GrantTalk is back with the lowdown on donor-advised funds! Host Libby Hikind introduces Karin Beyer, Director of Community Philanthropy at Otsego Community Foundation in Michigan. Karin shares insights into their unique approach to grantmaking and community support, focusing on donor-advised funds and grant funding for nonprofits.
Collaborative Grantmaking
Karin explains how the Otsego Community Foundation works in partnership with multiple grant funders to ease the burden on nonprofits. Instead of requiring multiple applications, nonprofits can submit a single grant proposal, which is then reviewed by various funders. This collaborative approach allows for partial funding from different sources, ultimately helping organizations fund their entire project.
Building a Coalition of Local Grant Funders
The Otsego Community Foundation has discovered they have a much bigger impact when they engage in partnerships. Karin details how they built a coalition of local grant funders, including United Way, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and many others. These partnerships help address critical needs in the community by pooling resources and expertise.
Community Needs, Flexibility and Special Community Funds
Karin highlights how flexible the foundation is in addressing the specific needs of Otsego County, even if the applicant organization is based elsewhere. As long as the services benefit the local community, the foundation is open to considering their grant applications.
Otsego Community Foundation also addresses emergency needs as well. For example, in response to a devastating tornado, the foundation quickly mobilized and created a tornado relief fund, raising $1.6 million to support recovery efforts. This example demonstrates the foundation’s ability to adapt and address immediate community needs.
The Grant Application Process, DAFs, and Relationships with Grant Funders
Karin walks through the grant application process, emphasizing the importance of vetting and building relationships with donors. The foundation uses donor-advised funds, allowing individuals or businesses to contribute to charitable causes over time. She explains how these funds provide ongoing support to various programs, ensuring long-term impact.
Both Karin and Libby stress the importance of nonprofits building relationships with potential grant funders outside the grant application process. Karin advises nonprofits to attend workshops, collaborate with other organizations, and engage with funders regularly to create lasting partnerships.
The Wrap Up with Tips for Nonprofit Grant Seekers
Libby and Karin close with practical tips for nonprofits, encouraging them to establish connections with grant makers and funders, participate in educational workshops, and stay engaged with their community to increase their chances of securing funding.
About GrantWatch
With over 8,500 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.
