The Art of Securing Multiple Funders for Nonprofit Projects

When a large amount of funding is needed to achieve a goal, a nonprofit organization

sometimes chooses to create a strategy that includes applying for contributions from multiple

funders. In those cases, the complexity of writing and coordinating grants increases

considerably. Nonprofit teams might hesitate to take on complex projects that require extensive

planning and compliance with the guidelines of multiple funders. This is one of the benefits of

hiring a grant professional.

Here are some key points to consider when working on securing multiple funders.

1. Aligning the right funders for the project

Each organization that provides grants has its own priorities, deadlines, and application

requirements. Coordinating with multiple sources means understanding and aligning the goals

of each funder with the goals of the nonprofit. Matching missions of the project to missions of

funders is key. A professional writer understands how to navigate the process and find

organizations that can work well together. They are familiar with the language funders use and

know how to tailor proposals to meet each funder’s specific criteria, so the funding organizations

meet their objectives within the larger project.

2. Ensuring compliance with requirements

Each funder has their own expectations for how grant money will be used, how progress is

reported, and how results are measured. It's part of the professional's job to make sure these

requirements are met throughout the grant’s lifecycle, from application to completion. They can

help develop a compliance plan to track deadlines for reports, evaluations, and budget

adjustments.

3. Developing a cohesive plan across multiple proposals

One of the biggest challenges in securing funding from multiple sources is ensuring that there is

a unified overall vision while meeting the interests of each funder. A professional can write a

compelling narrative that connects all the pieces of the project that shows each funder how its

contribution is important to the overall project success. The narrative consistency builds

confidence and increases collaboration between the nonprofit and its funders.

4. Effectively coordinating budgets

Creating a comprehensive budget that meets the requirements of multiple funders is a complex

task. Foundations and other funding organizations might want to support specific elements of a

project, each in their own way. A professional grant writer has the expertise to coordinate these

varying budgetary needs and make sure funding requests are clear and aligned with the

funders’ expectations. The professional will also ensure that duplicate budget requests are not

made, thus preventing compliance issues with “double-dipping.”

5. Strategically balancing fund allocation

When multiple funders are involved, nonprofits must allocate resources and avoid overlapping

or conflicting grant objectives. A professional can help a nonprofit strategically manage the

funds and make sure they are used in ways that meet the requirements of each grant while also

supporting the overall project. Professional expertise helps to ensure there is the proper amount

of funding available for each portion of the project, maintaining financial stability. It is also

important to not request, nor charge the same expense to two funds, which is not allowable.

Oversight by a grant professional can look for these accounting issues to ensure compliance

with all funders.

6. Reducing the administrative burden

Managing several grants from different funders involves extensive paperwork, record-keeping,

and communication. Administering a large project can become overwhelming for a nonprofit

staff that has day-to-day work to handle in addition to the project. A professional can manage

paperwork, prepare regular reports, and communicate with funders to ensure transparency and

accountability. Nonprofit staff then can focus on moving the project forward while the grant

professional handles the funding details.

7. Increasing the chances of receiving grants

Grant applications are highly competitive, and juggling multiple proposals increases the chances

of making errors or overlooking details. A professional increases the chances of success by

ensuring that the details of each proposal meet the needs of both project and funder and the

grant proposal is prepared and submitted on time. A professional also helps mitigate the risk of

losing funding due to poor reporting or non-compliance.

8. Building long-term funder relationships

Securing funding for a large project often leads to long-term relationships. A grant professional

can help nonprofits nurture these relationships by ensuring that funders feel informed, valued,

and connected to the project’s success. Building trust with funders increases the likelihood of

continued support for future projects. The professional will work with the board members or

executive directors to set up meetings/calls/site visits with the funders to ensure that the

nonprofit executive leadership is engaged with the funders.

While managing large projects with multiple funders can be a daunting task for the staff of

nonprofit organizations, hiring a professional grant writer can streamline the process and

increase the chances of success. With expertise in coordinating funders, managing compliance,

and writing compelling proposals makes it worth considering the investment, 123 Grant Writer

LLC can help further your nonprofit’s mission to help your project succeed.

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I've been writing grant applications for more than 20 years. As an experienced professional, I

would like to offer my expertise to your organization. Please feel free to contact me at 419-619-

4436, or at AnnKeefe@123GrantWriter.com .

Moving forward together,

Ann Keefe

Owner

123 Grant Writer LLC