In this powerful episode of The Beacon Show, Tamara Jackson breaks down the five key things you need to have in place to attract major donors and impact investors who are looking for good soil to plant their resources.
You’ll learn:
💡 How to craft a powerful hook to grab donor attention 🔥
💡 Why understanding the gap in your industry makes you stand out 📊
💡 The importance of a strong advisory board for credibility 👥
💡 How to clearly articulate what you’ll do with the money 💰
💡 Why faith-driven investors seek a spiritual ROI, not just financial impact 🙌🏾
Watch the full episode on YouTube!
The following two decades will see an unprecedented $84 trillion shift from baby boomers to younger generations. And here’s the kicker—many of these boomers are choosing to donate a significant portion of their wealth before they pass. That means billions of dollars are up for grabs for nonprofits, social enterprises, and mission-driven businesses.
So how do you ensure your vision gets a piece of the pie? It’s not just about having a great idea. You need to position yourself strategically to attract the right donors and investors.
In this article, we’ll break down the five must-haves for securing funding in this historic wealth transfer.
Start with a Hook That Grabs Attention
Donors and investors are flooded with requests. The first step to getting their attention? A compelling hook.
Think about a powerful statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact that immediately makes them stop and listen. Example: “Did you know that over the next 20 years, $84 trillion will change hands, and a large portion is set to go to philanthropy? Are you positioned to receive it?”
Whatever your hook is, make sure it speaks directly to their interests and concerns.
Identify the Gap in Your Industry
Donors and investors are looking for organizations that solve real problems in innovative ways. But here’s the mistake many make—they assume their solution is obvious to everyone.
Your job is to clearly articulate the gap in your industry and how your mission uniquely fills it. Do your research, understand your competitors, and show exactly how your approach differs. Investors appreciate well-researched insights that prove you’ve done your homework.
Showcase Your Team & Board
No one wants to fund a solo effort. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to demonstrate that you have a strong support system behind you.
Highlight your board of directors, advisors, and key team members who bring valuable skills to your organization. Donors and investors want to know: Who else believes in your mission? Who is guiding you? The stronger your team, the more credible your vision becomes.
Be Clear About How You’ll Use the Money
One of the biggest red flags for funders is an organization that can’t clearly articulate what they’d do with a large donation. If someone handed you $500,000 today, could you confidently explain how you’d allocate every dollar?
Outline exactly how you’d use the funds, how they’d accelerate your impact, and how donors or investors can measure success. This reassures them that their money will be put to good use.
Know Your Audience & Personalize Your Pitch
Not every wealthy donor is the right fit for your mission. Instead of chasing every funding opportunity, focus on those who share your values and interests.
Research their past donations, business background, and philanthropic interests. Show how your work aligns with their passions. Donors and investors will be far more likely to commit to funding your vision if they know who is at the helm of their blessing. This is bigger than you. This is bigger than your organization. Though those are important factors, every business is serving a purpose and that purpose is people (typically).
So, the $84 trillion wealth transfer represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for mission-driven leaders. But only those who are prepared will be able to actually secure the funding they need.
Make sure you have a strong hook, a clearly defined gap, a credible team, a detailed financial plan, and a targeted approach to outreach. These five elements will set you apart and position your mission for success.
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