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No Unsolicited Proposals: How to Get That Date to the Grant Prom

Author Tonia R. Brown-Kinzel

For your convenience, you can download the webinar slides here and chat transcript file here.

We’ve all been there hearing about a funder that seems PERFECT for what we need funding for, only to discover those dreaded words on their website or outreach materials: “No unsolicited proposals.“ You just know if they knew about you, they’d want to see your application!

Don’t despair! Not all is lost! There are proven strategies to gain the interest of some funders who have posted that warning sign to stay off their proverbial lawn.

You will learn:

  • What the motivation may be for a funder to choose not to accept open applications
  • How to research a funder’s past giving and areas of interest so you can position your organization to be invited.
  • Techniques to cultivate relationships with funders who do not have open competitions
  • Marketing, outreach, and advocacy skills you can develop to raise your level of grant professionalism.

About the Author

Tonia Brown began her career in the field of philanthropy in 1999 and has worked for both grantseekers and grantmakers, as well as having served as a grant reviewer. Her unique combination of experience yields special insights that have earned nearly $20 million in funding for nonprofit organizations and government agencies over the course of her career. Tonia was selected as a “40 Under 40” leader by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Journal and is an alumna of Leadership Fort Wayne, an elite leadership training program. Tonia presently serves as a Grant Compliance Manager at The Grant Plant where she loves working with dozens of clients to advance their grant portfolios and ensure compliant grant management. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and the National Grant Management Association. She serves on the national GPA Professional Growth & Development Committee, is the President of the Board of Directors at the GPA Ohio-Miami Valley Chapter and is one 66 people nationwide who is a GPA Approved Trainer. Tonia is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) through the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, the only nationally accredited credential for grant professionals.

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