Episode 6

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Published on:

5th Nov 2021

Tapping into Foundation Fundraising

When you’re working at a nonprofit, funding sources can come to you from all directions. On one end of the spectrum you have individual donors, but on the other end, there are the foundations that can make a big difference in your fundraising goals. But how do you get to the foundations and how do you get them to consider funding your nonprofit? To answer these and many more questions, we’ve asked Sam Bennett to give us some insight. Sam holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and Public Administration. He made a career switch from libraries to philanthropy in 1999, when he became a program officer for a dozen charitable foundations administered by Commerce Bank of Kansas City. In this position, he worked with nonprofits of all types and sizes throughout Kansas and Missouri. Since his retirement, he has served on nonprofit boards for environmental and arts organizations. Soon he will begin a temporary position as Interim Executive Director of the Heartland Conservation Alliance. Sam and his wife live in a 112-year-old house in a historic Kansas City neighborhood, which is where we find him today.

In this episode you'll discover:

What's the difference between fundraising and foundation fundraising? 02:00

How do grants factor in? 02:48

How do nonprofits find foundations to approach? 3:10

How much time should you dedicate to approaching foundations? 03:43

What aspects of your grant proposal are necessary for foundations? 06:30

How do you know what grants to apply for? 06:56

What is shotgun fundraising? Should you avoid it? 07:57

Interesting grantee example story 10:18

How much homework does a foundation do on grantees? 13:08

Are there magic words to listen for as a grantee? 14:30

How often should you keep in touch with a foundation? 15:11

Should you move on to another foundation, or keep in touch with one? 16:00

Are unrequested grant updates welcome? 16:47

Do's and Don'ts of foundation fundraising 17:33

Golden rule! 18:12

Coaches Corner Question - My Board needs training, how do I get them to do it? 19:30


This podcast comes to you from IMPACTability® powered by Soukup Strategic Solutions.

IMPACTability® is an online coaching program that helps nonprofit leaders maximize their impact. With Impact Coaches, nonprofit leaders can achieve career goals and have a greater impact on the world around them. Impact Coaches will help you address real-world challenges that you experience in your own nonprofit. By focusing on your strengths as a leader, Impact Coaches can help you apply your knowledge and skills to have a greater impact.


Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc. was founded in 2012 by the company’s president, Sheryl Soukup, to provide nonprofit organizations with expertise in fundraising and nonprofit management. The company offers consulting, coaching, and full-service grant writing, marketing, donor database management, strategic planning, and much more.


Got a question that you'd like to ask a nonprofit professional? Check out the Coaches Corner in every episode of IMPACTability®, where our Impact Coaches answer your questions regarding your nonprofit. Email your questions to IMPACTcoaches@IMPACTability.net and listen to next week’s episode to see if your question gets answered!


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About the Podcast

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast
Each episode, we feature an expert in their nonprofit field, discussing topics that range from fundraising and nonprofit management to Board development and marketing.
"IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast" is a dynamic and insightful series hosted by Josh Hirsch, M.S., Senior Strategist for Soukup Strategic Solutions, and created by Sheryl Soukup, President of Soukup Strategic Solutions. Each episode looks at the multifaceted world of nonprofit organizations, offering expert advice on issues ranging from fundraising and management to Board development and marketing. Josh, with his extensive background in the nonprofit sector, engages with a variety of experts to provide valuable perspectives and practical solutions to the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders.

Listeners will find each episode rich with knowledge and inspiration. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, ensuring relevance for a diverse nonprofit audience. Whether it’s discussing innovative fundraising strategies, exploring effective Board governance, or the nuances of nonprofit marketing, "IMPACTability" serves as an essential resource for leaders looking to enhance their organization's impact. This podcast is an excellent tool for anyone in the nonprofit sector seeking to grow professionally and make a more significant impact in their community.

About your host

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Josh Hirsch, M.S.

Josh Hirsch, M.S., is the Senior Strategist for Soukup Strategic Solutions and on faculty for The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006, most recently as Social Content Marketing for Susan G. Komen. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors.