Haandbog i fundraising

A handbook on Danish fundraising is discussed, highlighting three main paths to funding: foundations, public pools, and EU programs. The importance of strategy, research, and personal connections is emphasized. The handbook provides tips on researching funders, using tools like Google Alerts, and networking effectively. It also mentions the significance of understanding the goals and preferences of potential funders. The importance of building relationships and making a strong personal connection is exemplified through a case study. The handbook also mentions the presence of smaller, hidden gem foundations that focus on supporting individuals. The need for thorough research and understanding the funder's vibe is stressed. ever wish you could decode those conversations about fundraising? Oh, totally. Where someone's like, oh yeah, we got a grant from this foundation, and you're nodding along. Right, you know what they're talking about. Exactly. I'm smiling politely, but inside I'm like, what is a foundation? So that's what we're going to crack today. I love it. Specifically, Danish fundraising. And the best part is we have an actual handbook written for fundraisers in Denmark that we're using as our guide. Awesome. So it's not just like general advice, it's like the inside scoop. Yeah. And what I think is really interesting about Denmark is that they have this incredibly rich history of philanthropy, but like navigating it can be a little tricky, it's a maze. So this is going to be awesome. We're going to give you all the like cheat codes. Yeah, it's like our treasure map. I love it. To like this world of hidden opportunities. Exactly. Okay. So this dumps right in to the three main paths to funding in Denmark. Okay. The first one, foundations. Okay. And like when I think of foundations, I think of like those grand old institutions. Yeah. Like maybe started by like shipping magnates. Yeah, some of them are really old. Back in the day. And they're funding everything from like cutting edge science to like Viking ship preservation. They're not just like small potatoes either. These are big time players. In Denmark, you've got like the E.P. Miller Foundation and they give tons of money to all sorts of projects like cultural heritage projects, research projects. It's pretty amazing. Wow. So big money, but also sounds like very specific. Very specific. Very specific. You really have to know what they're looking for. Okay. So then we've got public pools. Yes. I like to think of this as like the government came with like the main dish. Yes. So like a potluck. Uh-huh. And it's like very specific. They've got their agenda. They've got like job creation, green energy, all that. Right. And it's like if your project happens to be on the menu, you're golden. Yes. Yes. But good luck getting a seat at the table. Oh, really? Because it's competitive. Oh. You know, everyone wants a piece of that pie. Okay. So it's not just like, oh, here's money. It's like very much like... Strategic. Yeah. Very strategic because the government has goals that they're trying to achieve and they're often tied to political agendas. So you have to make sure that your project aligns with their goals. Oh, that makes sense. So that's something to keep in mind. Okay. And last but not least, we have the EU programs. Yes. Which I'm picturing like the sophisticated relative from out of town. Okay. Drills a lavish party. You do. With like billions of euros on the line. Oh, yeah. We're talking big money here. This is where it gets really interesting. Yeah. This is like the big leagues. Okay. You know, you were talking about those EU programs with billions of euros. One of the biggest ones is called Horizon 2020. Okay. And they fund tons of research and innovation projects. But here's the catch. You're not just competing with other Danish organizations. Right. You're competing with everyone in Europe. Oh, wow. So the competition is fierce. Yeah. So it's like taking your project to the world stage. Exactly. Wow. So you really have to bring your A game. Okay. So we've got foundations, public pools, EU extravaganzas. But one thing that the handbook really stresses, no matter what path you choose. What's that? Strategy. Strategy is key. And this isn't your grandma's fundraising strategy. Oh, really? This handbook uses the word combatants. Oh, my gosh. So you know it's serious. It's not like a battlefield. It can be. It really can be. Wow. Because there's a lot of competition out there for limited resources. So that's where this bottom-up approach comes in. Yes. Tell me more about this bottom-up approach. They really emphasize that in the handbook. Forget aiming for the stars right away. Okay. You start locally. Okay. Build your credibility and then work your way up. That makes a lot of sense, especially in Denmark, because there's such a strong emphasis on local initiatives and community engagement. So if you can demonstrate that you have grassroots support, that your project is making a difference at a local level, that's going to make you much more attractive to those bigger funders down the line. Oh, that's really interesting. Yeah. So you're building that strong foundation literally and figuratively. Yeah. And speaking of long game, this handbook is like obsessed with research. Research is everything. It's like detective level. It's true. Obsessed. You have to be thorough because you need to know everything you can about your potential funders. Yeah. And it's not even just finding funders. It's like understanding their deepest desires. Yes. It's like you're looking at their dating profile. It's like matchmaking. Yes. It's like you're trying to find the perfect match for your project. And just like in dating, first impressions are everything. And the handbook is like full of like warnings about these like cardinal sins. Oh, no. Like asking a question you could have Googled. Oh, yeah. That's a big no-no. Like rookie mistake. Rookie mistake. You got to do your homework. So it's like show them you've done your research. Exactly. You're serious about this. You're invested. And you're not here to waste their time. Exactly. It's like the perfect date but for funding. Yeah. Exactly. That's a good way to put it. Oh, and speaking of research, they had this one like sneaky little trick. Oh, tell me. That they just like let slip Google Alerts. Oh, yes. Have you heard of this? I have. I love Google Alerts. Okay. So like tell me, is this as good as it sounds? It's amazing. You can use it to track your competitors, see what they're up to. Okay. But you can also use it to track the foundations themselves. So anytime they announce a new opportunity, boom, it lands in your inbox. Oh, my God. It's like having a secret weapon. So you're telling me I can like stalk my funders? Ethically, of course. Ethically, yes. Within the bounds of the law. Through Google? Absolutely. This is amazing. It's a game changer. Okay. It's a game changer. And that's not even everything the handbook mentions databases. Oh, my gosh. Secret tools, like real professional level stuff. Okay. So we've got foundations. Yeah. Secret tools, those high stakes EU programs, strategy, research, digital espionage. Don't forget the espionage. What else could this handbook possibly have for us? Well, remember all those networking events you thought you could skip? Yeah. Turns out you're going to need a bigger name tag. Oh, no. Because the handbook has a whole section on lobbying. Lobbying. I thought this was philanthropy, not politics. Right. But that's the thing about Danish fundraising. It's not just about filling out forms online. It's about making those personal connections, picking up the phone and making your case. So it's not just what you know. It's who you know. Okay. It's about building relationships, nurturing those connections. Because at the end of the day, people give to people. That's true. Not to organizations. That makes sense. So you need to make that human connection. Okay. So give me an example from the handbook of how this works in action. Okay. So they have this great case study about a guy named Hans Essing. Okay. He was working on this really cool project, but he was having trouble getting funding. He was applying to all these different foundations and getting rejected left and right. Oh, right. I know. It was rough. But then he read this handbook, and he realized that he'd been going about it all wrong. He'd been so focused on the what of his project that he hadn't stopped to think about the who. Who? So he took a step back. He did his research. He identified a few key funders who were a good fit for his project. And then he reached out to them personally. Okay. He didn't just send them a generic email. He picked up the phone. He invited them for coffee. He told them his story, and he listened to theirs. Okay. So he built that relationship. Exactly. And you know what? It worked. It did. He ended up securing funding from one of those funders, and his project was a huge success. Oh, wow. That's amazing. Yeah. It's a true testament to the power of personal connection. Okay. So we've got research. We've got strategy. We've got schmoozing. Yeah. We've got a lot of things in the world of Danish fundraising. Oh, you know, we're just getting started. Welcome back. Okay. So before we get too far down the rabbit hole of networking and all that, let's go back to foundations for a second. Okay. Because saying there are thousands of foundations in Denmark is kind of like saying there are a lot of fish in the sea. True. Technically true. Yeah. But not super helpful. Not helpful if you're trying to find the right one. Exactly. And this is where the handbook is really interesting, because it points out that a lot of those smaller foundations are kind of like hidden gems. They're often managed by lawyers, and they operate more like traditional legacies where they're focused on supporting individuals rather than like big organizations. Oh, that's interesting. So you know how we were talking about finding the right funder for your project? It's not just about matching the theme of your project. It's about understanding their whole vibe. Oh, okay. Like are they looking for the next big nonprofit superstar, or are they more into nurturing individual talent? Oh, that makes sense. And do they say that, or is that like- You have to read between the lines. Yeah. It's all about the detective work. Remember? Right. Look at their annual reports. See who they've funded in the past. So it's like not just what they say they care about. It's like- It's what they do. Oh. Actions speak louder than words. Yeah. That's a good point. Right. So dig a little deeper. You might be surprised what you find. Okay. We've got Amazon. Yes. We're scrolling through these annual reports. Exactly. We've got Google. Work it. It's magic. What else can we do to kind of up our game in this world of foundations? Well, remember how we talked about how important personal connections are? Yeah. That applies to foundations, too. Oh, really? Oh, yeah. A lot of these foundations, especially the smaller ones, they have staff with deep expertise in specific fields. Okay. So even if you're not ready to submit a full application, just reaching out for a conversation can be invaluable. Oh. So it's like getting a little free consultation from seasoned pro. Exactly. They might even be able to point you to other resources, introduce you to the right people, you know, just help you refine your pitch. Oh, that's a good idea. Yeah. It's all about building those relationships because you never know where they might lead. Okay. So foundations, we've covered them in depth. Yes. What about public pools? All right. So you're ready to rub shoulders with the government bigwigs. I'm ready for those high-stakes government meetings. All right. Well, just remember with public pools, it's all about understanding their goals. Okay. You need to connect the dots between your project and their strategic priorities. So it's like less about your passion and more about like their to-do list. Pretty much. Okay. You have to make them see how funding your project is going to help them achieve their goals. So it's not like a job application, but for money. Exactly. It's all about selling them on the idea that your project is the answer to their prayers. And like any other job application, timing is everything. Timing is everything. You've got to hit those deadlines. Okay. So it sounds like public pools are a little bit more... High stakes. Yeah. Definitely. Okay. But the potential rewards are huge. That's true. We're talking substantial funding amounts and the prestige that comes with having the government's stamp of approval. So public pools. Yes. High risk, high reward. Exactly. Okay. But before we move on to EU programs, what are foundations and public pools in Denmark absolutely not looking to fund? Okay. Good question, because nobody likes a time waster, especially when you're dealing with serious money. Right. So the handbook actually has this great section on what not to ask for. Oh, okay. Kind of like a list of fundraising faux pas. Okay. Got me. All right. So they're not doing anything with a purely commercial focus. Okay. Foundations and public pools are all about the greater good. Makes sense. They're not trying to make a profit. They're trying to make a difference. Yeah. Right. So if your main goal is to line your own pockets, you're barking up the wrong tree. Okay. So we're talking like social good, environmental good. Exactly. Things that benefit society as a whole. Okay. What else? They're also not too keen on funding ongoing operational costs like salaries or rent. Oh, so they want to fund the project. Not the overhead. No. They want to see a clear start and finish a project with defined objectives and measurable outcomes. So they want to know that their money is going towards making a tangible difference. Exactly. Okay. And the third thing? This one might surprise you. They're often wary of funding projects that are already fully funded elsewhere. Oh, really? Yeah. They want to feel like their contribution is essential, not just icing on the cake. Okay. So no double dipping. No double dipping. Got it. All right. You ready to level up to those EU programs? Yeah. To those EU programs, billions of euros being thrown around. Yeah. This feels like- It's a whole different ballgame. Yeah. You're playing in the big leagues now. Okay. Give me the lowdown. What do I need to know? All right. So the handbook focuses on Horizon 2020. Okay. Which, like we mentioned, has this massive budget dedicated to research and innovation across all sorts of fields, but, and this is a big but, you're competing with the best of the best from all over Europe. Oh, wow. So it's not even just Denmark now. All of Europe. The whole EU. Exactly. Wow. So your project needs to be groundbreaking. It needs to have the potential for impact, not just in Denmark, but across Europe and beyond. Okay. So we're talking like change the world kind of projects. Pretty much. Okay. Think big. Think bold. Think outside the box. Give me an example. Like what would a successful Horizon 2020 project look like? Okay. Imagine this. A team of researchers from Denmark, Sweden, and Germany team up to develop a revolutionary new cancer treatment using nanotechnology. Oh, wow. Or how about this? A group of Danish architects and engineers partner with a Dutch sustainable energy company to design a self-sufficient carbon neutral city district. Now those are some impressive projects. Right. Can't even imagine like how you even get your foot in the door for something like that. Well, that's where the handbook stresses the importance of building a strong consortium. What does that mean? So it's not enough to just have a great project idea. You need to assemble a team of partners from different countries, each bringing their own unique expertise to the table. So it's like the Avengers, but for like... For research and innovation. Okay. I like it. Exactly. You need to assemble your A team. Because these EU applications, they're tough. Yeah. They're known for being pretty complicated, right? They have a bit of a reputation, but the handbook breaks it down into manageable steps. Okay. Good. One of the things that it emphasizes is the importance of understanding the EU's priorities. They have specific goals and challenges that they're trying to address with these funding programs. So it's kind of like the same as with foundations and public pools? Exactly. You've got to do your research. You've got to understand their needs. You got it. And you need to tailor your pitch accordingly. But with the EU, it's like a whole other level. It's next level. Yeah. But the rewards can be too. That's true. So don't be intimidated by the process. Okay. Just be prepared to put in the work. Okay. So do you remember how we were talking about lobbying before? Yes. And it seemed kind of out of place in the handbook about philanthropy. Yeah. Well, it turns out it's especially relevant when you're dealing with these big EU programs. Especially these big EU programs, because it's a whole different ballgame. Okay. So even in the world of EU, funding personal connections still matter. They do. They really do. Okay. So it's not just what you know, it's who you know. It's all about who you know. But it's also about who knows about your project. Exactly. You need to get your project on their radar. Okay. I'm starting to see how this all fits together now. Good. It's like a puzzle. It is a bit of a puzzle. But once you start putting the pieces together- It all makes sense. It all starts to make sense. Okay. But let's bring it back down to earth for a second. Okay. Because at the end of the day, you've got to have a killer application. Absolutely. To even get your fit in the door. Your application is your first impression. Right. It's your chance to make a good one. Okay. So what are the key elements of a winning application, according to our Danish fundraising gurus? All right. So they break it down into a five-part structure. Five parts. Five parts. Okay. And this applies to most funding applications, not just in Denmark, but really anywhere. Okay. Lay it on me. All right. So first you've got the application form. Then you've got the cover letter, the project summary, the detailed project description, and finally the supporting documentation. Okay. Five pillars of fundraising success. Exactly. Let's break it down. Okay. Pillar number one. The application form. I'm guessing this is where those organizational skills come in handy. Bait time. Yeah. This is your first impression. So you want to make sure it's a good one. Okay. So no typos. No missing information. No typos. No missing information. Follow the instructions to a T. Okay. So you might be surprised how many applications get tossed out for simple errors like that. Oh, I'm sure. I'm sure. So don't let yours be one of them. Okay. So application form, check. What's next? All right. Next up is the cover letter. Okay. This is your chance to make a personal connection, to go beyond the bullet points and inject some personality into your pitch. Okay. So if the application form is like the firm handshake, the cover letter is where you charm them. Exactly. You want to tell a story. You want to make them feel something. Got it. Okay. And you want to leave them wanting more. Okay. All right. So once you've grabbed their attention with your sparkling personality, it's time to seal the deal with the project summary. Okay. So we're like laying it all out on the table now. Exactly. This is the heart of your application. Okay. This is where you present the problem. You're addressing your proposed solution, your target audience, your expected outcomes, and of course, the all-important budget. And you've got to do all that in a way that's clear, concise, and compelling. Exactly. You need to grab their attention and hold it. Okay. So it's like your elevator pitch. It is your elevator pitch. Got it. You've got a limited amount of time to make a big impact. Okay. Project summary done. What's next? All right. Now it's time to really dig in with the detailed project description. Okay. So we're getting into the weeds now. We're getting into the weeds. This is where you back up those bold claims from your summary with cold, hard facts. Give me the nitty gritty. All right. The handbook suggests structuring the section around a series of key headings. Okay. Background information, clearly defined objectives, your methodology, your target audience, and crucially, your expected outcomes and impact. So it's not just about what you're going to do. It's about why it matters and how you're going to measure success. Exactly. You got it. Okay. And don't forget the sustainability plan. Oh, right. Because they want to know that this is going to continue to have an impact even after the funding runs out. Exactly. They want to know that their investment is going to have a lasting impact. Okay. So we've laid it all out. Problem, solution, impact metrics. We've even figured out how to keep the lights on after the grant period ends, what's left? Last but not least, the supporting documentation. Okay. And this is where we pull out all the stuff. Exactly. This is your evidence locker. Oh. This is where you back up your claims and show them that you're not all talk. Okay. You're all action. So we're talking like annual reports. Annual reports. Financial statements. Letters of support. Letters of support from those heavy hitters in your field. Okay. But that sounds like a lot of paperwork. It can be, but that's where strategy comes in again. Okay. You don't want to just throw everything at them and hope something sticks. Right. You want to be selective. Quality over quantity. Quality over quantity. Choose documents that are well organized and easy to digest. Okay. So make it easy for them to see why you're amazing. Exactly. Okay. Got it. And the last tip? Okay. All right. All right. And then proofread again. Because nothing says amateur hour. Like hypo's in a funding request. Exactly. You want to show them that you're professional, that you're detail-oriented, and that you take this seriously. Right. Because you're asking for their hard-earned money. Exactly. Show them you're going to treat it with respect. Okay. So we've submitted our masterpiece of an application. We've dotted our I's. We've crossed our T's. And now we wait. The waiting game. The waiting game. It's the hardest part. Okay. So we're back. And I am like on pins and needles thinking about that application we just sent off. Oh, it's definitely nerve-wracking. But like submitting the application is just the first step, right? It's just the beginning. What happens after you hit send? Feels like this black hole of like... The waiting game. The waiting game. Yes. Yes. It's tough. But the good news is the handbook doesn't leave you hanging. It actually has a lot to say about what to do after you submit your application. Okay. So you're not, you know, like disappearing into the shadows and just like hoping for the best. No. Definitely not. Okay. So what does post-application engagement actually look like? Well, it can be as simple as following up with the funder to make sure they received your application and see if they have any questions. Okay. Just a quick email. Okay. So it shows you're engaged. You're proactive. You're not just like... They're on top of it. Okay. But what if they don't get back to you right away? Patience, young Catalan. Okay. These things take time. Right. So when you submit your applications, they have a process to follow. Okay. So don't panic if you don't hear back right away. But, you know, a gentle nudge here and there never hurt anyone. Yeah. A little nudge. Okay. But let's say, hypothetically speaking, the stars align and you get that email that says, congratulations. Yes. Your project's been funded. Pop the champagne. Right. Time to celebrate. A little celebration is definitely in order, but the handbook wants to remind you that this is not a lottery win. Okay. It's a partnership. Oh, okay. And the real work is just beginning. The real work is just beginning. Because it's like planning a party versus actually throwing a party. Right? Exactly. You've got the funding now that you have to deliver. Okay. So this is where all that meticulous reporting that we talked about comes into play. Exactly. Funders want to know how their money is being used, and they want to see evidence that it's making a difference. So no, like, running off into the sunset with a suitcase full of cash. Definitely not. It's full of warnings about becoming persona non grata in the world of philanthropy. It's all about building those long-term relationships, not just securing one-off grants. Okay. So regular check-ins, detailed reports, transparency is key. Transparency is key. Okay. Got it. But let's say, you know, because it happens, things don't go exactly according to plan, what happens then? Well, that's where honesty and open communication are crucial. The handbook advises addressing challenges head-on, explaining how you're adapting and demonstrating that you're learning along the way. Okay. Remember, funders are more likely to support organizations that are transparent about their struggles rather than those that try to sweep them under the rug. So it's all about being upfront, being accountable. Accountability is key. Okay. And just showing them that you're committed to making the most of their investment. Exactly. Even when things get tough. Even when things get tough. Because, let's face it, not every project is going to be a home run. Right. There are going to be challenges along the way, but it's how you handle those challenges that really matters. Okay. So speaking of challenges, let's talk about catalytic philanthropy. Yes. Because we keep coming back to this. I'm so glad you asked. And I really want to understand it better. Okay. Like, what is it about this approach that has the handbook so excited? Well, it's about changing the game of philanthropy. Okay. It's about moving beyond traditional grant-making, where funders are like these distant benefactors, and towards a more active, engaged approach. Okay. So it's like philanthropy 2.0. Exactly. Philanthropy 2.0. Give me the elevator pitch. Like, what makes it so different? Imagine this. Funders aren't just writing checks. They're rolling up their sleeves and getting involved. They're sharing their expertise, their networks, even their own resources to help organizations achieve their goals. Oh, wow. So it's less about handouts and more about like... Hand up. Hand up. It's about empowering organizations to create lasting change, not just providing temporary relief. Okay. And it's about recognizing that funders often have valuable insights and connections that can be incredibly valuable to organizations on the ground. So it's about tapping into that knowledge and those connections. Exactly. What else makes this catalytic approach so special? Well, it's inherently collaborative. Oh, okay. It's about bringing together different stakeholders, funders, grantees, community leaders, even policy makers to work together towards shared goals. So it's bigger than just one organization. Much bigger. Okay. It recognizes that complex social problems require complex solutions and that no one organization has all the answers. So break down the silos, build bridges. Exactly. And it's about embracing innovation and experimentation. Okay. Catalytic philanthropists are willing to take risks to try new approaches and to support organizations that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. So it's not about just funding the safe bets. No. It's about swinging for the fences. I like it. It's about believing that we can create a better future if we're willing to think big and be bold. This is amazing. Right? It feels like a paradigm shift in philanthropy. It really does. But as exciting as this all sounds, it's not without its challenges, right? You're right. And the handbook acknowledges that one criticism is that this shift in power dynamics could give funders too much control over grantee organizations. Okay. So it's about finding that balance. Finding that balance is key because you don't want to stifle innovation by dictating solutions. Right. You want to foster true partnership. Wow. We've covered a lot of ground today from like the nitty gritty of application. We really have. To like the future of philanthropy. The future is now. So if our listeners could take away just one thing from this deep dive, what would it be? I think the most important takeaway is that fundraising is not just about asking for money. It's about building relationships, understanding needs, and finding those win-win partnerships that create lasting impact. It's about telling a story. Yes. Being persistent and never giving up on your vision. Never give up. Okay. So we've got foundations, public pools, EU programs, strategy, espionage, lobbying, gratitude. Did I mention paperwork? Paperwork. Lots and lots of paperwork. That's a lot. But you know what? This handbook is a really great guide. It is a great starting point. For anyone who wants to navigate the world of Danish fundraising. Absolutely. So go forth and fundraise. Good luck out there, everyone.