Ask for your full operating costs. According to Nonprofit Quarterly, update your communication and your fundraising pitches to reflect what it truly costs to deliver your interventions and sustain your work over the long term. Change doesn’t come cheap. Don’t undercut your mission and put your community at risk by asking for less and promising more. Think carefully before accepting contracts with unfunded mandates – those that do not fully pay for themselves (you know what I mean – those that will only pay for direct student costs – like program materials – but not for staff time or office costs). Consider whether adequate flexible funding from other sources will be available to fill in the gap. Avoid borrowing from the future.
Tom’s Note: You can ask for operating costs outright or integrate them into the cost of programs or events – but do account for them!