THE EFFECTIVE PROBLEMSOLVER #086
In investigative journalism, the phrase ‘follow the money’ isn’t just a cliché—it’s a reality check.
Similarly, for anyone tackling big, complex problems, knowing where funding originates, where it flows, and where it doesn’t reach can be one of the most powerful insights.
If you’ve been following along, we’ve been exploring the power of the Systems Whisperer—the person who knows that control is often an illusion and that relationships often beat expertise.
Following the money takes this role a step further, revealing how knowledge of funding flows shape real influence.
With this insight, you can work with, rather than against, the forces in any system to amplify your impact.
Today, I’m giving you 5 tips to turn funding knowledge into real impact. But first, a quick story about how a simple budget map became the most powerful tool in a major change effort…
The surprisingly impactful visualization
For several years, I led a large-scale change initiative, allocating about $5 million in grants, transforming state policies, and driving forward ideas to revamp a system.
When it was time for me to step away, I had a chance to reflect on what we’d accomplished.
Some initiatives hit the mark, others… well, let’s just say they didn’t.
But what really stuck with me was the observation that people didn’t remember most of our projects, for better or worse.
What they did remember was a one-page budget visualization we’d created (see below) — a map that showed, at a glance, how much money was in the system, who was receiving it, and who was left out.
It’s funny, but that single graphic might have had more lasting impact than any program, grant, or policy change we achieved.
And that’s because while many people knew that money was a big factor, very few understood just how much funding there was, where it originated, or how they might access it.
Once that was clear, everything looked different.
That budget map didn’t just provide information; it gave people a new level of agency.
Knowing how funds flow not only provides essential insights but positions you as one of the most informed players in any system.
And, ultimately, if you want to make meaningful change, understanding the money can unlock doors and empower you in ways that no amount of technical knowledge alone ever could.
5 Practical Tips to Harness Funding Knowledge for Impact
- Create or Access a Funding Flow Map
If a clear visualization of your system’s funding sources doesn’t exist, it might be worth creating one. Look at available public budgets, annual reports, and funding announcements to get a full picture of where the money originates and how it’s distributed. A spreadsheet is a great start. A pie chart is even better. And a visual with proportionally-sized boxes is best. But don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Get the data first and then do what is possible to make it accessible. - Track Changes in Funding Over Time
Systems are constantly evolving, and so are funding streams. Keeping an eye on how resources shift can provide critical insights into where the focus is moving, which programs are being prioritized, and where potential new opportunities may open up. - Build Relationships with Financial Gatekeepers
Once you have a grasp of the funding map, use it to guide conversations. Building rapport with the people and organizations who control funds can yield invaluable perspectives. These relationships might reveal priorities that aren’t publicly stated or emerging opportunities for funding collaborations. - Use Funding Insights to Drive Strategic Decisions
Armed with knowledge about funding flows, you’ll be better equipped to steer your work strategically. You’ll know what’s already resourced and what isn’t, allowing you to focus on interventions that are underfunded, unrecognized, or on the brink of needing a push to scale. - Be Transparent and Share What You Learn
When you create visuals or insights into funding flows, share them openly. Transparency about funding encourages collective accountability and attracts allies who share a similar understanding of the system’s financial structure, making it easier to mobilize support.
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re serious about impact, you have to follow the money.
Without a clear view of where funding flows, your best efforts will be just that—efforts.
But with it, you’re not just informed; you’re equipped to drive real change.
So dig into the dollars.
That’s where the real power lies.
See you in two weeks.