The Write Words: grant research and writing support for good causes

05/02/2018

What a privilege it was to be invited by Jimmy Lee at Goodcity to speak on a panel for in social enterprises in support of Crain’s Chicago Small Business Week (sponsored by Xfinity)! It’s not often I get to talk about starting my own business in fundraising support for nonprofits, my passion as a volunteer legal aid lawyer at Pro Bono Network, and my four little loves (kids) all at once. It was so inspiring to be in the company of many incredible social impact boss-moms as we all figure out how to be great at ALL we do. This was a special day!

04/20/2018

In case you ever have doubt about pursuing grants as a worthwhile form of nonprofit fundraising, here is a great article about the value of going through the process even in the face of rejection.

We all want our projects to be funded, and it's not easy to look on the bright side of the potential of not getting funded. However, there is still a lot of value in the grant writing process and in the product, regardless of the outcome.

02/27/2018

I’ve always emphasized the importance of building relationships in philanthropy and this article does a great job explaining why.

15 ways to improve your odds of gaining support from small grant makers

02/23/2018

Today I helped the leaders and visionaries of new nonprofits understand fundraising strategies. What an inspiring group of people. Thank you Goodcity and Jimmy for the invitation!

Today's Goodcity Chicago Co-Lab is off to a great start with Jennifer Dovidio Valentine sharing about fundraising best practices!

Jimmy Lee Richelle Hennen Tessa Larsen

10/05/2017

As a fundraiser, you probably know the 80/20 rule: About 80 percent of your gifts will come from approximately 20 percent of your donors. The 80/20 rule is based on the Pareto concept: a small proportion of causes produces a large proportion of result. The general 80/20 rule appears in many differen...

10/03/2017

Spending the day talking about how philanthropy builds a greater social good in our changing world. AFP Chicago Development Day

07/21/2017

A little humor...

07/19/2017

I should probably include this list in my Persuasive Writing Refresher CLE Presentation...

06/28/2017

Great article promoting a changed grant strategy by foundations: invest in organizational infrastructure before you just expand program services.

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/time_to_reboot_grantmaking

Social sector organizations need a “healthy diet” of funding to achieve maximum impact, a concept neatly captured by the Grantmaking Pyramid now used by the Ford Foundation.

03/10/2017

Collaborative, communicative top-level administration is critical for effective fundraising plans.

http://www.joangarry.com/development-director-help/?utm_content=bufferfc9e0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

If you're a Development Director, have this one meeting. It'll make a world of difference.

03/07/2017

Ha!

02/28/2017

This topic often comes up in conversation with my clients. Having a compelling annual report can be a game-changer in fundraising.

https://www.thebalance.com/write-nonprofit-annual-report-2502336

Why turn out an ordinary annual report when you can produce one that inspires your supporters and makes them want to help even more.