Before you start looking for funding, think through what types and amounts of funding you need to increase organizational capacity and meet your goals. The Increasing Organizational Capacity section of this website has guidance and tools to help.

Once you have assessed your needs, set short and long term fundraising objectives to align with those needs.

There are many potential sources and mechanisms of funding for MCH programs. This MCH Funding Primer for CBOs explains what they are and how they work.

Consider securing funding from a range of different funding sources, and for different durations (i.e. one year vs. multi-year funding) to support flexibility and sustainability - and to avoid being in a bind if one source is no longer available. This includes:

• Government Grants and Contracts to provide MCH programs and services from federal, state, and local agencies
• Hospitals & Health Systems that work with CBOs to provide MCH services and/or have community grant programs
• Private Foundations and Philanthropic Organizations that aim to improve MCH
• Corporate Sponsorships from organizations that support your mission and/or have community benefit initiatives
• Donations and Crowdfunding from individual donors that support your mission
• Fee for service models in which you charge for programs

Find funders who are aligned with your mission and likely to support your programs by:

• Reviewing this list of funders who support MCH programs
• Using grant databases like grants.gov
• Searching directories for local health systems, businesses, and corporations
• Connecting with your state nonprofit association, which can direct you to state-specific grantmakers
• Checking the member list of your regional association of grantmakers and Grantmakers in Health's national list
• Looking for community foundations in your local area

Build relationships and networks to find out about funding opportunities, identify potential partners for fundraising, and get the word out about your CBO. Being visible and present in the community can increase trust and confidence in your organization. Suggestions:

• Join your local and/or state association of nonprofits
• Participate in local coalitions and community events
• Attend conferences, workshops, and meetings with funders or potential partners
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, universities, local health departments, and other nonprofits to apply for joint funding
• Many funders create funding opportunities based on what they're hearing from communities. So, reach out to potential funders, even if you're not actively applying for funds. Keep them updated on emerging needs and your organization's progress and impact.

When you're ready to approach a potential funder, use this Template for Reaching out to Funders to request a meeting.

• Search Karna's database of current open funding opportunities: Funding Opportunities
• Search directories that track grant opportunities to create a calendar of potential opportunities (for example, if a private foundation always announces the availability of new funding in July or a local donor announces funding priorities every January).
• Sign up for alerts and newsletters from potential funders to be notified as opportunities open.

While funders have different requirements, there are key components required for most proposals or applications. Be prepared by having templates for these components that can easily be tailored as needed:

• Organizational history and background
• Organizational vision, mission and strategy
• Organizational structure, staffing, and capabilities
• Success / Impact data and stories
• Annual and program budgets
• Summary of signature program(s), including data and quotes or stories that tell of its impact

Candid Learning has a collection of samples that can get your started. (Signing up and accessing resources on Candid Learning is free.)

In addition to templates, it is helpful to:

• Develop a process for proposal / application development, including key steps and roles
• Develop concept notes for your big ideas—have your prospective programs in writing so you're ready when a potential funder comes along
• Create a calendar with funding opportunity cycle and deadlines
• Keep key documents updated:
  • 501c3 status certificate
  • List of Board Members and leadership
  • Financial documents
• Develop a process for proposal / application development, including key steps and roles
• Create a calendar with funding opportunity cycle and deadlines

Tip: Before you start working on a proposal, consider whether a funding opportunity makes strategic sense and is feasible for your organization by using this Assessment Tool.

To develop a strong proposal, you need to first understand the funder's priorities, requirements, and application process. If that is not clear from the funder website, reach out to ask questions or request a meeting. Some funders provide answers to frequently asked questions or host information webinars on open opportunities. Some even provide technical assistance for completing the application. Take advantage of any support provided.

*Some funders require the use of an online portal to submit your application. In these cases, register for the portal as soon as the opportunity opens so you can download questions and work on narratives in document formats that allow collaboration.

Next, create a comprehensive checklist of what you need to provide and an outline for the narrative sections. Use free tools like Trello, basic Asana, ClickUp, Airtable (free tier), Notion, Google forms/sheets, or Microsoft tools such as Forms, Project, and SharePoint. Use this Proposal Development Process Template to keep track of deadlines and staff assigned to each part of a proposal.

Then, you can gather the necessary documents and tailor your templates to match the strategic priorities and goals of the funder. Make sure to answer each question clearly and provide sufficient detail and data. If space allows, include stories and examples to illustrate your impact.

For more guidance and support on developing proposals and applications, visit:

• Candid Learning: Proposal Writing
• HRSA Prepare Your Application

Now that you've developed a strong proposal, make sure you:

• Include all the necessary documents and information (check your checklist!).
• Submit a day before the deadline in case there are technology issues.
• Follow up to ensure receipt.
• Ask for feedback - whether you receive the funding or not.
• Save accepted and declined proposals to use again in the future.

The key to successfully and efficiently managing funding (and making the case for future funding) is to create a plan and establish processes and systems at the beginning. Some strategies to set up for success include:

• Understand Requirements: Review funder's reporting requirements. These may vary based on the type of funding or funding mechanism.
• Establish a Tracking System: Use spreadsheets, grant management software, or a simple calendar to track deadlines, reporting, and spending.
• Create Report Templates: If not provided by the funder, draft a template with the information requested and confirm that it will meet requirements.
• Assign Responsibilities: Designate staff to oversee project and budget management.
• Develop Deliverables Timeline: With the funder, define clear deliverable and agree upon due dates and process for review.
• Plan for Evaluation: Define both qualitative and quantitative measures of success as well as processes for gathering data. To learn more about this, checkout out our Impact Page.

Once systems and processes are in place, monitor them to ensure progress and compliance with funding requirements. This demonstrates accountability and increases the likelihood that funders will invest in your organization over the long-term.

• Manage Budget: Track expenses carefully and ensure they align with the approved budget.
• Document: Maintain records of activities, spending, and any changes in program activities.
• Submit Reports on Time: Provide funders with required financial and performance reports as scheduled.
• Maintain Transparency: Be honest about progress and challenges as well as any support needs.

Effectively managing existing funding is the foundation for sustaining and growing your resources. To leverage that foundation, treat funders as long-term partners.

• Build Relationships: Engage with the funder beyond regular check-ins with opportunities for site visits, volunteering, and strategic discussion. Participate in any convenings they host and invite them to attend your events.
• Express Appreciation: Send thank you notes and recognize their contributions publicly (at events, in reports, on social media).
• Demonstrate Shared Successes: Show funders how their investment in your organization is making an impact. To learn more about this, check out our Impact Page.
• Pitch Growth Opportunities: Once you've demonstrated success, go back to your funder and propose ideas for sustained impact with more investment. And incorporate your success story into your pitches to new funders.