do it right. Anne Musial, chief development officer at The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom, says that once you’ve identified a foundation that makes general operating grants, search its website or LinkedIn profile to find the program officers who focus on your mission area and contact them.

“Funders are happy to have conversations and want to know what’s going on in the field,” she says. “Follow up with brief emails of little highlights to keep your organization top-of-mind when the next funding cycle comes around.”

To learn more about getting to know program officers and ensuring they see your organization is ready to receive unrestricted grants, read 7 Ways to Earn Foundations’ Trust and Win General Operating Support.

Have a good week,

Maria Di Mento
Senior Reporter

P.S. Don’t miss our new podcast Nonprofits Now: Leading Today for leadership insights in today’s landscape.

Tip of the Week

The nonprofit sector is facing one of the most challenging staff recruitment landscapes in recent memory, so a culture of inclusion is a crucial ingredient to attract new workers and hold on to current staff. Jordan Shenker, CEO of the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, says while salary is important, it isn’t the only benefit to highlight. He tells potential recruits that taking a job at his organization provides opportunities to change lives ― something companies can’t compete with. For more leadership advice, listen to the latest episode of our podcast Smart Solutions to Hire and Retain Top Talent.

New Grant Opportunities

Your Chronicle subscription includes free access to GrantStation’s database of grant opportunities.

Career Training: The Teshinsky Family Foundation is dedicated to helping people in the United States develop skills to enter sustainable careers. The Foundation’s Career Pathways Training Grant supports direct service training programs for post-secondary career pathways in manufacturing, building trades, welding, and select other high-demand, high-wage fields. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations in the continental United States serving participants ages 18 and above to support training or equipment costs. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000; inquiry forms due June 23.

Visual Arts: The Wyeth Foundation for American Art provides financial support to encourage the study, appreciation, and recognition of excellence in all aspects of historic American art. Support is provided to nonprofit institutions for research, conservation, and exhibition programming in American art. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000; deadline June 15.