I've noticed that when people say they need funding, they can mean very different things. Some are trying to launch a new program or business. Others need money to hire someone, purchase equipment, reach more people, or keep an existing organization running. And sometimes, before we even start talking about grants, donors, sponsorships, or other funding sources, there's something else that needs to be figured out first. So I'm curious: What are you working on right now, and what would having more money allow you to do? It doesn't matter if you're just getting started or you've been working on it for years. I'd love to hear what you're building and what you're trying to make happen.

Need funding but not sure where to start? Or you've tried a few things and nothing seems to be working? One of the things I've learned from working with businesses and nonprofits is that the answer isn't always finding another grant, donor, sponsor or funding opportunity. Sometimes you need to figure out why the things you've already tried aren't working. Sometimes you need to look at what you're trying to fund and whether you're ready to pursue that type of funding in the first place. And sometimes you just need someone to sit down with you, ask questions and help you figure out what actually makes sense for your situation. That's why I'm currently offering one-hour consulting calls for $25. You bring me the specific problem or decision you're working through. We'll spend the hour looking at what you're trying to accomplish, what you've already tried and what makes sense to focus on next. This is a working session, not a sales call. I'm offering the first 10 calls at $25, and I still have spots available. If you've been trying to figure something out and want another brain on it, you can book here: https://calendly.com/koconsultingstrategy/60minuteconsultingcallwithkara

Help me with a grant

I've been thinking a lot about grant rejections lately. One pattern I've noticed is that organizations often assume a rejection means the proposal wasn't strong enough. Sometimes that's true. But sometimes the proposal is simply revealing a deeper issue around positioning, priorities, or organizational direction. Curious: What's the biggest lesson you've learned from a grant rejection?

A question I’ve been thinking about lately: How many organizations are struggling to secure funding not because the mission is weak, but because the positioning is still too broad or unclear for funders to quickly understand what they’re saying yes to? I’m seeing more and more situations where teams are: - pursuing multiple directions at once - applying before the core ask is fully clarified - trying to explain too many initiatives at the same time - or assuming the funding issue is “we just need more grants” …when the real issue may actually be strategic clarity first. Curious if others working in the nonprofit/funding space are seeing this too.