Summary of "3 Ways to Reclaim Your Voice in Funder Meetings"
Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, Episode: 3 Ways to Reclaim Your Voice in Funder Meetings
Host: Brooke Richie-Babbage
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Introduction
In this insightful episode of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, host Brooke Richie-Babbage explores the nuanced dynamics of funder meetings—a critical aspect for nonprofit leaders seeking to secure and sustain funding. Brooke provides a comprehensive guide on how nonprofit organizations can shift their approach to funder interactions, transforming from passive recipients of grants to empowered, strategic partners. This episode is particularly valuable for nonprofit founders and leaders aiming to enhance their fundraising strategies and build lasting relationships with funders.
Understanding the Power Dynamics in Funder Meetings
Brooke opens the discussion by highlighting how funder meetings serve as a microcosm for broader power dynamics related to funding within the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes that the way organizations approach these meetings can have profound ripple effects on their overall funding strategies and relationships within the ecosystem.
“Funder meetings are an interesting microcosm for power dynamics around money and around funding more generally for organizations.”
— Brooke Richie-Babbage, [00:33]
Key Points:
- Funder meetings reflect larger trends and power structures in nonprofit funding.
- The approach taken in these meetings can influence broader conversations about funding and investment.
Shift 1: Lead with Insights – "Here's What We're Seeing"
The first major shift Brooke recommends is to lead the conversation with organizational insights rather than immediately presenting funding needs. By positioning themselves as sources of valuable data and observations, nonprofits can assert their expertise and relevance.
“There's power in the phrase 'here's what we're seeing,' because the truth is your organization is not just running programs.”
— Brooke Richie-Babbage, [05:15]
Strategies:
- Present Data and Insights: Share compelling data and real-world observations from your programs.
- Highlight Transformational Change: Emphasize how your activities contribute to deeper, systemic changes.
- Assert Expertise: Position your organization as a knowledgeable leader in your field.
Shift 2: Engage Funders by Asking for Their Perspectives
The second shift involves actively inviting funders to share their insights and perspectives. This approach fosters a collaborative dialogue and demonstrates respect for the funders' expertise and experience.
“These kinds of questions continue to reorient the dynamic away from passive recipient of money to strategic thought partner.”
— Brooke Richie-Babbage, [10:45]
Strategies:
- Ask Insightful Questions: Inquire about funders' views on sector trends, challenges, and successes.
- Show Respect for Expertise: Acknowledge the funders' broad perspective and experience in the field.
- Foster Collaboration: Use funders' insights to inform and enhance your organization's strategies.
Shift 3: Invite Funders into Collaborative Problem-Solving
The final shift encourages nonprofits to invite funders to participate in solving organizational challenges. This collaborative approach transforms funders into strategic partners who are invested in the nonprofit's mission and success.
“We are collaborators. You are a collaborator, not just a check writer.”
— Brooke Richie-Babbage, [12:30]
Strategies:
- Share Challenges Openly: Discuss areas where your organization is seeking improvement or innovation.
- Encourage Idea Sharing: Invite funders to contribute their ideas and solutions to organizational challenges.
- Position as Joint Partners: Emphasize the mutual goal of achieving transformational impact together.
Conclusion: Transforming Funder Relationships
Brooke concludes by summarizing the transformative potential of these three shifts. By implementing these strategies, nonprofit leaders can redefine their relationships with funders, moving from traditional funding requests to building meaningful, long-term partnerships that drive substantial impact.
“You are not there to beg for money, to pitch and hope they like you. You're not there to impress. You're there to lead and to invite partnership on a journey to transformational impact.”
— Brooke Richie-Babbage, [14:00]
Final Takeaways:
- Empowerment Over Submission: Shift from seeking approval to asserting organizational expertise.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Build relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.
- Strategic Growth: Leverage funder relationships to support sustainable and impactful growth.
Key Insights and Actionable Steps
- Prepare with Insights: Before funder meetings, compile and present key data and observations that demonstrate your organization's impact and understanding of the sector.
- Foster Dialogue: Use funder meetings as opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, asking for their input and perspectives.
- Collaborate on Solutions: Invite funders to contribute to problem-solving efforts, positioning them as partners in your mission rather than just financial supporters.
By adopting these shifts, nonprofit leaders can enhance their interaction with funders, leading to more robust support mechanisms such as general operating support, multi-year funding, and enduring partnerships that emphasize transformational change.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for nonprofit professionals seeking to refine their fundraising strategies and cultivate empowered, strategic relationships with funders.