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Characteristics of a Successful Grantwriter

There's never a crowd on the leading edge!


  • Emotional Stability - Able to tolerate frustration and stress. This person is well-adjusted with psychological maturity and able to deal with challenges.
  • Dominance - Often times competitive and decisive, usually enjoys overcoming obstacles. Uses gentle assertiveness in their thinking and attitude with others.
  • Enthusiasm - Seen as active, expressive and energetic. Often optimistic and open to change. Generally quick, alert and tends to be uninhibited in business.
  • Conscientiousness - Often dominated by a sense of duty. Holds a high standard of excellence and desire to do one's best. Needs order and is self-disciplined.
  • Social boldness - Spontaneous risk-takers. Socially aggressive and possesses high emotional stamina.
  • Tough-Mindedness - Practical, logical and to-the-point! Usually low in sentimental attachments and can handle criticism. Usually sees hardships as challenges.
  • Self-Assurance - Self-confidence and resilient. Shows little or no need for approval from others. Generally secure and views prior mistakes or failures as learning opportunities.
  • Compulsiveness - Precise and controlled in social interactions. Protective of their integrity and reputation. Makes careful and appropriate decisions.
  • High-Energy - Alert and focused. Able to work long hours when necessary.
  • Intuitiveness - Understands the value of using intuition and trusts their gut when making decisions.
  • Maturity - Works to empower others. Views recognition as secondary or unnecessary.
  • Team Orientated - Focuses an emphasis on team work and easily creates team cohesiveness.
  • Empathy - Able to put one's self in another’s shoes. Develops trust from others easily.
  • Charisma - Able to inspire, arise emotions and captivate others.

Reasons Why People Give to Charities

  • Philanthropic Nature - Giving fulfills a human need to be of service to others.
  • Good Citizenship - Demonstrating a genuine concern about their community and committed to improving its quality of life.
  • Mandated Contributions - Each year, foundations and corporations have a budgeted amount for charitable purposes.
  • Giving to Friends - Know and like the organization they give to.
  • Demonstrating Leadership - They want to inspire others to give and get involved, and so strives to set an example through their giving.
  • Convinced of a Credible Case for Support - They have been convinced of the value and need for their gift, and have been approached in the right manner.

Top 10 Ways To Become A Better Fundraiser

  • Ask! Don't wait or someone else may ask and you could lose your only chance.
  • Be professional and look professional.
  • Be accountable, personally, and for your nonprofit.
  • Be honest. Listen to your heart and strive to understand where their heart is also.
  • Speak with conviction for your cause.
  • Be prepared for all kinds of questions.
  • If you can't approach someone yourself, recruit someone connected with your organization who can.
  • Keep in mind, a prospect is simply a donor without motivation. You must provide the motivation!
  • Be a friendly motivator, never push or try to guilt them into giving.
  • Ask your donor to join you in your cause and to share their conviction with friends, relatives and business associates.
  • A good fundraiser has thick skin, doesn't take rejections personally, possesses exceptional listening ability and a quick mind, and is not embarrassed to ask. It is what your donor is waiting for.