Ideal Funder Mapping Toolkit: Find and Pursue Your $1M Audience in 30 Days

Great job on Module 2's video! You've flipped Reason 2—from chasing everyone to targeting those with built-in reasons to give. Ideal funders aren't random; they're individuals, businesses, and grantors with propensity (willingness to give), affinity (connection to your cause), and capacity (ability to support meaningfully). They benefit from your work, align with your mission, or seek the impact you deliver.

This toolkit turns video insights into action:

• Step-by-step guides to build detailed profiles for each funder type.
• AI prompts to generate personas quickly (use ChatGPT, Grok, or similar).
• List-building strategies with templates to compile 20-30 prospects.
• Worksheets and checklists for tracking and scoring.

A 30-day plan to go from profiles to initial outreach.
Aim for 20+ high-alignment prospects by Day 30. Share progress with your board or course community for accountability. Let's map your audience!

Pro Tip: Dedicate 1-2 hours per session. Start with one category (e.g., individuals) if overwhelmed. Tools needed: Notebook/Google Docs, AI access, basic CRM (free like Google Sheets).

Total Score: ______ / 40 | Target: 32+ for a targeted pipeline.

Reflection Prompt: What's one "random chase" you'll stop? Who might be your first ideal funder?

[Your notes: ______________________________]

Step 1: Build Detailed Profiles (Days 1-7 Focus)

Profiles are your search blueprint—flesh out the 8 criteria for individuals, 6 for businesses, and 3 for grantors. Create 3-5 profiles per category. Use AI prompts to speed it up. Goal: Vivid personas like "Sarah, the Survivor Philanthropist."

1A: Profiling Individuals

Individuals give from passion, target those who benefit, relate, or amplify your mission.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Brainstorm Criteria (30 minutes): List 3-5 people/entities fitting each of the 8 criteria. Note demographics (age, location), giving history ($ range), and contact hints (e.g., LinkedIn).
• Generate Profiles with AI (45 minutes): Copy-paste prompts into an AI tool. Customize [YOUR MISSION] with your org's focus (e.g., "youth education in underserved communities").
• Refine & Visualize (30 minutes): Add photos/icons; score affinity (1-10).

Use the AI prompt below to create a detailed profile of individuals that align with your mission and build your first list of prospective donors.

1B: Profiling Businesses

Businesses give for CSR, profits, or partnerships—focus on mutual benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Brainstorm Criteria (30 minutes): For each of 6 criteria, note 3-5 companies (size, industry, location).
• Use AI Prompts (45 minutes): Adapt for your context.
• Refine (30 minutes): Estimate giving ($5K-$50K), score fit.

Use the AI prompt below to build your list of businesses that have the propensity, affinity, and capacity to fund your mission.

1C: Profiling Grantors

Grantors are strategic—target expansions and fits for bigger wins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Brainstorm Criteria (20 minutes): List 3-5 foundations per criterion.
• Refine Searches (40 minutes): Use prompts for criteria.
• Score (20 minutes): Prioritize by grant size/history.
• Search Prompts/Criteria for Grantors (Use in Google or databases like Foundation Directory):

• Use the AI prompt below to profile grantors and build your list of prospective grantors you can begin to reach out to.

Step 2: Build Your Prospect List (Days 8-21 Focus)

With profiles ready, compile 20-30 prospects (7-10 per category). Layer methods for quality. Goal: A scored, prioritized list.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prep Your Tracker (15 minutes): Use the template below.
• Execute Methods (1-2 hours each): Start with easy (referrals), scale to tools. Match each find to a profile.
• Score & Prioritize (30 minutes): Rate 1-10 on propensity/affinity/capacity; top 10 first outreach.

8 Methods for Building An Expanded List

1. Online Search: Google "[Profile Trait] + [YOUR MISSION] donors" (e.g., "survivor philanthropists education"). Check LinkedIn/Crunchbase.
2. Referrals: Email supporters/board: "Who in your network fits [profile summary]? Introductions welcome!"
3. Social Media Ads: Run $20-50 Facebook/LinkedIn poll: "If you care about [MISSION], what's your biggest giving motivator?" Target demographics.
4. Content/Lead Magnets: Post blog/video: "5 Ways to Impact [ISSUE]"—capture emails via opt-in (e.g., "Get our donor guide").
5. Public Libraries: Visit reference desk; search donor directories (e.g., "philanthropy in [city]").
6. Events: Attend/speak at aligned gatherings (e.g., chamber mixers); collect 5 cards. Sponsor small ($100) for access.
7. Research Platforms: Free trials of iWave/DonorSearch/Clay.ai—query profiles (e.g., "High-capacity givers to [cause]").
8. Research databases: Grant databases like Foundation Directory, Grant Watch, Grant.gov, etc. Local business directory like alignable, local chambers of commerce etc.

Next Steps & Resources

• Profiles + list = your $1M map. Test with one outreach: "Love your work on [shared interest]—coffee to swap ideas?" Expect 4x better responses.
• Toolkit Extras: All templates printable; AI prompts in a copy-paste doc [link if digital]. For deeper research, try free DonorSearch trial.
• Final Reflection: How has targeting changed your fundraising view? Reward: List your first "win" contact.

You're building partnerships, not pleas. Head to Module 4: Relational processes await!

Stuck? Email [email protected]. Let's land those aligned gifts.