by David Tandet
As director of development for the Alzheimer’s Association — California Central Coast Chapter — part of Sue Murphy’s job involves grant writing that will help advance her organization’s mission. What is that mission? To ultimately eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Here is one of the most important factors that makes Sue such an able fundraiser: she believes in her cause.
Of course it goes without saying that Murphy has the basics of her job down cold. Ever since graduating from USC’s Department of Journalism, she’s brought in a record amount of grant dollars for causes that matter.
It’s that extra personal commitment to something she cares about that makes all the difference.
“If I didn’t believe in the need, I wouldn’t succeed,” she says about the organizations she’s helped develop. With our society’s aging population, Sue will tell you, there are few causes that demand our immediate attention more than Alzheimer’s disease. That is why her grant proposals are so successful: she can assure potential donors that there is a need for funding, and that funding, once received, will be used in the most judicious manner possible — be it for research, care, or prevention.
So now that you know the secret, what’s holding you up? Funders might cut back in a tough economy, but remember: they are still in the business of making grants. Take a tip from Sue Murphy. Be a true believer.