In this episode, we sit in on a Feast of Funds VIP session where our host walks healthcare and community-impact business owners through what it actually takes to secure funding and build infrastructure that lasts. If you're running a business that serves your community but struggling to translate that work into grants, contracts, or sustainable funding streams, this episode is your roadmap.
What You'll Learn:
- Start with the problem, not the pitch.
Before you can ask for funding, you need to clearly define the specific, high-priority problem your business solves, backed by real data about the population you serve. Funders want a justification of need, not just a good idea.
- Package your work into programs.
There's a difference between running a business and running a *fundable program*. Learn how to structure your services around measurable outcomes like increasing insurance access, boosting financial literacy, or improving preventive care so funders can see exactly what their money produces.
- Non-profit + for-profit: why you might need both.
Many funding opportunities are only open to non-profits. We break down how business owners can integrate a non-profit arm or strategically partner with one to unlock funding without abandoning their for-profit model.
- Get specific to get funded.
Trying to serve "everyone" makes you harder to fund. The host explains why narrowing your focus to a defined population, seniors, veterans, people managing dementia, etc makes your proposal sharper and more competitive.
- Let your state show you the way.
Every state publishes a strategic health plan and rural health priorities. Learn how to use these public resources to align your program with what funders are already prioritizing to pay for.
- When you're stuck, go universal.
Substance use prevention and suicide prevention are consistently high-priority, well-funded issues. The host shares why these can be a strong fallback focus when you're not sure where to start.
Stop looking down at your daily operations and start looking up at your community's needs. That shift from "running a business" to "solving a defined problem for a defined population" is what separates organizations that get funded from those that don't.
Connect with host, Ogo Ekwueme
Sign up for the next Feast of Funds
- Feast of Funds Live Session: https://careerhaven.com/