Fund-It Fast Chats: Braiding Funding: Untangling the Funding Knot

What if the secret to stronger, more effective community programs isn’t more funding… but smarter funding? In this high‑energy Fast Chats episode, Rochelle Butler sits down with Tristan Siddharth Stamets of SEEL, LLC to break down the art (and grit) of funding braiding; the strategy that turns scattered dollars into real, on‑the‑ground impact.

Tristan pulls back the curtain on how SEEL blends funding streams, partnerships, and community trust to create seamless, one‑stop pathways for customers. From reducing customer acquisition costs to helping small nonprofits scale up and compete for million‑dollar grants, this conversation shows what’s possible when organizations stop working in silos and start working in sync.

You’ll hear about:

  • Why siloed programs burn time, money, and trust

  • How braided funding creates a smooth “program conveyor belt” for customers

  • The real‑world challenges (and wins!) behind multi‑source funding

  • How unlikely partnerships can unlock massive community benefits

  • Why diversified funding is the ultimate insurance policy for program longevity

  • The difference between the “big three” key concepts of braiding, blending, and sequencing funding

It’s smart, it’s practical, and it’s packed with examples you’ll want to steal for your own work. If you care about community impact, energy equity, or building programs that actually deliver, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Webisode Resources:
SEEL Recorded Webinars

Webinar Highlight"Where’s the Money"; this webinar discusses finding funding and establishing partnerships

UPCOMING Grant Writing Workshops
The following workshops focus on finding and securing funding, as well as creating partner networks. For more information, click here.

  • May 9, 2026 – Interactive working session which builds on 4/24/26 workshop

*Please note these workshops are in person; however, virtual workshops will be announced soon!

Department of Labor Resources
Quick reference guide for mixed funding structures, which helps explain braided, blended, and sequenced funding models.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/cie/bbs

National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) Annual Conference

May 18-21, 2026, in Seattle