Learning from Laura O’Rourke: Grant Readiness and the Art of Sustainable Funding
This is the second in my dialogue series where I sit down with fellow professionals to explore their expertise and learn from their unique perspectives. Today’s conversation is with Laura O’Rourke of Laura O’Rourke Consulting, a fellow member of the Independent Philanthropy Advisor Referral Group (IPAR).
Beyond the Application: What Grant Readiness Really Means
“Grant readiness is essential—organizations should track programs and outcomes before even starting grant writing,” Laura explained.
This isn’t just about having your paperwork in order—it’s about building the foundational systems that demonstrate organizational competence and impact.
Laura’s approach recognizes that successful grant writing requires four critical elements:
- Data systems that track program effectiveness and outcomes
- Relationship infrastructure for ongoing funder engagement
- Organizational capacity to manage and report on funded projects
- Strategic alignment between programs and funder priorities
From my own experience in philanthropy advising and as online faculty at the UNH College of Professional Studies, I’ve seen too many organizations approach grants as quick funding fixes rather than strategic partnerships. Laura’s framework reminds us that grant success starts with organizational readiness, not application deadlines.
The Full Grant Lifecycle Challenge
“Grant writing is more than just the narrative: it involves prospecting, building and stewarding relationships, applying, and lots of monitoring/reporting.”
This holistic view addresses a common misconception I encounter in my work with nonprofits—that grant writing is simply about crafting compelling proposals. Laura’s approach to her consulting practice addresses the full lifecycle:
- Prospecting and research to identify aligned funders
- Relationship building before, during, and after funding cycles
- Strategic application development that demonstrates clear impact
- Ongoing stewardship and reporting that builds long-term partnerships
The Data Gap That Kills Grant Success
“Many organizations lack the data to show effectiveness; investing in external expertise and setting up evaluation systems helps.”
This resonates deeply with my work with family foundations and individual philanthropists. Too often, I see well-intentioned nonprofits that can articulate their activities but struggle to demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Laura’s insight challenges organizations to invest in data infrastructure before they need it for grant applications—a strategic approach that strengthens both fundraising capacity and program effectiveness.
The Revenue Diversification Reality
“Grants usually don’t cover general/operational costs—they’re for specific programs, projects, or growth. It’s risky to rely on grants as a major revenue source; a diverse funding stream (mainly individuals) is healthiest.”
This strategic perspective aligns with research showing that the most sustainable nonprofits maintain diversified revenue portfolios, with individual giving typically forming the largest component.
What This Means for Philanthropic Practice
As someone who works with philanthropists and foundations daily, I see immediate applications for Laura’s framework:
For Family Foundations: Use Laura’s relationship-building approach to develop deeper partnerships with grantees, moving beyond transactional funding to strategic collaboration.
For Individual Philanthropists: Apply her emphasis on data and outcomes to your own giving strategy—what evidence are you seeking from the organizations you support?
For Nonprofit Partners: Challenge yourselves to build grant readiness infrastructure before you need it, creating systems that demonstrate impact and support sustainable growth.
The Relationship-Building Imperative
Throughout our conversation, Laura consistently returned to the importance of relationships in successful grant work. Her background in psychology and social work informs her understanding that effective fundraising is fundamentally about human connection and shared mission alignment.
This relationship-centered approach stands in stark contrast to the “spray and pray” mentality that often drives grant applications, where organizations submit to any available funder without building genuine connections or demonstrating strategic fit.
Laura’s expertise in organizational development and grant strategy offers valuable lessons for anyone working to build sustainable nonprofit organizations. Her emphasis on readiness, relationships, and revenue diversification provides a roadmap for more effective philanthropic partnerships.
What questions would you want me to explore with Laura or other experts in future conversations? I’m always looking to learn from practitioners who are advancing the field.
About Robert Levey
Founder of The Philosopher Files, Robert is a senior online adjunct faculty member at the UNH College of Professional Studies as well as a member of the Independent Philanthropy Advisor Referral Group.
About Laura O’Rourke and Laura O’Rourke Consulting
Laura brings 25+ years of nonprofit experience to help foundations and organizations build infrastructure and attract resources for mission advancement. She is a fierce advocate for disadvantaged populations and specializes in relationship-building processes vital to organizational growth and sustainability. Learn more at Laura O’Rourke Consulting.
About Spaciology
Spaciology is not abstract theory; rather, it is a practice you can feel.
- Inside: Pause, breathe, notice.
- Outside: Design rooms, rituals, and agendas that slow the spin and invite care.
- Between us: Make dialogue a place where different truths can live together long enough to teach something.
Ultimately, leadership is the art of making space for what’s important (for everyone) and letting that clarity shape the next step. When we change the spaces from which we lead, our strategies change with them.
