Nonprofits

Most nonprofits begin with someone seeing a need, and stepping in with the best of what they have. In the beginning, a program feels like possibility. It feels like answering a call to do something that might make life better for someone else. The intent is almost always pure, even if the impact has not yet reached its fullest depth.

Guide on the Side partners with small to midsize nonprofits or programs that carry this same spirit, while acknowledging that we are in a time of change.

We are focusing on nonprofits working in:
• Food systems
• Employment
• Rural development
• Entrepreneurship

The nonprofits we support have operating or program budgets ranging from $200K to $1M. Organizations with larger operating budgets can also participate if they have a program close to this range.

We typically work directly with the Executive Director or CEO and their grant writer.

| Direction

We are not leaving behind traditional grant practices. Prospecting foundations, building relationships with program officers, applying for grants, and securing resources will remain part of how we help your organization thrive. These practices provide stability and ensure you can continue to sustain your mission.

At the same time, the funding landscape is shifting. What worked yesterday will not be enough tomorrow. The direction forward is impact. Impact that is unmistakable to your funders, your community, and your people. Our services are designed to guide your organization toward that future, strengthening the foundation you already have while building the skills, relationships, and strategies that make your impact impossible to overlook.

| The 60/40 Strive

Objective:

Balance current grant processes with funder facilitation to secure $250,000 in funding, while Guide on the Side learns more about your organization to inform potential future partnership opportunities.

Key Results:  

  1. Submit at least 20 high-quality grant applications totaling $650,000 in requests within 6 months.
  2. Guide your team through at least 2 structured conversations with your most loyal funders that focus on impact, money, and people completed within 8 months.
  3. Facilitate up to 2 funder conversations (in person or virtual) with as many as 20 of your most loyal or high-potential funders, aiming to raise $50,000 within 8 months.
  4. Bring together Guide on the Side’s clients to pursue national funding through up to 2 presentations with funders, aiming to raise $75,000 within 8 months.
  5. Facilitate up to 4 conversations with local government officials to lay the groundwork for good food procurement, with a goal of raising $25,000 within 8 months.

Cost:

We require $3,500 upfront, followed by seven monthly payments of $2,500.

Additional Details:

  • Starting in Q4 2025, we will work with a limited number of nonprofits in the 60/40 Strive program to ensure the highest quality of service.
  • Most nonprofits will be in the same industry, allowing us to deliver stronger, more compelling presentations and facilitated conversations.
  • This package includes monthly coaching from Guide on the Side’s coach, Cheryl Denise Baker, to help executive directors and teams navigate change.
  • There may be performance bonuses and other details not included here, which will be outlined if we both decide to move forward.

Disclaimer:

While we set OKRs to guide fundraising efforts, these are not guarantees of specific financial outcomes. Progress is monitored, measured, and graded so we can continuously adjust strategy and maximize potential results.

| Upcoming Webinars

Please visit this page to learn more.