Connect Your Institution’s Strategy with
Donor and Funder Priorities
Transformational donors and funders want to know how giving will change lives, an institution or even the world. They expect bespoke communications and proposals that reflect their philanthropic interests and are laser-focused on addressing the problems they want to solve.
Proposal Nets $4 Million Gift to Jumpstart a Complex Renovation
I crafted this proposal for an anonymous funder who would consider an investment of up to $4 million. Renovating the Metcalf Building is among the highest priorities of the college’s campus master plan. Collaborating with facilities, financial, advancement and academic leaders, I tailored the proposal to meet the particular guidelines provided by the funder and found ways to maximize alignment with their expressed interests. The process involved extensive research utilizing construction, budget and other documents, as well as capturing and integrating multiple rounds of often conflicting stakeholder feedback.
Photo by Jo Sittenfeld
Giving Opportunity to Galvanize Donor Interest in Unrestricted Giving
Unrestricted giving is the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations as it provides leaders the flexibility to take advantage of new opportunities and meet unforeseen challenges. The challenge is to present unrestricted giving so it piques donor interest.
Photo by Kyler Boone on Unsplash
Gift Opportunity Garners Donor Interest in Project Open Door
Project Open Door provides arts education to creative teens attending public and charter schools in Rhode Island’s urban core. Students can develop their artistic skills and prepare to enroll in post-secondary education. Project Open Door offers guidance on college selection and applications, especially portfolio preparation for art and design college programs.
Giving opportunities prepare gift officers to begin conversations with donors about the difference their philanthropy can make. Longer-form case statements provide a more extensive narrative with additional evidence and detail and can be used as conversations advance and to develop proposals.
Concept Paper Lays a Path to Support Students
Building internal consensus around ambitious efforts capable of attracting significant philanthropic investment from high-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations is challenging. A wide range of stakeholders must be interviewed and extensive research is essential. The drafts go through multiple revisions that incorporate feedback from members of the institution’s senior administration.
Supporting the Academic Success of Students Made Vulnerable is a concept paper based on the premise that systemic racism and class inequities endemic to our society also manifest themselves in educational settings. Many students who are first-generation to college, from historically underrepresented groups and/or eligible for Pell grants face academic, social-emotional and financial challenges not experienced by their peers.
Working with key stakeholders, I articulated a framework to make RISD’s education accessible, equitable and inclusive for all students.
The first direct outcome of the paper was the launch of a three-year pre-orientation pilot program for first-generation-to-college students that will be leveraged to catalyze fundraising. Other elements will include a range of programs to support students throughout their college journey, such as expanded tutoring, advising and mentoring.
Grant Proposal Writing
Always expanding and sharpening my skills, I completed the National Funding Foundation’s Grant Proposal Writing course. This multi-day, hands-on program was an intensive and detailed overview of the process, structure and strategies of professional proposal writing. The course focused on program planning, writing essentials and funding research.