Discovering the Power of Purpose in Grant Seeking
Quote
“Funders don’t give you money for what you do, but WHY you’re doing it and WHY it matters. And if you can’t clearly articulate why your work matters, then it won’t matter much at all.”
You know it, I know it—even your grandma knows it. But when you're seeking funding for your business or nonprofit organization? That's a different story.
When applying for grants and other funding opportunities, funders will look for your work to maneuver with purpose and be guided by meaning. To do this, you need to be able to define what your work is and why it matters clearly; know what the goal of your work is, how it fits into the larger story of humanity, and what difference it makes in people’s lives.
Without this purpose and guiding force, it's unlikely that you'll get funding.
But let’s be clear: Your purpose is not just a business plan. It’s not just a mission statement. It's not even a tagline or elevator pitch—though those things may help you get started. Instead, your purpose should be something deep within you; it should be personal, powerful, and inspiring. And if you can't clearly articulate why your work matters, then it won't matter much at all.
Tips for Making Your Purpose Clearly Stated to a Potential Funder:
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Weave your purpose into a compelling story that captures the essence of your work. Describe how your journey began, the challenges you've overcome, and the impact you've had on individuals and communities.
Be Specific and Concrete: Avoid vague or abstract statements. Clearly state the problem you aim to address, the solution you offer, and the measurable outcomes you seek to achieve.
Connect to the Funder's Priorities: Tailor your purpose to align with the funder's goals and priorities. Research the funder's mission and values to demonstrate how your work resonates with their interests.
Highlight the Human Element: Share personal stories and testimonials that exemplify the real-world impact of your work. Help funders connect emotionally with your mission.
Provide a Roadmap: Outline your strategic plan for achieving your purpose. Describe the steps you'll take, the resources you need, and the timeline for implementation.
Showcase Sustainability: Explain how your purpose extends beyond short-term projects. Discuss your long-term vision and how you plan to sustain your impact beyond the duration of the grant.
Your purpose is the heart and soul of your mission. It's the essence of what drives you, what keeps you motivated in the face of challenges, and what inspires others to join your cause. It's the North Star that guides your journey, helping you navigate the complex landscape of grant-seeking with clarity and conviction.
When funders review your proposals, they're not just looking for a list of activities or a budget breakdown. They're seeking the essence of your purpose—the reason your work exists and the impact it strives to achieve. Your purpose is what connects your work to a larger narrative, showing how it contributes to the betterment of society and the well-being of individuals.
So, take the time to dive deep within yourself and unearth that profound purpose. Let it infuse every word of your grant proposals, every conversation with potential supporters, and every action you take in pursuit of your mission. When your purpose shines through, it not only increases your chances of securing funding but also transforms your work into a force for positive change in the world.
Resource : Chronicle of Philanthropy
Based in Washington, D.C., this magazine was created for charity leaders, foundation executives, fundraisers, grant seekers, and everyone else in between in the world of philanthropy.
From available funds to inspirational stories, the Chronicles of Philanthropy is an excellent source for any-level grantseeker trying to build their knowledge — and confidence — in getting that money, honey.
Action: Elevator Pitch
If you met with a potential funder and they gave you 30 seconds to tell them about the purpose of your work, what would you say?
Grab a timer, set it for 30 seconds, and write down your answer.
