Diversify Your Funding: 10+ Places to Find Dollars for Your Mission

Worried about shrinking grants or federal cuts? Take a deep breath (ahhhh) there’s still money out there! The trick? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, as my mother would say. Diversification is the key to resilience, and there are more places to look than you think!

1. Start with the basics: Individuals remain the largest source of giving in the U.S. — More than 80% of annual philanthropy in the U.S. comes from individuals (Giving USA). Build relationships, share wins and need, and don’t forget to ask! Too many nonprofits never even send one appeal. I tell clients: 2–3 times a year, minimum. Be honest. Bold. Remember—you’re the instrument donors use to achieve their own philanthropic goals.

2. Foundations are still a strong option. Beyond the big national names, small family foundations and donor advised funds are popping up everywhere as baby boomers retire and entrepreneurs cash out.

3. Buckets of corporate money: Event sponsorships are still valuable (pro tip: ask between October–March). Don’t stop there. Explore employee giving circles, matching gifts, service projects, and in-kind donations. Local businesses can run change collections or donate products. Civic groups like Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis still write checks, and large churches can also be generous partners. (Bonus tip: apply to every civic club chapter in your area.)

4. Public dollars & leftovers: City councils, commissioners, even prosecutors’ offices often have discretionary funds. Some communities still have unspent COVID relief dollars. Ask your local and state reps what’s sitting on the table.

5. Think beyond donations to earned income. Fee-for-service models (tuition, counseling, ticket sales, or program ad sales can bring in steady cash. Some of my clients have profitable contracts with school districts to provide supplemental school programs.

6. Social enterprises are another win: businesses that generate income and advance your mission, like thrift stores, client art sales, or job-training cafés.

7. And don’t forget giving circles! Gaining in national popularity, these networks of donors are pooling small gifts into major community impact. Hundreds of donors are literally waiting for your pitch! Link here. 

Bottom line? Dollars are out there. Cast a wider net, diversify your streams, and you’ll build a stronger, more sustainable mission. Want more great stuff like this?! Subscribe today.  

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