Fundraising & Pop Culture: Holy Grant Making Batman!

By Peter Heller

Grants from foundations are usually very hard to get.

First you need to identify the appropriate foundation funders by researching keywords and foundation guidelines. Then there’s the LOI (letter of inquiry). And, if you are so lucky as to be invited to submit a proposal, well, there’s the grant writing process. Of course, there’s also the crossed fingers and the waiting.

This takes a lot of work and focus. Time and energy.

That’s why I love this scene (Here’s a scene) from the 1989 Batman movie with Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and Robert Wuhl.

Batman, aka Bruce Wayne, dispenses a grant as if he does it all day long.

He says “Give Knox a grant." What is he up to? Watch and draw your own conclusions. Then back to the real world of looking for funding.

Peter Heller is the Founder of the Heller Fundraising Group, a New York City-based fundraising consulting firm that works with local, national and international nonprofits on capital campaigns, campaign feasibility studies, major gift programs, and hands-on training. peter@hellerfundraisinggroup.com