Let's Talk Vision

No, not him.

One of the most important parts of your grant program is your vision. Your vision is the foundation on which every proposal, every project, every donor relationship is built. Grants without vision are like single stuff Oreos - still technically okay, but just meh compared to double stuff. 

So what exactly is vision and how do you get it? 

First of all, your vision is not your mission. Your mission is your reason for existing. Your vision is what the world looks like if you achieve your mission. When you close your eyes, your vision is your perfect world. 

Some examples: 

• "One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education." (Teach for America)
• "A computer on every desk and in every home." (Microsoft)
• "Equality for everyone." (Human Rights Campaign)

Did you get goosebumps at some of those? More importantly, can you see clearly what they are working towards with everything they do? 

If you haven't done so already, spend some time thinking about the world you want to see. Think about what would happen if you had all the money, all the resources, and probably a magic wand and you achieve your mission. Would every child lead a healthy, fulfilled life? Would no one experience domestic violence? Would no animal ever be left out in the cold? 

If these seem like impossibly big dreams, that's good. They should be. Frankly, your vision doesn't have to be realistic. We all know that none of this is entirely possible. But putting yourself--and your potential funders--in an aspirational mindset opens up a world of actual possibilities that can be accomplished. You can get to the realistic details later (and you will). 

Grant applications almost always ask for your mission, but they only sometimes ask for your vision. I think that's a mistake, honestly. If I were a funder, I would want to know what kind of world a potential grantee wants to see! If a funder doesn't explicitly ask for your vision, you should put it in there anyway. Talk about the world you envision and inspire them to want to join you in building it. 

As a consultant, my favorite part of working with clients is getting them talking about their vision. I love getting excited about the world that could be with my clients, and I love the passion they have when they talk about their vision. I love writing about vision, and the vision is the thread I weave throughout the applications I write. 

Here is a little exercise for you: take some time today to think about the world you want to live in. Now, and do something today to get you a little closer to your vision. I hope it inspires you to keep doing the amazing work you are doing. 

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