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Have a new idea you want to get off the ground? Have an old idea that didn’t go as far as you wanted? Finding it difficult to move forward? This discussion will help you start thinking about beginning (or restarting) your project by providing some background and examples of Lean Startup practices and meaningful community involvement. We’ll also discuss transition from making a project plan to finding funding for your project. Our presenters will “workshop” a sample project to illustrate how their methods can be put into practice.
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New Project Workshop
A Place to Start Working on Your Good Ideas
Dan Reed◦ Managing Director, American Family Ventures
Paula Kiely◦ Director, Milwaukee Public Library
Ellen Jacks◦ Grants Librarian, Grants Information Collection,
UW-Madison
Panelists
Lessons from the Startup World
Lean Planning Concepts
Resource constraints
Customer alignment
Perform across diverse requirements
Common challenges
Common challenges
Resource constraints
Customer alignment
Perform across diverse
requirements
Development approaches
Time
Productattributes
Rapid product development cycles
Ideas
ProductData
Build
Measure
Learn
Creating customer alignment
Time
Productattributes
Ideas
Produc
t
Data Build
Measure
Learn
MVP as a starting point
Time
Productattributes
MinimumViableProduct
Ideas
Produc
t
Data Build
Measure
Learn
Executing on diverse requirements
The Art of Collaboration
The How and Why of Partnerships
Fills gaps in experience and expertise Expands capacity Adds intellectual rigor and creativity to
projects and process Strengthens existing relationships Builds new relationships Favored by funders
Why Bother?
Who do you know? Relevant experience and interest Compatible mission / Similar audience Interested in partnerships Possess a cooperative spirit Can communicate across organization
cultures You enjoy working with them
Identifying and Selecting Partners
Their Network Honest feedback and new thinking Expertise – “know how” Equipment Enthusiasm
What a partner brings
Good Communication◦ Explain why you’ve reached out to them◦ Have a workable timeline◦ Get your internal house in order
What approvals are needed? Who needs to be in the loop?
◦ Who knows who? Who’s the right person to make the call?
Make the Call◦ Introduce the project◦ Make the ask
What you need to bring
“Continuous Recruitment”◦ Always easier to call someone you know◦ Networking◦ The power of coffee◦ Your place . . . My place◦ Stay in touch
. . . OR
ASAP
When to look for partners
Identifying Potential Funders
The Funding Process
The Funding Process
Planning
Research
Writing
Communication
Getting Started
Are you a credible nonprofit?◦ 501c3 or do you have a fiscal sponsor?◦ Track record of effective program
delivery?◦ Active board?
What kind of support do you need?◦ General operating support?◦ Project/program development and
support? Do you have enough time?
◦ Can easily take 6-12 months ◦ Crunched for time? Talk to your board.
Establishing the match◦ What you do: “Field of Interest”
Subject areas Who will benefit?
◦ Where you do it: “Geographic Focus” Both the funder and your organization
◦ Type of Support What do you need the funds for?
Researching Potential Funding Partners
Resources◦ Board members◦ Print directories
General, subject-specific, population specific
◦ Databases Foundation Directory Online
◦ Grantmaker web sites◦ Grantmaker documents◦ IRS information returns (forms 990 or
990PF) FDO Free Guidestar
Researching Potential Funding Partners
Eligibility Most recent guidelines Initial Contact:
◦ Email?◦ Phone call? ◦ Letter of Inquiry?
Full Proposal? Or Own Application Form? Deadlines, follow-up, expectations, etc.
Remember, the Grants Information Collection also has resources on
proposal writing
Know Grantmaker’s Requirements
Summary
Have a firm funding plan Research grantmakers to match your profile to
their interests Are you eligible? Follow their guidelines Consider pre-proposal contact Complete the application in full Follow-up with your prospects Allow plenty of time!
