Here are a few critical considerations, and one other key thing to keep in mind—foundations are major donors, and like major donors, relationships with them need to be strategically developed, nurtured and cultivated over time (blind proposals don’t work!): http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/management-tips/need-grant-development-consultant/

A good local example from here in Los Angeles of nonprofits and philanthropists, working closely with community, government and political leaders, to address the intractable local problem of homelessness: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-everyone-in-20180309-story.html

What do nonprofits do when they solve the problem they were created to address (a goal all of us have)? They can shut down, or they can reinvent themselves and find new challenges—here’s an example from MN, similar to what EQCA did here in our state: http://www.winonadailynews.com/after-same-sex-marriage-victory-outfront-minnesota-pivots-to-transgender/article_332d5d76-bc06-5dd4-b04c-46f3196cb3cf.html

Behested Payments — the time honored, and controversial, tradition that allows local elected officials and other California politicos to solicit large donations for their favorite charities — is highlighted here in Long Beach:  https://www.presstelegram.com/2018/03/11/behested-payments-benefit-long-beach-charities-but-do-they-help-politicians-too/