Alesha Mathis’ Post

I find when Founders have misconceptions about nonprofits and grant writing, they make some serious mistakes. When I was writing grants, these were the mistakes Founders made and the misconceptions that led to those mistakes. Understanding these misconceptions is the first step in not making the same mistakes.

𝟑 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 As a nonprofit founder, it's easy to believe that grants are the solution to all your funding problems. But are they really? In this podcast episode, the host highlights three common misconceptions that many founders have about grants and grant writing. The first misconception is that grants will fund your organization. While it's true that grants can provide a significant amount of funding, they are not a magic solution. Founders who chase after grants they won't qualify for end up wasting valuable time and resources. Instead, focus on building a strong infrastructure that will attract donors and make your organization grant-ready. The second misconception is that grants are a one-and-done fundraising activity. Unfortunately, writing a grant proposal is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you receive a grant award, you'll have to keep track of expenses, receipts, and meet the expectations of the foundation or government agency. It's a process that requires planning and attention to detail. The third misconception is that grants are free money. While this may seem obvious, many founders forget that grants come with added costs. There may be requirements for specific equipment or computer systems, and you'll need human resources to run programs. Don't ignore the costs associated with grants at the expense of your organization. In conclusion, grants can provide much-needed funding for your nonprofit, but it's important to understand the realities of grant writing and the misconceptions that can hold you back. Use these tips to build a strong infrastructure, plan for the grant process, and understand the costs associated with grants.

Revisiting this insightful talk about 501c3s…and curious if we’ve made progress in the last decade. An economic sanctuary for the wealthy that needs generosity of thought and reinvention for real change.

My philosophy and everything I do with founders is that I look at everything through donor and funder perspective. So everything I design has the non-profit in mind, but approaches the task from donor and funder perspectives. In this episode, I'm looking at the details of being grant ready from the funder's perspective.  Grants should be part of a fundraising plan. So looking at this from a Foundation standpoint, they want to know you are a good investment. They see you as an investment. And so. When grants are part of a fundraising plan, you are showing them that you've thought this through and you are going to be a good steward of their money. Funders want to know that they made the right investment. So, what makes your organization a good investment? Let's jump in.

My philosophy and everything I do with founders is that I look at everything through donor and funder perspective. So everything I design has the non-profit in mind, but approaches the task from donor and funder perspectives. In this episode, I'm looking at the details of being grant ready from the funder's perspective.  Grants should be part of a fundraising plan. So looking at this from a Foundation standpoint, they want to know you are a good investment. They see you as an investment. And so. When grants are part of a fundraising plan, you are showing them that you've thought this through and you are going to be a good steward of their money. Funders want to know that they made the right investment. So, what makes your organization a good investment? Let's jump in.

My philosophy and everything I do with founders is that I look at everything through donor and funder perspective. So everything I design has the non-profit in mind, but approaches the task from donor and funder perspectives. In this episode, I'm looking at the details of being grant ready from the funder's perspective.  Grants should be part of a fundraising plan. So looking at this from a Foundation standpoint, they want to know you are a good investment. They see you as an investment. And so. When grants are part of a fundraising plan, you are showing them that you've thought this through and you are going to be a good steward of their money. Funders want to know that they made the right investment. So, what makes your organization a good investment? Let's jump in.

Did you catch this exciting episode of "A Modern Nonprofit"? 🎙️ Our host, Tosha Anderson, CPA, sits down to discuss everything you need to know about government grants as a nonprofit organization. Applying for a government grant is an effective and powerful way for nonprofits to raise funds. But before you go that route, there is a lot you need to know. Check out the full episode on Spotify or YouTube!  🎧 https://lnkd.in/gk5GTBE7 #Nonprofit #TheCharityCFO #TheCharityCFOInsights #NonprofitDreams #Accounting #NonprofitAccounting #WorkWithPurpose #LifeAtTheCharityCFO #NonprofitFinance #NonprofitManagement #CFO

Reflecting on Amanda Parris's insightful words at TIFF Bell Lightbox last night deeply resonates when contemplating the challenges faced by nonprofits, especially amidst the increased focus on "Diversity" funding initiatives. As she aptly pointed out, giving from guilt is not a place where funders wish to stay in the long run. To all the #nonprofitworkers out there, do you find yourself drowning in grant applications, desperately hoping for a financial lifeline to keep your noble missions afloat? Fear not! "I Hope Like Hell We Get This Grant" is a musical remedy for those late-night #grant proposal struggles. 🥲 As a passionate advocate for the arts, I personally connect with this song on a profound level. At House of Arts, on January 31st, we faced rejection after five months of hard work applying for an OTF grant. Undeterred, we rallied and applied for four more grants on Feb 1st. We're committed to running free programming, powered by the dedication of our incredible volunteers, and all we're yearning for is a well-deserved break! The question arises: Does Canada have a philanthropic problem, or is there an oversight when it comes to supporting the very arts and culture that put it on the map? This album transcends being a mere 'parody' of tunes; it's a lifeline for those of us navigating the challenging seas of nonprofit nonsense together. It's a comforting reminder that we're not alone in this challenging voyage. #grantwriting #fundraising #houseofartsto #canadianart #artsandculture

This is...everything. GENIUS Amber Hamilton and Memphis Music Initiative Um, Crappy Funding Practices folks, so many choices for a theme song... If you are a funder...take a listen and see if there are some references that make you squirm. If you do squirm, it's ok to sit in that discomfort a little, ask what it's telling you and then talk with your colleagues about steps you can take to improve the experiences of your potential and current grantees. Daniel Shaffer - hat tip for this great find! ********************************* Hi! 👋🏻 I’m Abby Anderson, coach/consultant rooted in equity, justice, and belonging. I bring my experience as a white leader who reckoned personally and organizationally with the way dominant culture harms and excludes to walk alongside others who want to infuse principles of belonging and equity into their everyday decisions and interactions. Interested in how I might support you org your organization? ✏️Drop a note in the comments 💻Message me Check my website  https://lnkd.in/d-dv2Bpn #LeadershipCoaching#BelongingAtWork#EquityAndInclusion #EquityInPractice #LeadershipCoaching #EquityAndInclusion #philanthropy #nonprofits #grants #equityAndBelonging

Want to know more about the #AMPTGrant? You can watch the full AMPT Grant Info Session now on our YouTube Channel! Get all your AMPT Grant questions answered by AMPT's very own Ana Agarrat Abel! Watch now below and be sure to subscribe for more upcoming informational videos! #AMPTUp #Grant #InfoSession #WatchNow #BlackNonprofits #LatineNonprofits #ChicagoNonprofits #AMPT