6 Smart Ways to Fund Your Nonprofit Before the Grants Come In

6 Smart Ways to Fund Your Nonprofit Before the Grants Come In

6 Smart Ways to Fund Your Nonprofit Before the Grants Come InWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 15/08/2025

You’ve got your nonprofit structured, your 501(c)(3) status is approved, and your programs are ready to go. But now you’re looking at your bank account, and it’s clear: You need funding, and you need it fast. A lot of founders make the mistake of thinking that grants are the only way to get money flowing. But here’s the reality: grants are powerful, but they take time. Applications, reviews, site visits, approvals—it can be months, sometimes even a year before you see a dollar

Nonprofit SuccessFundraising StrategiesNonprofit Management and Leadership
Read more
Why I Don’t Write Grants on Commission (And Neither Should You)

Why I Don’t Write Grants on Commission (And Neither Should You)

Why I Don’t Write Grants on Commission (And Neither Should You)Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 18/05/2025

Discover why writing grants on commission is not only unethical but also risky for both nonprofits and grant writers. Learn the right way to pay for grant services.

Fundraising StrategiesGrant WritingNonprofit Best PracticesEthical Fundraising
Read more
Faith in Fundraising: Should Nonprofits Use Religious Language When Engaging Donors?

Faith in Fundraising: Should Nonprofits Use Religious Language When Engaging Donors?

Faith in Fundraising: Should Nonprofits Use Religious Language When Engaging Donors?Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 11/04/2025

Does using words like “God” or “Heaven” help or hurt your nonprofit’s fundraising? This in-depth article explores the latest research on donor behavior, cultural competence, and how religious language can impact giving. Learn how to communicate your values while appealing to a diverse audience—and why inclusive messaging may be the key to long-term donor trust and growth.

Fundraising StrategiesFaith-Based Organizations
Read more
You Can’t Fund What You Haven’t Defined: Why Vague Missions Keep Nonprofits Broke

You Can’t Fund What You Haven’t Defined: Why Vague Missions Keep Nonprofits Broke

You Can’t Fund What You Haven’t Defined: Why Vague Missions Keep Nonprofits BrokeWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 11/04/2025

Let’s be real—funders don’t fund feelings. They fund focus. And if you can’t clearly explain what your nonprofit does, who it serves, and how it creates measurable impact, then you’re building your vision on a shaky foundation.

Nonprofit SuccessFundraising StrategiesDonor Relations and Communication
Read more