Here is a revelation that might come as a surprise:

Prospect research (that is: finding the right patrons to contact) doesn’t actually require sophisticated processes and methods.

Yes, you can have very complicated search mechanisms, but that’s expensive (institutions charge 6 figures for such research). 

The good news?

There is a shortcut.

Think of someone who is on the board of directors of Foundation X - for example, a museum in your hometown.

Let’s say you know someone who knows that person, and they introduce you.

Or you go to the museum and meet someone there who can introduce you to that person on the board. 

Here is what I want you to realize: 

What that person on the board has... is a resource that you need called “relationships”. 

And you can create a “relationship map” by understanding who on the board knows whom, and who else they can introduce you to. 

Just look up that board member on LinkedIn, on Facebook, on other social media before your meeting. Find the next set of connections. And, if the meeting goes well and he agrees to support you, ask him to introduce you to his other connections before you leave.

That’s how you start a network, a community of support, through relationships. 

But, obviously, you need to get that first board member to say “yes” to your request before you can ask them for more introductions.

You need to know how to approach potential patrons - what to write to them, how to conduct the meeting so they see you as a cause they are excited to support...

And that’s one of the things I want to teach you on Monday. 

From 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST on Monday, I am running a live workshop on how to secure funding for your art (even if you can’t write and the thought of asking money makes you want to puke).

>>> You can sign up here for free (just click the link, no opt in required) <<<

Praxis students have used these techniques to raise more than $169,852 to date, and I don’t want you to miss out. 

Hope to see you at the workshop!

Brainard

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PS: There will be a replay, but only for subscribers who register. So I recommend clicking that link even if you can’t make it to the live session.