The Impact Issue #56: Why Funders Aren’t Saying Yes (and How To Change That)

Hey there, fellow grant writers!

Winning grants isn’t just about writing a great proposal—it’s about strategy, relationships, and making a compelling case for your cause. 

In this week’s edition of The Impact, we’re diving into:

✅ The #1 mistake nonprofits make in grant applications—and how to avoid it.

🤝 How to build lasting relationships with funders (before you even apply).

📖 Why great storytelling is your nonprofit’s secret weapon in grant writing.

Ready? Let’s get into it!

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Pitfalls and Pointers

⚠️ Pitfall: Neglecting to Build Relationships With Funders

Many nonprofits focus solely on submitting grant applications without taking the time to establish meaningful connections with potential funders. 

This transactional approach can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of trust, making it more challenging to secure funding.

💡 Pointer: Engage in Genuine Relationship-Building Efforts

Developing trust with funders goes beyond just submitting a strong proposal; it’s about fostering long-term partnerships. 

Here’s how:

• Do your research: Before reaching out, analyze the funder’s 990 forms to understand their past giving patterns, follow their updates via newsletters or on LinkedIn, and engage with them at events or webinars to learn about their priorities.
• Communicate beyond the grant cycle: Send a thoughtful inquiry email before applying, provide transparent progress updates during the grant period, and follow up with impact-driven storytelling—sharing compelling reports, testimonials, or visuals highlighting the difference their funding made.
• Position your nonprofit as a true partner: In proposals, frame your work as a collaboration, emphasizing how your mission aligns with the funder’s goals. Beyond applications, invite funders to site visits or virtual briefings to keep them engaged.

🌟 Check out more tips for building authentic funder relationships!

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Tech You Should Know

What:

12 Months of Gratitude Canva Templates

Struggling to keep your donor communications fresh? MemoryFox’s 12 Months of Gratitude Canva Templates provide a full year of customizable designs to help nonprofits engage supporters, celebrate impact, and build stronger relationships with funders.

How Grant Writers Can Use It:

• Plan year-round storytelling: Avoid last-minute scrambling with monthly templates and themes highlighting your organization’s mission and impact.
• Deepen donor engagement: Show appreciation consistently through testimonials, impact updates, and gratitude-focused content that keeps funders invested.

Keep in Mind:

• Prioritize consent: Always obtain permission from individuals before sharing their stories to respect privacy and maintain trust.

👉 Get the free templates!

Featured Nonprofit: Pro-Choice North Carolina

For 50+ years, Pro-Choice North Carolina has been on the front lines of the fight for reproductive freedom. But in advocacy work, funding isn’t guaranteed—it takes strategy, persistence, and the right tools to secure the grants that keep the movement going.

That’s why Toni Curry, Director of Development and Communications, turned to Instrumentl. 

Before using Instrumentl, researching funders felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Now, everything they need is in one place—and the results speak for themselves.

• Saving time on funder research: “Instrumentl has made a huge difference in how much time we’re spending researching foundations.”
• Finding funders that align with their mission: “The ability to track funders and the types of projects they’ve funded has been invaluable.”
• Building long-term relationships: With funder insights and tracking tools, Pro-Choice NC can stay organized, proactive, and strategic in their outreach.

With Instrumentl, Pro-Choice North Carolina has streamlined their grant-seeking process, allowing them to focus more energy on advocacy and impact—not endless research.

💙 See how they’re making an impact and fueling their mission!

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Opportunities Spotlight

🖌️ National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Grants for Arts Projects

Who It’s For: Nonprofit arts organizations, local arts agencies, schools, and other eligible groups supporting public engagement in the arts.

Next Deadline: July 11, 2025 (Part 1), July 16, 2025 (Part 2)

Grant Amount: $10,000 - $100,000

The Details:

• Funds projects that expand access to the arts, support artistic excellence, and strengthen creative communities
• Open to a variety of disciplines, including dance, music, theater, literature, and media arts
• Projects must include a strong public engagement component and align with NEA’s commitment to equity and inclusion

👉 Apply Here!

🛒 Costco Charitable Giving Grants

Who It’s For: Nonprofits focused on children, education, and health and human services

Next Deadline: Rolling

Grant Amount: Varies

The Details:

• Supports programs that provide basic needs, education, and workforce development
• Prioritizes nonprofits with a strong track record of impact in their communities
• Funding decisions are made locally, with each Costco warehouse able to direct support to organizations in its region

👉 Apply Here!

🔍 Explore thousands of other grant opportunities now!

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Networking Nook

💻 Webinar: How to Thank Donors So They Really Feel Thanked: Donor Love Techniques That Work

Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 1:00PM ET

In this 90-minute webinar, fundraising expert Jeff Brooks will delve into effective donor management strategies. Learn how to craft thank-you messages that resonate, build stronger donor relationships, and enhance retention rates. Hosted by CharityHowTo, this webinar is ideal for nonprofit professionals seeking to improve their donor communication skills. 

Don’t miss it!

✅ Register Now!

📅 Conference: Engage for Good Conference

April 22-24, 2025 | Palm Springs, CA

The Engage for Good Conference is a premier event for professionals in the nonprofit and corporate social impact sectors. This gathering focuses on the latest strategies, best practices, and trends in cause marketing and social impact initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and gain insights into successful partnerships that drive both business and social outcomes.

Reserve your seat today!

✅ Register Now!

To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.

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In Case You Missed It

📑 Article: Nonprofit Storytelling: Six Reasons to Start Telling Great Stories

This article from the National Council of Nonprofits explores the importance of storytelling in the nonprofit sector. It outlines six compelling reasons why integrating storytelling into your marketing and fundraising efforts can enhance donor engagement and drive your mission forward.

👉 Get the Full Story!

🎙️Podcast: Nonprofit Storytellers: A Nonprofit’s Simple, Sustainable, Four-Step Fundraising and Friendraising Model

Struggling to create a friendraising strategy that actually works long-term? In this episode of the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast, fundraising expert Tasha Anderson breaks down a simple, four-step framework that helps nonprofits build sustainable fundraising systems without burnout. Learn how to streamline your efforts, engage donors effectively, and create a plan that keeps funding flowing year after year.

👉 Listen to the Episode!

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Take the Guesswork Out of Grant Funding

Building strong funder relationships and crafting compelling proposals takes time, strategy, and the right tools. Instead of spending hours searching for the perfect grant, let Instrumentl do the heavy lifting for you.

With Instrumentl, you can:

✅ Find the right funders faster with smart prospecting tools
✅ Track deadlines and manage proposals all in one place
✅ Stay organized and build long-term funder relationships

The best part? You can try it free for 14 days—no credit card required.

🔍 Start your free trial today!