May Newsletter: Overwhelmed by Fundraising? Start Here.

Finding new funding opportunities can feel exciting—or completely overwhelming—depending on your team’s capacity and experience. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, it’s worth pausing before you dive into the search for grants, donors, or institutional partners. Taking time to assess your fundraising readiness can save you valuable time, increase your success rate, and make the whole process feel more manageable.

Here are four essential questions to guide your team as you begin—or refresh—your fundraising efforts:

1. Are you clear on what you’re asking for—and why?

Too often, organizations jump into funding searches without a focused ask. But funders respond best to clarity. Are you seeking:

• General operating support to sustain your day-to-day work?

• Funding for a specific program or initiative?

• Support to build capacity—such as hiring staff, upgrading systems, or expanding infrastructure?

• Seed funding to pilot something new?

Being specific about what you need (and why now) makes it easier to identify aligned funders—and to write stronger proposals or make more compelling asks.

Tip: Create a one-pager that outlines your funding needs by category, including approximate dollar amounts and the anticipated impact of each.

Tip: Apply for Canva Nonprofits which offers free, easy-to-use templates for one-pagers and other donor communications materials. Learn more here.

2. Have you identified the kinds of funders you want to build relationships with?

Fundraising isn’t just about chasing dollars—it’s about finding the right fit. Look for funders or donors whose priorities align with your mission, values, and approach. Consider:

• Geographic fit: Do they fund organizations in your city, state, or region?

• Issue alignment: Do they support your field (e.g. youth development, housing, arts, public health)?

• Population focus: Do they prioritize the communities you serve (e.g. BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural populations)?

• Funding type: Do they offer the kind of support you need—general operating, project-based, multi-year, capacity-building?

Tip: Start a funder tracker. Include notes on alignment, giving history, application deadlines, and any personal or community connections you can build on.

Tip: We know it can be difficult and time-consuming to identify prospective funders. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive information on future funding opportunities.

3. Do you know how to tell your story?

Funders need more than numbers—they want to connect with your purpose and impact. A compelling story helps funders quickly understand:

• Who you are

• What you do

• Who you serve

• Why it matters

• What difference you're making

Your story doesn’t have to be long, but it should be authentic, focused, and backed by real-world examples of how your work is making change. Keep in mind: Your website, social media, and funding proposals should all reflect a consistent and clear message.

Tip: Don’t lead with problems or jargon. Instead, center the people you serve, your strengths, and the solutions you’re advancing.

4. Are your basic materials ready?

Even if you’re not ready to submit proposals just yet, having a few key pieces in place can help you move faster when opportunities arise and ensure brand consistency. At minimum, gather or update:

• A general operating budget (and project budgets, if relevant)

• A case for support or organizational overview (1-2 pages)

• A short, updated organizational narrative (mission, vision, history, impact)

• Recent impact data, stories, or testimonials

Tip: Treat these like your fundraising toolkit. Keep them in a shared folder and revisit them quarterly. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Final Thoughts: Start with Strategy, Not Speed

We know that for small nonprofits—especially those with limited staff—being strategic can feel like a luxury. When you're stretched thin and pulled in a dozen directions, it's easy to slip into reactive mode: chasing deadlines, jumping at funding opportunities, and trying to do it all at once. But taking even a little time to pause, reflect, and plan can make a big difference in the long run. Strategy doesn't have to be slow or complicated—it just needs to be intentional.

And remember, you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re not sure where to start, or you want to grow your fundraising capacity, we are here to help. Applications to become a CVNC client are currently open - apply today and take the next step on your fundraising journey.