It's tough out there for fledgling non-profits and small businesses looking for grants and other financing.
The recession has taken a toll on the endowments and savings accounts of large foundations, where the cash isn't flowing as abundantly as it once did.
So where, then, does a non-profit group turn for funding?
On Saturday, April 18, Rachel Forbes will host a Tyee Master Class to provide tips on how to scour for grants in an economically fragile landscape.
Rachel has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 15 years, most recently as a lawyer for the West Coast Environmental Law. She's the founder and principal of Sharp Six, a capacity development firm based in Vancouver.
The five-hour Master Class session takes place in The Tyee's beautiful new downtown classroom, and the $200 registration fee includes coffee, lunch and a splash of B.C. beer. Plus, all registered participants will receive a free copy of Al Etmanski's new book, Impact: Six Patterns to Spread Your Social Innovation.
We asked Rachel what participants can expect to learn.
Tyee: If grant-giving organizations aren't as flush as they once were, where does a young non-profit turn to secure funding?
Rachel Forbes: We'll be looking at expanding the different ways that you can get funding, looking further afield at what I call non-traditional forms of granting, such as fee-for-service, or looking at manageable debt financing of various projects.
Are there other options?
There is a fairly significant trend in small, informal investment clubs or options in the city, and I have a few that I'm going to name (in the class). There is kind of a trend among people who are looking for non-profits and even small businesses to invest in, because they're not satisfied with other investment options and they want to do something that is community-based and has a good return.
What kind of groups would you encourage to attend?
I hope some small businesses come, too. A lot of businesses aren't aware that there are grants out there that are available to them. Also, non-profits, the ones that are at a juncture, (should come). They know what they are doing, but are facing some type of roadblock to get going. It could be about changing the messaging or pitch to make it more attractive to funders.
Ready to learn more? Enrol in the Tyee Master Class now.
Registration is limited. To learn more about this Tyee Master Class and others, go here.
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