A recent webinar featuring experts from Boise State’s Foundation and the Division of Research and Economic Development offered insights into diversifying funding sources. The session focused on strategies for securing support from private foundations, as well as corporate and industry partners.
Key Discussion Points:
- Foundation Funding Explored: The webinar included discussions on short-term gap-funding ideas and processes, as well as long term foundation strategy and engagement.
- Understanding Foundations: A key topic was defining what a foundation is — a non-governmental entity, structured as a nonprofit or charitable trust, that primarily awards grants to organizations or individuals for charitable purposes.
- Benefits of Foundation Funding: Participants learned about the advantages of seeking funding from foundations. These can include support for pilot studies, short-term projects, research, and community engagement. Foundation funding often aligns with socially impactful or innovative work and may involve fewer administrative requirements than federal funding.
- Proposal Development Best Practices: Guidance was provided on developing compelling proposals, with a focus on storytelling, clearly articulating outcomes and impact, and adhering to foundation guidelines.
Support for Diversifying Your Portfolio:
The Center for Research and Creative Activity (CRCA) and the Boise State Foundation are collaborating to support faculty in these efforts, including strategy and coaching for funder engagement, connection with partners for bridge funding, funder prospecting, and proposal editing. To request support, please email crca@boisestate.edu with the subject line “Diversify Funding Webinar Request for Information.” Based on your request, CRCA will connect you with the appropriate Foundation or CRCA staff.