Episode 16: What Nonprofit Funders Are Actually Looking For

Most nonprofits assume funding decisions come down to having a strong mission. But after years of reviewing grant applications and sitting in funding conversations, I can tell you — that’s rarely the deciding factor.

In this video, I walk through what nonprofit funders are actually looking for when deciding who to fund. Not the polished version. The real one.

I talk about:

• Why clarity matters more than perfection

• How alignment influences funding decisions

• What funders notice about leadership and capacity

• Why governance and sustainability quietly shape trust

• The difference between impressing funders and partnering with them

This isn’t a how-to-write-grants video. It’s about understanding how funders think — so you can approach funding with more confidence, less guesswork, and better outcomes.