Episode 27: Tips for Nonprofits Partnering with Foundations

Описание: Nonprofit foundation partnerships don't have to be intimidating. Learn mission alignment strategies, data storytelling techniques, and relationship-building tips from WindSwell Foundation’s Chief Program Officer, Joni Schmalzried.

A Practical Guide to Nonprofit Foundation Partnerships

Nonprofit foundation partnerships are essential for sustainable funding, but many organizations feel overwhelmed by the grant application process. In this episode of W(h)ine About Data, Amanda Lopez welcomes Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program Officer at WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation), for an honest conversation about what foundations really want from their nonprofit partners.

Joni brings a unique perspective to the table. With seven years at WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) and extensive experience in the education and government sectors, she understands both sides of the funding relationship.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
➔ Gather good information and stories that are compelling or impactful about what funds are or could be doing for your nonprofit.
➔ Invite your foundation to observe your organization in action, and to experience your impact, rather than telling them.
➔ If you receive continued funding, change the story’s angle, or push the story forward to keep showing your growth and improvements via the use of that funding.
➔ Continuous communication of your organization’s impact, both positive and negative, is critical to your relationship with foundations. Transparency and honesty is key, and data doesn’t lie.
➔ Be informed about what you do and stay knowledgeable of the foundations you’re applying to. Confirm the alignment and fit in the potential partnership, then pick up the phone and call. Transparency and conversation reduce the initial fear and intimidation, building lasting partnerships in the communities you serve.

Connect with Amanda Lopez and Joni Schmalzried on LinkedIn for more insights!
🤝 Amanda Lopez, President of Transform Consulting Group
LinkedIn.com/in/amanda-lopez-116a315
🤝 Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program Officer of WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation)
Linkedin.com/in/joni-schmalzried-590347190

Beverage of the Episode: Amanda and Joni are drinking the cult classic Diet Coke.

REFERENCED TOOLS & RESOURCES
🔗 Why You Should Invest in Training Up Nonprofit Leaders: TransformConsultingGroup.com/nonprofit/why-you-should-invest-in-training-up-nonprofit-leaders
🔗 Episode 26: How Private Foundations can Support Data Capacity: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/epsiode-26-foundations-supporting-data-capacity
🔗 Episode 17: How Foundations Use Data with Guest Julie Garber: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/episode-17-how-foundations-use-data-with-guest-julie-garber
🔗 Using Data to Tell Your Story: TransformConsultingGroup.com/evaluation/using-data-tell-story
🔗 WindSwell.org
🔗 TransformConsultingGroup.com

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. New episodes drop twice monthly with expert guests sharing nonprofit solutions you can implement immediately. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star review to help other nonprofit professionals discover these conversations.

#NonprofitFunding #FoundationPartnerships #GrantWriting #DataStorytelling #NonprofitLeadership #MissionAlignment #SocialImpact #CommunityInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #nonprofitstrategy

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