It's considered bad manners to ask other people, even trusted friends, about their income, because money is cloaked in privacy. The fact that money is both hard to discuss and hard to get can cause us to lose perspective. We tend to forget our other organizational assets, things that have no relation to the bank balance - for example, the skill and commitment of staff, board, and volunteers, and the good will our work creates in the community. We often get obsessive about the subject, which limits our capacity for good, hard-headed planning. So before you begin writing grant proposals, or doing any kind of fundraising, I encourage you to step back, take a deep breath, and consider the following points.
Money is just a tool.
Money is important only because of what it can buy your organization. Other tools are available. What you lack in money, you can often make up for with the talent, enthusiasm and the track record of your members, supporters, board, and staff. While these assets won't pay the phone bill, they can help you through financially tough times and actually improve your capacity to raise funds. Find ways to get what you need without spending money.