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Have you heard of the eight-word framework?Most mission statements are too long.Not because organisations lack clarity a...
10/06/2026

Have you heard of the eight-word framework?

Most mission statements are too long.

Not because organisations lack clarity about their purpose.

But because they try to say everything at once.

Kevin Starr's Eight-Word Mission Statement offers a useful challenge: can you describe your mission in eight words or fewer?

The framework is simple:

✅ Start with a verb

✅ Identify the target population

✅ Define the outcome you want to achieve

Starr, K. (2012). The Eight-Word Mission Statement. Stanford Social Innovation Review. https://doi.org/10.48558/TDDW-GK25

Proposal writing is often treated like a solo sport.One person at a laptop.One deadline.One all nighterOne very long doc...
24/04/2026

Proposal writing is often treated like a solo sport.

One person at a laptop.
One deadline.

One all nighter

One very long document. 😅

But the strongest proposals are almost never written alone.

They come from teams.

When you bring different people into the process, the proposal becomes stronger in ways one person simply cannot achieve.

✨ Programme teams bring the reality
They know what is actually happening on the ground. Their insights make the proposal practical, honest and credible.

✨ Finance teams strengthen the numbers
A strong budget is not just about totals. It tells a story about how resources create impact. Finance colleagues help make that story clear and realistic.

✨ Leadership connects the strategy
They help position the work in the bigger picture and show how the project fits into the organisation’s long term vision.

✨ Communications sharpens the message
They help translate complex work into language that is clear, compelling and easy for funders to understand.

Great proposals are not just written.
They are built through collaboration. 🤝

Who is part of your proposal writing team?

Most proposals don’t fall short because the work is weak.They fall short because the story is buried.Here are three prac...
22/04/2026

Most proposals don’t fall short because the work is weak.
They fall short because the story is buried.

Here are three practical shifts that make a real difference:

✨ Start with the stakes
Don’t begin with what you do — begin with why it matters
This creates immediate relevance and urgency

✨ Focus on people, not just programmes
People connect with lived experiences, not abstract activities

✨ Show the change
Move beyond intentions and describe what becomes possible

📌 Strong proposals reduce friction for the reader
They make it easy to understand, easy to connect, and easy to support

This is where many organisations have untapped potential.

At Jennifer Seif & Associates, we work with non-profits to translate strong programmes into clear, compelling funding narratives.

If your proposal feels dense or overly technical, refining the structure and storytelling can significantly shift outcomes.

💬 Which of these three is hardest to apply in your writing?

One of the most common fundraising mistakes nonprofits make is waiting until the application opens to introduce themselv...
18/03/2026

One of the most common fundraising mistakes nonprofits make is waiting until the application opens to introduce themselves to a funder.

By the time you submit your proposal, funders should already know who you are.

Visibility matters. Not in a loud marketing way, but in a credible, consistent presence that helps funders understand your work and impact. What problem are you solving?

Here are a few simple ways to build that visibility before you apply:

✨ Share your work publicly
Post about your programmes, lessons learned and impact. Many funders follow the organisations they fund or might fund. A clear and thoughtful presence helps them see your work in action.

✨ Show up in the spaces they care about
Attend webinars, learning sessions and sector events where funders participate. Ask thoughtful questions and engage with the conversation.

✨ Publish insight not just updates
Funders are interested in organisations that are learning and reflecting. Share what is working, what is challenging and what you are discovering in the field.

✨ Connect as humans not just applicants
Follow funders on LinkedIn. Engage with their posts. Comment meaningfully on their work. Relationships often begin long before a proposal is submitted.

Fundraising does not start with an application.
It starts with being visible for the right reasons. 🌍

How do you build visibility with potential funders before applying?

Ever found the perfect funder for your nonprofit only to hit the line: “We do not accept unsolicited proposals.” 😅It is ...
16/03/2026

Ever found the perfect funder for your nonprofit only to hit the line: “We do not accept unsolicited proposals.” 😅

It is one of the biggest paradoxes in the funding world.
You have alignment ✔️
You have impact ✔️
You have the programme ✔️

But the door appears closed. 🚪

The good news? Closed doors in philanthropy are often just different entry points.

Here are two ways to respond:

✨ 1. Build the relationship before the proposal
Many funders say no unsolicited proposals because they want to know the organisation first. Engage with their ecosystem. Attend their events. Comment thoughtfully on their work. Connect with programme staff. Relationships often open doors that application portals cannot.

✨ 2. Look for the network around the funder
Funders rarely work in isolation. Board members, partners, previous grantees and collaborative initiatives can all become warm pathways to a conversation. Mapping the ecosystem around a funder can be just as important as the funder itself.

In philanthropy, access is often about connection before application.

To gain PROXIMITY

What strategies have you used when a funder says they do not accept unsolicited proposals? 🤔

Visibility is not about ego. It is about trust.Recognition helps funders see that your work is credible and valued beyon...
06/03/2026

Visibility is not about ego. It is about trust.

Recognition helps funders see that your work is credible and valued beyond your own organisation.

Tip 3
Become visible by applying for awards.

Even being shortlisted can create momentum

Choose awards that match your mission and how you measure impact

Save your evidence throughout the year: stats, photos, testimonials, short case studies

Share the process publicly and celebrate partners and community, not just the organisation

Recognition can open doors you didn't know existed.

Which award, directory, or platform has brought meaningful credibility in your sector

Proximity matters in fundraising because relationships build trust.Funders are people first.They fund what they understa...
02/03/2026

Proximity matters in fundraising because relationships build trust.
Funders are people first.

They fund what they understand, and they remember the organisations they connect with.

If your nonprofit is doing powerful work, you deserve to be in the conversations where support begins.

Tip 1: Speak up at events.
You do not need a perfect pitch. You need a clear voice.
Try this at your next event

(1) Introduce yourself in one sentence: who you serve and the change you are creating
(2) Ask one genuine question that shows you care about outcomes
(3) Follow up the next day with a short thank you and one useful insight or resource

Small moments of visibility can lead to partnerships.
What event or gathering helps you meet the funders you want to partner with?

Are Social Influencers Good for Fundraising?Non-profits are always on the lookout for new ways to raise funds and awaren...
25/02/2026

Are Social Influencers Good for Fundraising?

Non-profits are always on the lookout for new ways to raise funds and awareness. Enter: social media influencers.

They’ve got the reach, the charisma, and the digital storytelling chops. But does it actually work when it comes to fundraising for good causes?

Let’s unpack it.

3 Pros of Using Influencers in Fundraising

✅ Massive Reach

Influencers already have engaged audiences. A single post can put your cause in front of thousands—sometimes millions—of potential supporters.

✅ Relatable Storytelling

Good influencers know how to share stories in a personal, emotional, and human way. When they care about your cause, it shows—and their audience listens.

✅ Cost-Effective Buzz

Compared to traditional media or celebrity endorsements, many influencers are willing to collaborate for free or for cause-based campaigns. Micro-influencers (with 5k–50k followers) often deliver better engagement at a fraction of the cost.

3 Cons to Keep in Mind

❌ Value Misalignment

If the influencer’s lifestyle or past content clashes with your mission, it could hurt your credibility. A quick background check is essential.

❌ Shallow Engagement

A single shoutout may bring a spike in likes—but not always long-term support or sustained giving. If you want more than a ‘like’, you need more than a one-off post.

❌ Donor Fatigue

People are smart. They can tell when a campaign feels insincere or overly commercial. If it feels like “just another collab,” the message might fall flat.

📍Pause & Reflect on:

💡 The partnered with influencers like to rally support for their food security campaigns. Maps is known for being vocal about social justice. Thus, the partnership felt authentic..& it paid off in awareness and donations.

💡 The Cape of Good Hope SPCA worked with local pet influencers (yes, dogs with Instagram accounts!) during their Adopt Don’t Shop drive. With a mix of humour and heart, they managed to attract a younger audience and boost pet adoptions.

Influencer marketing can absolutely work for non-profits. However, this works only if it’s rooted in real connection.

I just finished my audio-book of How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner is a must-read for leaders na...
20/02/2026

I just finished my audio-book of How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner is a must-read for leaders navigating ambitious, high-stakes projects. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit initiative, launching a product, or managing organisational change, the book offers valuable strategies for turning big ideas into real results.

Here are three key takeaways:

1️⃣ “Think Slow, Act Fast”
The authors’ mantra highlights the importance of deliberate, thoughtful planning. Success comes from investing time upfront in strategy and experimentation, enabling precise and effective ex*****on later.

2️⃣ The Cost of Poor Planning
Rushing into action can derail projects. Without clear goals and thorough planning, you risk wasted resources, delays, and missed outcomes. This book demonstrates how structured planning can save time and money in the long run.

3️⃣ Embrace Uncertainty
Large-scale projects are inherently risky, but Flyvbjerg’s expertise in risk management shows how to identify and mitigate potential pitfalls. With the right tools, uncertainty becomes an opportunity, not a barrier.

If 2025 is the year for your bold initiatives, this book is the guide you need to ensure success.

What is your big non profit project on the horizon? Let’'s chat about how to make it a win!

👥 Your people are either assets — or roadblocks — to your funding success.Let’s be honest:Many board members and staff d...
18/02/2026

👥 Your people are either assets — or roadblocks — to your funding success.

Let’s be honest:
Many board members and staff don’t understand their role in fundraising.

Your PEOPLE include:

Staff

Board

Communities

Champions

Your job? Align them.
🗣 Speak one funding language.
📣 Equip everyone with a powerful pitch.
🎯 Create internal ambassadors who “sell” your mission better than you do.


Address

Villieria
0186

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00
Thursday 08:00 - 18:00
Friday 08:00 - 18:00
Saturday 08:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+27845811086

Website

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