Hi friend, in the last week, 60 fantastic impact professionals have signed up to The Impact Workroom’s opening session on June 4! Join us too, or if you’ve applied already, invite a colleague. We believe and have seen first-hand how “togetherness is powerful.”
In this enewsletter, read Abigail’s story on the momentum and results particular organization directors created, crack the code with insider strategies to getting funding, and get the 3-2-1 framework for clarity in how you pitch and express ideas like a director in a variety of contexts.
— Abigail & Adriana, Co-hosts, ImaginePod
A story from co-host Abigail (originally posted on LinkedIn):
When Adriana Dakin and I first started ImaginePod it was spring of 2020 when no one really knew what was happening in the world or how to navigate the unexpected challenges tearing into our social and professional fabric.
We began facilitating collaborative learning and campaign cohorts that supported nonprofit leaders working on some of the worlds most pressing issues: death penalty repeal, environmental justice in the US midwest, voting rights in the US south, and more.
And then we began building collaborative courses and workshops for small but mighty teams around the world. The kind of organizations that have less than $1M in annual operating support, the number of team members you can count on one hand, and leaders who are on the frontlines of their programming on the day-to-day. Like one woman who helps the shelterless get access to the food and health resources they need while navigating life on the streets of Salt Lake City Utah, or another providing emergency medical care in Nairobi, Kenya.
The throughline from our work bringing together so many diverse impact leaders has been: “togetherness is powerful”. The ability to learn and discuss alongside fellow change makers in a space that has diversity of thought and experience, was a major driver in the well being and momentum these leaders created.
Over the past few years, I have pulled myself out of the work facilitating workshops and collaborative learning cohorts, but I’ve missed it dearly. I miss seeing the faces on the zoom calls, hearing the stories, seeing people discuss and ideate solutions to challenges, build networks, and end sessions with renewed energy and hope. So I’m honored and super excited to join the upcoming Impact Workroom Live Coworking session on June 4th, because I want to see your face and be in a focused work environment where we can all get things done together for our various missions and organizations.
Bring your list of priorities or those tasks you keep putting off because this is the environment where you can make it happen!
Kelly Southcott will lead us in a mindfulness exercise to help us fully arrive into the space before diving into our focused work time and then Maria Bryan from Donorbox will provide generous free resources and a mini training on community building during our mind pause. See you all there!
So … Now that you may have secured your spot in The Impact Workroom or invited a colleague, let’s work together on one of the heaviest burdens for social impact leaders: funding!
You’re already carrying the weight of your mission, your programs, community needs, economic uncertainty, and your budget. On top of this, the prospect of grant writing feels frustrating, time-sucking maze of different rules and portals.
I (Adriana) know it from advising people in numerous organizations and campaigns, and in-depth from organizations for which I write proposals. I also know it from my work at a community foundation with many rounds of grant deadlines.
In this 👆🏽video, I show how to build a repeatable, strategic pipeline so you are not starting from zero every time. Discover:
The three hidden elements funders are always scoring: Fit, Clarity, and Proof
How to build “constellations” of partnerships that multiply your impact and turn your proposal into a community solution
Effective AI workflows to act as your research assistant, speeding up the process of finding the right grants and drafting responses without sacrificing your authentic voice and without changing your scope and mission.
Ready to ease the overwhelm and build a predictable grant system? This video is for you.
Hint: If you click “Watch on YouTube” on the video above, there’s a downloadable PDF resource called “Crack the Code: Strategic Blueprint for Grant Success” ready for you.
Pro Pitch Tip: Pause, 2 points, and a question. That’s all. 3-2-1.
There’s science behind clear communication, and understanding it can help you sharpen your pitch. I (Adriana) love this topic and helps me in the conversations I have with sponsors, partners, board members … and even my awesome kids.
As an impact professional, you already know that clarity is currency. Clarity about impact and your idea is exactly what secures funding. It earns buy-in and aligns your team without endlessssss repetition. Right?
However, when pitching to donors or facing board pressure, it can be extremely tempting to over-explain or ramble. Have you experienced this? Rambling subconsciously signals to your audience that you are unsure or misaligned. Plus you are asking them to do too much thinking, to find the gem of what you’re saying.
The video above 👆🏽 explores how communication is a science, providing neuroscience-backed tools used by top leaders to sound and be clear and decisive.
One of the most valuable takeaways for pitching is the “simplicity anchor”. Research shows that when speakers use simple, clear language during important meetings, listeners rate them as smarter and more trustworthy.
Conversely, attempting to sound smart with overly complex or technical language often has the opposite effect, making listeners assume you are insecure or hiding something critical. [Haha, like this sentence.]
You’ll love the simplicity and power of pausing for 3 seconds, conveying 2 points, and asking 1 question. Watch the full video to learn more micro language upgrades!
If you click “Watch on YouTube” on the video above, in the description find the “3-2-1 Clarity Framework Infographic PDF” and download it for yourself so it’s handy when you want reminders.
💡 This week’s prompt for you: Instead of “I think,” swap in “I’ve observed” to strengthen your executive presence. You already have the vision; let’s keep sharpening the signal.
In a LinkedIn article last week we highlighted a grant opportunity and fellowships. One that we are excited to apply to by June 1st is the Mira Fellowship!
Thank you, friends! 😍 Have a great week ahead. Please send us a quick reply or comment to share what resonates with you or what you’ve been up to!
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