EPISODE 27: Tips for Nonprofits Partnering with Foundations

In this episode, Amanda Lopez is joined by Chief Program Officer, Joni Schmalzried, of WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation). They discuss the importance of partnerships between nonprofits and foundations—exploring how nonprofits can effectively align their missions with foundations, the role of data in these partnerships, and the significance of storytelling in demonstrating impact.Joni emphasizes the need for transparency and open communication to foster strong relationships between nonprofits and foundations, while also highlighting the importance of being informed about the data used in nonprofit proposals to foundations.The conversation provides valuable insights for nonprofits looking to strengthen their partnerships with foundations.Key Takeaways:Nonprofits should align their missions with foundationsData is crucial for demonstrating impact to fundersStorytelling is an essential part of communicating successTransparency in reporting is vital for trustNonprofits should not hesitate to reach out to foundationsUnderstanding the specific data definitions is importantBuilding relationships requires consistent communicationFoundations can provide valuable resources and informationNonprofits should be proactive in sharing their challengesPartnerships should evolve based on ongoing data and feedbackW(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.