Hey Fundable Friends,
By now, you’ve mastered decoding funder priorities, crafting winning proposals, and managing your grant calendar like a pro. But here’s the truth: grants are not just about paperwork, they’re about people.
Behind every funding decision is a person (or team) looking to build a partnership that goes beyond a one-time check. The strongest, most sustainable grants come from organizations that invest in relationships with funders before, during, and after the proposal process.
This month, we’re diving deep into the art and strategy of fundraising relationships…how to build trust, make meaningful connections, and steward funders so they see you as a valued partner, not just another applicant.
Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever
Grantmaking is shifting. Funders increasingly want to invest in organizations they know and trust. They value:
- Open communication and transparency
- Shared values and mission alignment
- Responsiveness and reliability
- Evidence that you understand and honor their goals
- A sense of partnership and collaboration
Cold applications don’t cut it anymore. Relationship-building is your secret weapon.
Step 1: Research & Identify Your Funders
Before you reach out, know who you’re talking to.
- Study the funder’s mission, recent grants, and strategic priorities.
- Look for staff bios and board members: who makes decisions?
- Check their social media, blogs, or newsletters for insights.
- Learn their grant cycles, reporting expectations, and funding limits.
The more you know, the better you can tailor your conversations and show genuine interest.
Step 2: Make the First Move: Introductions & Conversations
Don’t be afraid to reach out early and often.
- Start with a warm introductory email or LinkedIn message. Keep it brief and respectful of their time.
- Introduce your organization, your shared mission, and your interest in learning about their priorities.
- Ask if they’re open to a short call or meeting to discuss how you might align.
- Come prepared with thoughtful questions and listen more than you talk.
Remember: your goal is to build rapport, not to pitch your proposal immediately.
Step 3: Follow Up Thoughtfully
After meetings or calls:
- Send a thank-you note summarizing key points and next steps.
- Share any requested information promptly and professionally.
- Keep funders updated on relevant news or milestones, without overwhelming them.
Step 4: Stewardship — Nurture Your Funders
Once you have funding, the relationship isn’t over, it’s just beginning.
- Deliver your promises on time and communicate transparently about progress or challenges.
- Send timely, personalized reports highlighting impact and stories, not just numbers.
- Invite funders to events, site visits, or webinars to deepen engagement.
- Acknowledge their support publicly when appropriate (social media shoutouts, annual reports).
- Send handwritten thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation to build goodwill.
Tips for Building Meaningful Fundraising Relationships
- Be authentic, don’t oversell or exaggerate. Funders appreciate honesty.
- Focus on listening and learning about funders’ goals and challenges.
- Maintain regular, but not overwhelming, contact. Think quality over quantity.
- Use multiple communication channels (email, calls, LinkedIn, events).
- Treat funders as partners, not just donors. Involve them in your journey.
- Document your interactions in your CRM or tracking system to personalize future outreach.
Funding Intel Brief: The Human Side of Grantmaking
Funders want to fund people, not just projects. They often rely on relationships and trust as much as formal criteria. This means your rapport can tip the scales when proposals are closely matched.
Building genuine connections puts you ahead of the pack.
Mission Debrief: Your Turn
What’s your experience with funder relationships? Have you found strategies that work or pitfalls to avoid? Comment below and let’s swap stories.
Next Month’s Issue Preview:
“Writing Compelling Impact Stories: Bring Your Grant to Life” Learn how to craft narratives and data that inspire funders and showcase your program’s real-world change.
Thanks for being part of the Mission: Fundable community. Remember: relationships are the heart of sustainable funding, so invest in them wisely!
— Allison Boyd | Boyd Grants
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