What I learned about raising funds for social impact projects | 4 lessons to help you get $$$

We all have great ideas for how to make our community better. Sometimes all you need is to get that “yes” to take the next step. I know that asking for funding is the hardest thing for many reasons. I’ve struggled myself with gathering funds for the civic hackathon that I direct, as I ask for commitments from the local university, community partners, and corporate sponsors.

So let me share with you 4 important lessons I’ve learned about getting funding for our social good, human impact projects.

Know your why

What is the REAL reason behind your ask? Anyone I talk to usually picks up on my crazy high energy and passion for a project because I not only believe in the impact that our collaborative work can have on the community, but I know how to break it down to all types of audiences.

Brainstorm what your event is really about. Is about supporting a particular underserved audience like teaching youth to code or using technology to better the lives of those without access to technological devices? Whatever it is, you have to know who you’re trying to elevate and build your narrative starting with their story. Our civic hackathon is first and foremost about our hackers and project champions, without them there would be no event.

I rehearse my “why” in the shower, when I’m driving, in front of the mirror, with my coworkers — basically until everyone is completely sick of hearing me practice. But I would rather share their stories properly and nail the narrative of our event then get tongue-twisted when I’m on the spot. It’s your responsibility to own this piece. If you’re feeling anxious about your public speaking, I’ve got another blog coming soon with some fun exercises that should help you up your game. Till then, rehearse and rehearse some more.

Be honest

I cannot lie convincingly. This is both a good and bad thing. It means I’m terrible at card games like Bullsh*t because I can’t lie well, but it also makes me a compelling speaker because I own my reality and truth. In every meeting, I have to be vulnerable and earnest while I share our story honestly, time and time again. “Our budget is X and it mostly consists of me trying to get some cool swag and food for our guests.”

Some people feel uncomfortable getting in front of others and telling the honest truth, but there is nothing wrong with honesty. In fact, I’ve found that the more honest I am in these conversations, the more folks actually want to help, regardless of who they are.

You’re not asking for millions of dollars, folks. You have to stand by your request for funds to run and support your civic hackathons. So be brave, channel your inner go-getter, and make the ask. It’s fine if the conversation gets awkward. Be honest and start with a statement like, “I’m feeling awkward about asking for this because it’s new to me, but I’m pushing myself to do this because I believe that this project can make a difference and I need your help.”

Be direct

I know that many folks have their own strategies, but I’m a no-mask-no-frills gal. “This is who I am and this is what I’m asking for.” I have found that if I put all my cards on the table I can get an answer pretty quickly. The questions I often ask myself during this process include, “ Does this organization or person truly care about our effort? If not, what does matter to them?”

I understand that all of your cards can’t be laid out all of the time, but this is an approach I take to nearly everything in my life. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, and that the true danger is in not asking for what you want. Now, being direct doesn’t mean going into a meeting yelling about how you need funds ASAP. What I mean by being direct is clearly spelling out your funding asks as well as any potential benefits or perks. Be clear in your materials so that your ask is as clear and direct as possible.

Human-to-human

The last thing I want to stress is that you’re not requesting funds from robots, so be sure to keep the conversation human-to-human. I take all my relationships seriously; we’re all just humans trying to make it through our own journeys on this floating orb in space, so let’s have fun while we’re working together.

Take care to actively listen to the person (or group of people) sitting across from you. Listen to what they think about your ideas and how they feel like they can best help with your event.

Sometimes what they offer isn’t what you expect. Maybe it’s a donation of napkins or milk and cookies. Accept what you can humbly and with grace, because every little bit helps. Also, don’t worry. With practice and consistency it will get easier and easier to make your asks (and ultimately secure funding) as people get to know you and your passion for your project.

Good luck out there! There’s plenty to go around, so let’s help each other out.

If you have more questions about the best way to approach a prospect, I can help out via Experimental Civics at experimentalcivics.io

I can also help with an awesome design for your sponsorship materials, so let’s talk!