Flight Notes

july august september 2026


The third quarter is a great time to shift from daily demands to long-term planning. At Paper Crane Funding Solutions, we believe the most impactful work happens when operational logistics are fully aligned with your mission.


This season offers a prime window to look ahead—not just at your internal systems, but at the relationships that fuel your success. By engaging with elected officials while they are active in the district, you can plant the seeds for future projects and ensure your organization is top-of-mind when new opportunities emerge.


We’re here to help you simplify the complex, anchor your operations, and build the connections that turn your vision into sustainable outcomes.


Shine on!
Lynda Berge Disser

Chief Prosperity Officer

Fund Development Calendar

Our suggested fund development actions for the upcoming months. Here’s what we recommend for July, August, and September:


engage with elected officials


Summer and early fall offer one of the most effective windows for nonprofits and small municipalities to connect with their elected officials. During this period, many legislators are back in their districts, hosting community events, attending fundraisers, and meeting with constituents—making it an ideal moment to build or strengthen relationships. And while most state and federal funding for the current cycle has already been allocated, now is exactly when future projects begin to take shape.

 

Early engagement helps your organization build familiarity, demonstrate community support, and plant the seeds that lead to stronger outcomes when capital appropriations and Community Project Funding opportunities return. Staying visible also ensures your organization is top‑of‑mind if alternative or unexpected funding avenues open up.

 

A few practical ways to make the most of this season:

  • Attend public events hosted by your elected officials and make a point to connect with them or their staff.
  • Invite officials to your own events—tours, ribbon cuttings, and program launches offer great opportunities for visibility and relationship‑building.
  • Leverage your board and senior leadership’s networks by attending fundraisers or community gatherings; personal donations are allowed, and these settings often create space to share your organization’s priorities.
  • Don’t overlook local officials. Even when they don’t control funding directly, their support can significantly strengthen state and federal requests and help open doors across levels of government.

 

Spread the word!

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Let’s keep building – together.

Client Spotlight:

The City of Lancaster, Ohio

We are proud to announce three grant wins for our client, the City of Lancaster, including $275,000 for the Rising Shelter House Restoration.


Established in 1908 when the Rising family donated 73 acres of land to the City of Lancaster for public recreation, Rising Park is a social anchor of the community and surrounds Mount Pleasant, a 300-foot sandstone bluff that serves as a natural landmark for the region.


Within the park, the Rising Shelter House was built in 1924 featuring slab wood siding, a tile roof, and quarried limestone walls and fireplaces. It has served as a vital gathering place for generations of residents to host reunions, civic meetings, and community celebrations. Due to its age, the structure now requires significant rehabilitation. 


Restoration of the Rising Park Shelter will preserve an important historic public asset while ensuring that this heavily used community gathering space remains safe, accessible, and available for future generations.


We congratulate the City of Lancaster which has been approved for $275,000 in Ohio Capital Budget funding, championed by State Senator Tim Schaffer and State Representative Jeff LaRe. 


This investment:

  • Preserves a Gathering Space: Funds the rehabilitation of an historic structure, providing a free, weather-protected venue for up to 160 residents at a time.
  • Ensures Equitable Access: Matching funds from the City will upgrade infrastructure, ensuring all residents can safely reach and enjoy the facility.
  • Protects Local Heritage: Safeguards a unique limestone landmark, maintaining the history that makes Rising Park a cherished community asset.

 

Paper Crane Funding Solutions is honored to have partnered with the City of Lancaster to secure the resources needed to protect this historic landmark. We proudly support projects that make a lasting difference in the lives of the people and their communities!

Paper Crane is welcoming new clients! 


And you’re a great fit if:

  1. You’re passionate about the work you’re doing in your community.
  2. You have a solid Vision, Mission, and Goals (or are working with an organization development specialist to revise them).
  3. You’re ready to take your organization to the next level with additional funding.
  4. You’re ready to invest in a world-class team of experts in fund development to help you accomplish your funding goals.


Let’s talk!

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