Greetings from Michelle Whiting & Associates!

We are excited to send you our Summer Newsletter and look forward to your feedback. We hope you find this informative and helpful.

This issue contains:

1. Foundation Funding Is Still Possible - MW&A Principle Michelle Whiting expands upon her views and thoughts regarding the current status of foundation philanthropy.

2. Client Spotlight - Common Threads - Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, D.C.

3. MW&A's Monthly Tips

Enjoy our newsletter!
Foundation Funding Is Still Possible
by Michelle Whiting

There is no denying that foundation grant-making has changed radically over one short year. Organizations that relied on large gifts from these private sources have unfortunately found themselves needing to shift gears with respect to raising money or, close their doors all together. 

If your organization is struggling, do not panic. Private foundations have not abandoned the community - they are just shifting gears, too. Non-profits that understand how to best navigate this change in funding will be poised to weather this storm. Many foundations are still committed to pre-recession levels of support however most of these organizations have narrowed their scope of support to groups that have been previously funded.

Remember that most foundations were created to address an unfilled need; therefore, most foundations have special interest areas to which they dedicate most of their grants. No matter your interest-education, health, the arts or construction-you can usually find a foundation with an interest in line with your own. Sometimes, it's crafting a new message in your proposal that will give your organization a better review.

Also remember that unanticipated events can reshape the way we think and reshape the way funders do business. Now more than ever, it is critical that nonprofit organizations applying for foundation funding operate cleaner, tighter, and with back-up plans.  There is just no getting around this.

MW&A is also working with clients to ensure proper financial documentation and messaging accompanies any submission for support, including:
  • An updated and completed 990 form
  • An audited financial statement, or at least a reviewed financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year is intact and updated
  • A statement on how your organization has responded (and will continue to respond) to the economic downturn (this is essential)
  • A realistic operating budget
  • Statements incorporated into grant submissions highlighting programs that leverage collaborative partners, volunteers, and that maximize existing fund
This past year has been successful for MW&A clients. Most are still actively receiving funding, but the following trends are noteworthy:
  • Foundations that are funding at the full grant request amount are requiring much more information about the organizations' financial planning, staffing levels, and board participation (fundraising, governance and strategic financial oversight).
  • Program Officers are taking a more active approach in grants management-wanting more informal reporting and updating on the status of the grant and program funded
  • Organizations that stay on the professional radar of these foundations are more likely to be receiving support than those unwilling to be flexible or creative during these times
Funding from foundations is still possible however it is important that you are keeping up with the ever-changing world of foundation philanthropy. Your funding level will reflect the level of foundation expertise you currently have within your organization. Foundations know that times are tough and will not abandon the non-profit community however, those organizations that take a pro-active approach to understand what is being asked of them will be the organizations who will survive this economy.

A partial listing of MW&A client grants in the first two quarters of 2009

Parents Place (Los Angeles): 
  • Leo Buscaglia Foundation $10,000
  • Weingart Foundation $25,000

Art & Creativity for Healing (Orange & San Diego Counties):
  • Boeing Foundation $50,000;
  • Norris Foundation $15,000
  • Marisla Foundation $25,000
  • Irvine Health Foundation $10,000

Human Right Education Center Utah:
  • Bastian Foundation $10,000

Common Threads (Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, D.C):
  • Annenberg Foundation $500,000 over 2 years
  • May and Stanley Smith Foundation $30,000

Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter:
  • Orange County Community Foundation $30,000
  • Marisla Foundation: $25,000
  • Margaret E. Oser Foundation: $15,000
  • Irvine Health Foundation: $15,000
  • George M. Hoag Family Foundation: $15,000
  • Ueberroth Family Foundation: $15,000

Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies (Orange County):
  • S. I Gimbel Foundation $15,000
  • PIMCO Foundation $20,000



Michelle Whiting & Associates is an accomplished nonprofit consulting group with expertise in grants development, foundation relations, and designing and implementing fund raising plans. We also provide extensive counsel on major gifts procurement from both individuals and institutions and donor/ trustee development.

Client Spotlight - Common Threads


  MW&A is proud to spotlight Common Threads. Founded in 2003 by Art Smith, world-renowned restaurateur and personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, Common Threads mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being, and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. This mission was built on a belief that teaching children about their similarities and differences in the warm comfort of a kitchen, helps bride cultural boundaries and strengthens the global family.

The program has been a hit ever since its inception. In 2008, nearly 1,000 students participated in Common Threads' 12-week after-school cooking programs as well as their six-week summer day camp, cooking their way through the recipes represented in their  forthcoming cookbook - Cooking the World with Common Threads.

Executive Director, Linda Novick O'Keefe has been at the helm of this incredible organization from inception. She has guided Common Threads through extraordinary times and continues to find innovative ways to ensure funding. O'Keefe had this to say about the current economic crisis and working with consultants like MW&A, "Michelle's strategic input is based upon her in-depth understanding of our culture, the current funding climate and best practices in the sector.  She comes with a network of strong relationships in the foundation sector and brings unlimited resources to the table.  Michelle has undoubtedly helped our organization attain more measurable impact."

Between 2009-2013, the cookbook will equip 3,500 families in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and D.C. with the ability to experience the Common Threads nutritional and cultural curriculum and recipes at home. These free copies of the cookbook will be distributed to students in our after school and summer programs, allowing them to sustain their learning after our program has ended. Distribution will begin in Fall 2009 and extend until Fall 2013.

Three cheers to Art, Linda and everyone at Common Threads!
 MWA's Tips for Success

One of the biggest problems we see at MW&A is the often-untimely way organizations have in acknowledging (or not) their supporters.

Donors give to your organization because they believe you are making a difference in a cause they care about. They value your work and want to support you in changing the world. Their gifts are investments in the work they expect you to accomplish.

So it follows that results are the best way to show your recognition and appreciation for your donors. Most donors don't need plaques or trinkets, which often cause donors to question your spending priorities.

Donors want to see what their gifts allowed you to accomplish -- specific facts and stories of how they changed the lives of real people. This is how they will know their money was put to the best use in your programs and services.

They want to hear about the women they helped shelter from domestic violence, the lonely senior citizens whose lives are brightened by your daily visits, or the inner-city children who were inspired by their first encounter with organic gardening at your community farm. Tell your supporters, in person or by a phone call ,how someone's life was changed by the programs they made possible.  Otherwise send a brief newsletters or e-mail highlighting both organizational and personal stories of success.

In addition to stories, do not underestimate the power of facts and statistics on donors. Share as much detail as you can about the progress you have made, the number of people you have expanded to reach, and the effectiveness of your work. Explain the statistics that show the impact your orchestra program has on the math scores of the children you serve, the track record of your life skills program, the number of affordable houses you have built for struggling families, or the percentage of the troubled teens who go on to graduate from college after participating in your mentoring program.

Instead of fancy baubles or plaques, find inexpensive and personal ways to thank your donors. Send a simple personal letter from a staff member or volunteer with a signed photo of the grateful recipients of your organization's services.

Whether yours is a complex research program, a public policy group, or a local health services clinic, there is a compelling way to recognize your donors with the facts about what their money allowed you to do and the firsthand stories about the lives it changed. This deeper recognition of the difference they make is the thanks they really want, and it will cause them to remain loyal to your organization for a lifetime and to keep asking, "How else can I help you?"
Thank You!

Michelle Whiting & Associates is pleased to welcome the following new and returning clients:
  • Newport Harbor Nautical Museum (Newport Beach, CA)
  • Foundation for Second Chances (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Common Threads (Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, DC)
  • Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies (Orange County, CA)
Thank you for selecting us as your partner!


We hope you found this newsletter helpful. As always, please  consider contacting us to discuss your non-profit needs.

Our team stands ready to assist your non-profit  in meeting its financial and organizational goals.


Sincerely,
 

Michelle Whiting
Michelle Whiting & Associates