The webinar mentions Grant Connect as a fundraising search tool. Its advantages include free access through Canadian public libraries or a sliding-scale membership, allowing users to sort funders based on geographic focus, demographics, or mission alignment.
This webinar focuses on fundraising strategies for arts and non-profit organizations. The main goal is to provide actionable steps for identifying, approaching, and securing funding partners, transforming cold leads into sustainable relationships. The session features a presentation by fundraising expert Aaron Shacker, followed by a Q&A.
The three types of corporate funding budgets described are:
Organizations can leverage this information by understanding that a single company often has multiple budgets. A contact in one department might provide access to opportunities within other departments, potentially opening avenues for multiple funding streams beyond traditional philanthropic donations. For example, a company already providing philanthropic support might also contract the charity for services.
Aaron Shacker's "sticky email formula" is designed to be short (under 150 words) and highly focused on eliciting a response. Its key components are:
About Them: Start by referencing something specific from your research about the individual or organization, ideally something recent, demonstrating you've done your homework. A hyperlink to the source material is helpful.
About You: Briefly highlight a relevant aspect of your organization's work that aligns with the prospect's interests, offering a "teaser" rather than a full pitch.
Call to Action: Include a very specific and easy-to-accept request, such as scheduling a short (15-minute) call, providing specific times you're available. Ensure the request is within the prospect's immediate control and authority to answer.
The email is meant to be a brief introduction, aiming to secure a response and a follow-up conversation, rather than immediately securing funding. A follow-up email is suggested 5-7 business days later, if there's no response.
The transcript provides these examples of discovery questions:
Additionally, the speaker suggests other useful questions such as:
The overall approach emphasizes open-ended questions designed to understand the funder's priorities and needs, facilitating a collaborative discussion rather than a direct pitch.
