If I was forced to describe a governing board's role as briefly as possible, here are the four key elements:

Get started. Start writing.

Step 4 in our grant writing series focuses on developing the craft.

Continuing our series on grant writing, Step 3 is Tweaking the Proposal.

Step 2 in grant writing is developing the skeleton…

Step 2 in the process is developing the skeleton …

Grant research.

Social enterprise is a concept gaining some steam in different circles.

The final step in the 'getting started' process is the Enterprise Viability Evaluation or EVE Assessment, which helps you pull it all together.

This video gives you the second step of a three-step process in finding out if you’re ready to get started as an entrepreneur: Outlining SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats).

This is the first step of a three-step process in finding out if you’re ready to get started as an entrepreneur. The 3 Steps are: Identifying your product, outlining SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), then take the EVE Assessment (Enterprise Viability Evaluation).

Networking = relationship building Networking well involves identifying ways to meet NEW people and developing a habit of scheduling one-on-one conversations where you can learn to like and trust people.

Planned Giving - Let's Go! Planned giving is a commitment secured today to be realized in the future.

Donor development = cultivating relationships with your investors. Make a plan in 2023 to cultivate relationships with individuals who have invested in your organization. No one gives their largest gift in their first donation/investment. Figure out what the donor is interested in, how your organization meets that interest and make a plan to grow his/her investment in 2023 and beyond.

(1) Get your question scripted (Can I count on your support of $500 as we move our mission forward in 2023?) (2) Ask for a SPECIFIC amount. (3) Master the 10-second pause. Ask the question and give them time to respond.

Grants? Maybe. Let's start the conversation by making sure you are a nonprofit and your house is in order. #nonprofits #grants #grantwriting #resourcedevelopment #funding #socialenterprise #investment

All organizations need to identify two ways to regularly and consistently get in front of new audiences to introduce the business to them (initial engagement). Following initial engagement and organizations need a tool to fully inform that audience about the organization (full engagement).

Get it on paper. Identify where you anticipate getting your resources and the actionable steps to get there.

Visionaries, macro-builders, micro-builders, implementers and maintainers. Which are you?

Get organized and get funded and be sustainable by readying your nonprofit. CDP provides training and partnership through its membership and through its online Academy.

Program Impact: Demonstrating you make a difference through your work

There are six components that make up a nonprofit. The component of Image Management is critical in the quest to develop a healthy and sustainable nonprofit.

Volunteers are a critical resource that should be integrated into your resource development plan.

Resource Development includes planning for the cash resources you need to run the organization.

Resource Development is a plan to get the money, in-kind contributions (stuff and services) and volunteers you need to run your organization.

Recruit well. Orient and train new board members on roles and responsibilities. Develop the Board and conduct exit interviews.

Three keys to Legalities: (1) Obtain and retain your 501c3 status; (2) Outline and adhere to operational documents like bylaws and policy/procedures; (3) Secure professionals partners (attorney, insurance agent, banker and accountant).

Continuing the conversation around resources.

Gather the right team. Tell your story well and present your proposal to the right grantors.

Proposal budgets should include cash + volunteers + in-kind contribution. Quantify and include ALL resources when presenting your project or program to a potential funder.

Budgets tell the resource story. Budgets outline resources needed to bring the project to fruition and how funds will be expended.

Goals and objectives support the overall outcomes you hope to achieve with grant dollars.

Before someone is likely to invest, you need to articulate the need, remembering to hit the head and hit the heart.

Why is our Nonprofit history important? It may be different than you think.

Grants are one resource to consider for your nonprofit work. To develop a strong and compelling proposal, gather the numbers and tell the story.

What would strengthen your team? Make them stronger?

Don't just be a bystander. Engage with posts and videos you find inspiring, encouraging or informative.

Thinking about starting a new Nonprofit? Been involved in Nonprofit work a while?

As an introvert, how can you survive the next networking event?

What are the four key partners every Nonprofit needs? Accountant, attorney, insurance agent and banker. Learn more in this short video.

Grant research is critical to winning funding for your #nonprofit. Do your homework before putting your well-written, well-prepared proposal in front of the wrong people.

Grants are a fantastic way to seed a new project, expand a program or deepen the impact of mission work. Whether you are a nonprofit or local government, grants are worth exploring to see if these social investments can increase your impact. Some things to consider: