Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Today I'm talking to Linda Lysakowski about corporate fundraising. She’s a brilliant resource and draws on decades of experience. If you’re wondering how to get more help from businesses in your community, this is the perfect episode for you! Brainstorm Your Network Your board members, staff, fundraising committee, and volunteers know people. You never know the personal connections you have to people or corporations that are untapped within your circle until you dig into it. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to only reach out to the big corporations because that’s who you think is capable of donating to your cause. Think about the smaller or “average” businesses like a painting company or car washes. Smaller organizations often give to help others because they understand what that can do for someone else. How To Begin Corporate Fundraising The best thing to do is to get involved and build relationships first. After your team has brainstormed your connections, really interact with individuals in those corporations, whether it’s a friend or relative, long-time business partner, or acquaintance at a networking event, and make sure they don’t feel like a means to an end. They need to know you care about them as individuals and not just as a check. Ask for advice from them regarding the best interests of your nonprofit. It shows respect and can help your nonprofit grow by learning new perspectives. Your corporate connections can help you in more ways than just financially, but when you do ask for a donation, address how your nonprofit can serve that corporation specifically and help them see the mutual benefit. Challenge Question: Which strategy Linda shared are you going to begin implementing? Meet Linda Lysakowski: Linda is one of just over 100 professionals worldwide to hold the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive designation. In her thirty-plus years in the development field, she has managed capital campaigns, helped dozens of nonprofit organizations achieve their development goals, and has trained more than 50,000 professionals in Mexico, Canada, Egypt, Bermuda, and most of the fifty United States.  Linda is a graduate of Alvernia College in Reading, PA with majors in Banking and Finance; Communications; and Theology/Philosophy and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Theological Studies at the University of San Diego.  Linda has received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive award from the Eastern PA, Las Vegas, and Sierra (NV) chapters of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). She has a full list of over 40 published books to her name. Learn more at www.lindalysakowski.com. Connect with Linda: Linda's Website Email: [email protected] Available Courses Resources: If you would like Lynda’s Brainstorming Form, email her at [email protected] Mentoring Series - Grant Writing Simplified Podcast Episodes 26-31 by Teresa Huff Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresah