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In my first job I ran a program for teens at an organization with a broader agenda. I knew how to promote my program, but not how to present, or actually pitch, the entire organization to the community partners I worked with. Looking back, there were missed opportunities.

I believe that many employees and volunteers would like to, or already do, talk about their organizations with their colleagues, friends, and family. You can help them describe your work by:

• Creating an elevator pitch for staff and volunteers (promoters) for use in chance encounters, along with suggestions for how to deliver it.
• Providing tools that help, such as two talking points with a clear, concise, and compelling message.
• Encouraging promoters to personalize the message by sharing what they find most compelling about the organization and/or why they enjoy working there. 
• Sharing guidance about how to connect people who express interest with the Development team. 

Benefits
Including staff and volunteers in the future of the organization can build their enthusiasm, spark new ideas, motivate engagement, and renew their passion for the mission. Staff and volunteer involvement leverages existing relationships to expand interest among the public and provide a connection for those who would like to become involved. 

A short story
I began to think about this idea after hearing a story told by a development staff member. She was in the check-out line at the local grocery store when she noticed a donor just ahead of her in line. They said hello and went their separate ways. The staff member saw this moment as a missed opportunity and expressed interest in how she might use a chance meeting to briefly engage friends and acquaintances.

Simple scripts
For example, during an unexpected encounter the employee might say: “It’s wonderful to see you, and I can let you know that we have just received a longshot grant from the XX Foundation. We’re excited!” Or, “Keep an eye on your mail. We just sent our latest newsletter with an update about impressive gains among kids in our Learn to Swim program.” 

Or, for those not yet connected to the organization, “Thanks for your interest. I’d be happy to add you to our mailing list so you can learn more.”

You would think a proposal, or a case for support, or a letter to a donor should be a simple process. Sometimes it is. However, depending on, for example, the number or availability of reviewers, or the timetable, the reverse can be true. Planning ahead can help. 

For me, the process goes something like this. 

Gather data to inform your document. Review prior proposals, reports, or websites, and/or talk with leadership, program staff, or community groups. Choose material that strengthens your case. 

Write a strong first draft. My “first” draft usually follows two or three prior versions before it’s ready to share with others. Thinking on paper is productive but can be messy. 

Get feedback. Your readers may spot things you missed, have new ideas about how to present your program, or provide strategic guidance. 

Revise. Use this feedback to create a stronger second draft. Then, seek feedback (again) from new reviewers to check your facts, inform the story, and guide decisions about the presentation of the program. A mix of reviewers can make a difference.

Digest, and edit (some more). Give yourself a day or two between your edits. You may be amazed by new ideas that surface and/or glaring mistakes you missed. This back and forth can be trying but new perspectives can be incredibly helpful.  

Make decisions.
Writing important documents involves decisions, such as what content stays or goes, how to present it, and who to involve in the review. This takes time and can be trying. Stick with it. 

When you need a re-write.
A reviewer may suggest a re-write, or you may decide it’s necessary. Either way it can frustrating. Choose to see it as success. You have provided your reviewer with content that stimulates new thinking about how to best describe a program, a campaign, or a big idea. The result will be better. 

Whew!
Getting a complex process like this from start to finish can be overwhelming. Persevere. Your effort will show. A well written proposal will strengthen your case and help you get to the next round. Most of all, you’ll have the satisfaction of a job well done, and a document you can repurpose for the next project. 

As proposal writers, we tell stories about people and communities, the challenges they face, and how we can help. 

When I started writing proposals, funders might invite applicants to tell a client story. It’s a good idea. However, allowing as much as an entire page to do so, which many funders did, was unnecessary and risked minimizing impact. Tacking a story onto the end of a proposal is old-fashioned and generally no longer requested.  

But stories are still important. They build empathy for your clients, add vibrancy to your document, and establish the relevance of your proposals. By creating an image of your community and how you can help, stories can increase donor confidence that families will benefit. 

Here are some examples 

Make it relatable. In a proposal for a program serving single mothers, I wrote: 

“Single mothers use their ingenuity, determination, and grit to juggle multiple responsibilities and manage stress by teaming up, watching each other’s children, sharing meals, and helping out when the car breaks down.” 

Create a visual. I wrote a proposal for a university capital project that my client knew might raise alumni concerns. Here’s what I came up with. 

“XX Hall is a place of fond memories for our alumni. The newly renovated building will be an exciting blend of tradition-meets-modern in a space that retains its exterior appearance and historic murals, while becoming fully accessible and offering improved functionality.”

Telling stories face-to-face. In my very first job, I worked with young people to create a teen center for their community. The teen leaders needed to convince the housing manager (the “donor”) that the center would be safe, well-managed, and supported by parents. 

They delivered a persuasive pitch, face-to-face, describing how hard it is for teens who have no place of their own, something we can perhaps all remember, and provided the necessary assurances for responsible delivery of the project. The manager gave the go-ahead, and supplied the materials needed to make the center safe and welcoming to all.

The value of stories
Stories help the reader understand the humanity behind our proposals, leave behind memories that set your proposal apart, and might help influence funder decision-making.

I’ve been wondering about the value of doodling. 

I started by looking for definitions of doodling. I found two that I like: “an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch” (Merriam Webster), and “to draw or scrawl aimlessly” (The Oxford English Dictionary). Aimlessness seems important to doodling.   

I was curious to see what there is to know about doodling and have learned some intriguing things. For example, doodling can foster big picture thinking, lead to innovations, and improve listening by keeping our minds from wandering. 

I learned that if you’re feeling stuck, “a time-limited doodle will likely activate the brain’s ‘unfocus’ circuits, give your ‘focus’ circuits a break, and allow you to find creative solutions to stubborn problems.” Doodling can help generate ideas and beat writer’s block, sharpen your creativity, and boost your productivity. Doodling was beginning to seem quite useful. 

I decided I needed more experience to write this article, so I grabbed a piece of paper, assembled my favorite pens and pencils, and prepared to doodle. I learned two things: 1) Doodling when I need to concentrate doesn’t work for me (though it may for others). I doodled during my Spanish class and immediately lost track of the conversation. 2) Taking a break to doodle does work for me. I return to my projects relaxed and maybe even with some new ideas. 

With all of this in mind, here are my thoughts about doodling and writing:

• Anyone can doodle. All you need is a pencil and paper, (though I find that colors are
  energizing).
• Doodling is relaxing. Writing can be intense, complex, and/or tedious. Take a break and doodle.
• Be creative. You don’t need to be an artist to be a doodler.
• It’s fun! Turn off your brain and see what happens. Then make someone’s day by sending them
  your doodle.
• Give it a try. Doodling can’t hurt your writing, and it might help.

As a lover of words, I find that just reading or better yet hearing the word “doodle” calms me down and makes me smile. And that’s a very worthwhile result!

I’m revisiting this topic, which I first wrote about in 2020, in order to share what I learned from a recent survey about these useful documents. 

What is a case for support?
The model I propose is a clear, concise, and compelling document that can be read in five minutes or less. The case for support succinctly articulates your vision and why it’s important; describes your goals, strategy to achieve them, and how you’ll measure progress; and introduces your organization, commitments made by early investors, and plans for widening support. 

A simple and creative case for support allows you to tell your story the way you want to tell it, without the restrictions of required funder guidelines. It can be adapted for use as a proposal or letter, or as talking points for staff, volunteers, or board members as they prepare for donor conversations. 

To learn more, I surveyed clients for whom I’ve written cases for support. Here’s what I learned. 

A case for support can:

• Focus conversations with donors about your project.
• Generate interest among readers in learning more.
• Help staff think about funding needs and messages.
• Be adapted for different audiences. 
• Help prepare your board, staff, and/or volunteers for a solicitation.
• Signal to donors that the organization is deliberate in its work and inquiry.
• Support the fundraiser in engaging more donors.

Suggestions

• Make sure each team member understands their role.
• Allow sufficient time if a large team will review your draft.
• Consider timing. Competing priorities can eclipse or delay a case for support.
• A short document may have more impact with major donors. 
• Formats such as bullets, side bars, boxes, and data points can facilitate review. 
• An e-version can be helpful for some donors.
• Have a case ready for unexpected opportunities to talk with new donors.
• Invite donor suggestions to improve the document. 

Be flexible
While some donors are prepared to make a commitment by the time they read the case for support, others will find it helpful for engagement over a period of time. 

Here’s my favorite
A case for support forces an organization to master its messaging. I’ve seen this time and again. Very helpful.