In the nonprofit world, fundraising is about much more than raising dollars— it’ s about building relationships, demonstrating impact and ensuring organizations have the resources to serve their communities for the long term. Seasoned nonprofit consultant Ann Cooper and Central Alabama Community Foundation( CACF) President, Burton Crenshaw, offer a roadmap for organizations navigating this essential work.

Cooper, founder of Ann Cooper Consulting and a veteran of statewide nonprofit leadership, shared,“ There is nothing unique about grant writing. I tell my students and clients that anyone can write a grant. What it takes to be successful is a passion for the problem being addressed and the ability to tell your organization’ s story in the language of today’ s funder.”

She also emphasizes the importance of research.“ If [ prospective clients ] want to start a new program, I ask them to find out how many groups are already in the area providing similar services,” Cooper said.“ Chances are, their vision may already exist under a different name. Doing your homework before investing time and money can save a lot of heartache.”

Simple Grant Writing Strategies for Every Nonprofit

Cooper advises a simple strategy. Funders want to know three fundamental things:

First, a funder wants to know what the problem or need is.

Secondly, they want to know how much it will cost to address it.

Third, they want to know what nonprofit organizations expect of them.

54 CentrAL Inc!

“ What it takes to be successful is a passion for the problem being addressed and the ability to tell your organization’ s story in the language of today’ s funder.”- Ann Cooper