“The best funding partnerships are relationships
that develop between local grantmakers and leaders
of innovative nonprofits,” notes Pauline M.
Seitz, director, Local Funding Partnerships
(LFP).
“Whether they are independent or private foundations,
family or community foundations, corporate foundations,
charitable trusts or other philanthropies,” Seitz
says, “it’s like dating. First you get
to know each other and find your mutual interests.”
Typically, multiple funders contribute to the required
matching dollars over the life of an LFP grant.
In addition to the foundations defined at grantmaking
organizations, matching funds may come from endowments,
individual benefactors, religious groups, special
fundraising entities and other grantmakers.
Corporate foundations currently represent 12 percent
of the funders partnering to support LFP projects,
yet some nonprofits may not have considered them
as a source for matching dollars. Many companies
actively promote a culture that values “giving
back” to society. Check the websites of local
businesses to learn whether they have a corporate
foundation, what they fund and how to apply.
How to approach corporate funders
Click
on each question for more personal advice from LFP
project leaders and funders.
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