Prepare to get Funded
Prepare to Get Funded "If you were pitching to a room full of investors tomorrow, could you stand up and answer every tough question? Preparation isn’t just half the battle in fundraising — it is the battle." In the course of my work as a grant administrator I have read a fair share of proposals; good and otherwise. A good proposal stands out. It is usually quite apparent, even at first glance that a lot of preparation went into it. In my experience a common cause for proposal rejection is proposals written in a rush. In 2023, as a trustee of one of Africa’s foremost tourism bodies, the Kenya Tourism Fund, I chaired the revenue committee tasked with raising funds for the completion of, arguably, the largest specialized tourism training institution on the continent. As a state corporation, the size and coordination of this task required significant preparation and strategic positioning. We were not able to raise significant funds for the construction but also spearheaded the most significant revenue jump in the history of the institution; 43% in one year. The key: measurable goals, strategic planning and execution. Our learnings from the Tourism Fund case form part of the funding readiness checklist; a core part of this course. Four key takeaways stand out: 1. Problem clarity — as part of preparation it is absolutely paramount to define and provide evidence of the issue you seek to fundraise for. 2. Solution fit — Ask yourself again and again, why your approach is the right one. 3. Organizational credibility — Again, your track record and capacity is key. 4. Financial realism — Funders will go through your budget with a fine-tooth comb; as such you must present clear, justified budgets. It is important to test your case before it reaches the funder using tools like our Fundability Quiz to assess your readiness. Finally "Getting funded is not about the moment you hit ‘submit’ — it’s about the months of groundwork before that. At Write to Win, we help you build that foundation, so when the right opportunity appears, you’re not scrambling — you’re ready."
